At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team delivering vital mental health support to children and families.
- Company: Join Compass, a national charity dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, flexible working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team committed to safeguarding and equality.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in mental health or community services required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Are you ready to guide and inspire a skilled team delivering life changing mental health and wellbeing support to children, young people and families? This is your opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our amazing Central and West Lancashire Mental Health Support Team (MHST). You will work closely with the Service Manager to lead high quality services that deliver on our promises and make a real difference in schools, communities and family homes. This is a role where every decision you make can create lasting change, from setting service priorities and building strong partnerships to ensuring safe, effective and compassionate care for the people we support.
You will take responsibility for service performance, staff leadership, safeguarding, contract management, risk management and building meaningful relationships with partner organisations. With the freedom to innovate and the support of a dedicated leadership team, you will ensure our services not only meet but exceed expectations. Doing the best we can do can go a long way in building brighter futures for children, young people and their families; we need your help to make this happen!
Please note - this role is expected to start in September 2026.
About You
We are looking for someone who brings proven leadership experience in mental health or community services, with the confidence to manage contracts, people, performance and change whilst ensuring that values lie at the heart of everything they do. You will need:
- Experience of leading services delivering evidence based interventions for children and young people
- Strong skills in contract, risk and performance management
- Ability to build and sustain effective partnerships
- Understanding of safeguarding, governance and quality assurance
- Experience in managing teams with varied professional backgrounds
It would be great if you also bring experience of working in education settings, developing/implementing new services or delivering training. More than anything, you will be driven by the belief that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, heard, supported and valued.
If this opportunity sounds like something you’d grab with both hands… we’d like to hear from you!
About Us
Compass is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults. Established for over 30 years, Compass is a national charity which works in communities across the UK providing services spanning substance misuse treatment and rehabilitation, early interventions for vulnerable young people, school-aged health programmes and associated prevention as well as treatment and health promotion initiatives. All Compass posts are subject to appropriate level DBS checks.
We positively encourage applications from all members of the community, regardless of gender, race, faith, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and encourage applications from people who have experiences in life which enrich skills and empathy. This is part of our commitment to equality and developing a truly inclusive and representative workforce. We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post.
We offer a range of benefits including: 27 days holiday +
Operations Manager in Leyland employer: Compass Bloom (MHST)
Contact Detail:
Compass Bloom (MHST) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Leyland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and community services sector. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about asking for introductions. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Think about how your leadership experience aligns with their mission to support children and families. Practise answering common interview questions, but also be ready to discuss your innovative ideas for service delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for mental health! In conversations and interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference. This will help you connect with the team and demonstrate that you truly care about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our amazing team at Compass and making a real impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Leyland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for mental health and wellbeing shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of children and families.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your leadership experience and any relevant skills that match the job description. We’re looking for specific examples of how you've managed teams and delivered services effectively.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and qualifications without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this amazing opportunity to join our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Bloom (MHST)
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of Operations Manager and the specific needs of the Central and West Lancashire Mental Health Support Team. Familiarise yourself with their mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in mental health or community services. Think about times when you successfully managed teams, improved service delivery, or built partnerships. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate into success in this new role.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since building strong partnerships is key for this position, come prepared with ideas on how you would foster collaboration with schools, communities, and families. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve successfully worked with diverse stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Think through potential scenarios related to safeguarding, risk management, or performance issues. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly and confidently during the interview.