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- Tasks: Lead strategic operations and enhance social care impact across the South of Scotland.
- Company: Join Cornerstone, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to person-centred support.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic Executive Leadership Team driving meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of social care while championing innovation and collaboration.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in social care with strong financial acumen and digital skills.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Do you bring a strong track record of strategic leadership in health and social care, coupled with an unwavering commitment to person centred support? If so, this could be the opportunity that shapes the next chapter of your career. We are looking for an exceptional, forward thinking leader to join us as Director of Operations and Impact (South) on a full time, permanent basis. This is a key role within our Executive Leadership Team, offering the opportunity to shape operational excellence, strengthen organisational impact and influence the future of social care across Scotland.
As Director of Operations and Impact (South), you will hold full accountability for operational performance, service quality and contract delivery across the South of Scotland. This is a hybrid working role, with an expectation of regular, meaningful engagement across our offices and services. You will therefore ideally be located within reasonable reach of one of our key hubs in Glasgow, Airdrie, Dumbarton or Irvine.
This is an exciting time to join Cornerstone as we deliver our new strategic plan, Improving Lives Together, built around the following organisational priorities:
- The Foundation - Digital innovation: empowering everything we do
- Pillar 1 - Voices of the people we support: at the heart of all decisions
- Pillar 2 - People: leadership, workforce and culture
- Pillar 3 - Financial sustainability: building for the future
- Pillar 4 - Partnership working: collaboration for greater impact
- The Roof - Quality: evidence based improvement
As a key member of our Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic, values driven leadership that strengthens Cornerstone's culture, performance and long term sustainability. You will champion our mission, guide the delivery of our strategic plan and inspire teams across the South of Scotland to deliver exceptional, person centred care. Central to your success will be the ability to build trusted partnerships, model courageous and authentic leadership, and drive high impact, evidence led improvement.
A detailed overview of responsibilities can be found in the role profile attached to this advert.
What you will bring:
- A proven track record of strategic leadership within an organisation of comparable scale and complexity
- Deep insight into the social care landscape, including commissioning, market dynamics and sector wide trends
- A thorough understanding of regulatory frameworks and the wider policy context for social care in Scotland
- Demonstrated success in developing leaders, building organisational capability and nurturing high performing, psychologically safe teams
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, with experience overseeing substantial budgets
- Confidence in championing digital tools to enhance collaboration, insight and operational excellence
If you believe you have the vision, expertise and drive to excel in this role, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please apply with your CV and cover letter, uploaded via the Supporting Documents' section of our online application process. For an informal discussion or further information, you are welcome to contact Hazel Brown, CEO, at hazel.brown@cornerstone.org.uk.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an in person interview on 8th or 9th April 2026. The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Level 2 Disclosure check through Disclosure Scotland. Please note: if you have spent more than 12 months outside the UK (excluding France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Lithuania, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania or Spain) within the last 10 years while over the age of 18, you will need to provide a criminal record certificate from the relevant authority as part of our pre employment checks.
Director of Operations and Impact - South of Scotland (Irvine) - 463532 employer: Cornerstone
Contact Detail:
Cornerstone Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations and Impact - South of Scotland (Irvine) - 463532
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the health and social care sector. Attend local events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to key players. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation thoroughly, especially their strategic plan and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission and be ready to share specific examples of your leadership successes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your digital savvy! Since this role emphasises digital innovation, be prepared to discuss how you've used technology to enhance operations or improve service delivery. Bring some ideas to the table that could benefit the organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making an impact in the South of Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations and Impact - South of Scotland (Irvine) - 463532
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Director of Operations and Impact role. Highlight your strategic leadership in health and social care, and don’t forget to showcase any relevant achievements!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about person-centred support and how your vision aligns with our mission at Cornerstone. Be authentic and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In both your CV and cover letter, emphasise your leadership style and how you’ve built high-performing teams. We want to see how you model courageous and authentic leadership in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application via our online process! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your documents and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the social care landscape in Scotland. Brush up on commissioning, market dynamics, and regulatory frameworks. This knowledge will not only help you answer questions confidently but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a potential Director of Operations and Impact, it's crucial to articulate your leadership philosophy. Be ready to share examples of how you've developed leaders and built high-performing teams. Highlight your approach to fostering a psychologically safe environment where everyone can thrive.
✨Align with Their Vision
Familiarise yourself with Cornerstone's strategic plan, 'Improving Lives Together'. Be prepared to discuss how your vision aligns with their priorities, especially around digital innovation and person-centred support. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Ask about their current challenges in operational performance or how they measure success in delivering person-centred care. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and genuine interest in the position.