The Opportunity: Avalon is delighted to be partnering exclusively with Riverside to recruit an inspirational, high-performing Assistant Director of Operations (Housing and Support) on a permanent basis. Operating on a hybrid working model from anywhere in the UK, this pivotal senior role takes responsibility for managing a national team of senior operating managers across supported housing, mental health, homelessness, floating support, street-based, and retirement living services. Reporting directly to the Director of Operations at Riverside, you will play a central role in driving customer-first operational delivery, improving operating margins, and leading a major operational integration plan across the Care & Support division. This permanent post offers significant executive scope to shape long-term service models, ensure robust financial viability, and maintain rigorous standards of tenancy management and safeguarding. Key Duties: * Lead and inspire a national team of senior operating managers across supported housing, retirement living, and community outreach services. * Execute the operational integration plan across Riverside Housing's Care & Support services, embedding best practice and shaping a single, unified operational function. * Drive financial viability and improve operating margins by maximising income, eliminating cash leakage from empty homes/arrears, and enforcing budget controls. * Oversee robust housing management functions, including allocations, lettings, void turnaround, income collection, and ongoing tenancy enforcement. * Embed customer involvement and co-production into service design, ensuring resident feedback directly shapes operational priorities. * Provide strategic oversight for safeguarding cases, serious incidents, and health and safety compliance across all regional operations. * Collaborate with Business Development teams to identify and implement new service contracts, growth opportunities, and potential acquisitions. * Produce executive briefings and reports for Committees and Board members, deputising for the Director of Operations as required. Benefits: * Salary: £95,660.26 per annum. * Contract Type: Permanent, full-time position (37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday). * Location & Working Pattern: Hybrid working pattern, located anywhere in the UK (role-related travel required with full expenses paid). * Holiday Entitlement: 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays. * Generous Pension Scheme: Auto-enrolment at 3% employee / 5% employer, with an enhanced opt-in scheme of up to 6% employee / 9% employer contribution. * Strategic Influence: High-profile leadership role driving long-term service integration, portfolio performance, and cultural transformation across the organisation. Requirements: * Experience: Proven track record of senior operational leadership within social housing, care and support, retirement living, or complex supported housing settings. * Financial Oversight: Extensive experience managing multiple complex budgets, improving operating margins, and minimising void or arrears losses. * Housing Management Knowledge: Deep technical expertise in housing management, lettings, income collection, and regulatory compliance across supported and care services. * People Leadership: Demonstrable success leading, coaching, and inspiring large, multi-disciplinary teams across wide geographic regions. * Integration & Transformation: Experience leading organisational change, service integration, and business efficiency programmes. * Flexibility: Willingness to participate in a 24/7 senior manager on-call rota and travel across regional sites as required. How to Apply: Please apply for this role online or contact Matt Goodwin-Baird at Avalon, working in exclusive recruitment partnership with Riverside Housing, for a confidential discussion. Avalon, trading name of Spirehouse Recruitment Limited, is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency. We practise a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all individuals
Assistant Director of Operations (Housing & Support) employer: Baird And Co Recruitment Ltd
HSPG is an exceptional employer, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the social housing sector while fostering a vibrant and inclusive work culture. With a strong emphasis on core values such as enthusiasm, ownership, and collaboration, employees are empowered to thrive and grow within the organisation. Located in either London or Manchester, HSPG offers competitive salaries, generous benefits including wellness allowances and enhanced parental leave, and a commitment to employee development, making it an ideal place for those looking to contribute to positive social change.
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Baird And Co Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
