At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate care services for older communities across England and Scotland.
- Company: Join SJOG, a values-driven charity dedicated to supporting older people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, health plans, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of older people with your leadership.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in older people's services and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Remote work with travel, plus a chance to shape future care strategies.
The predicted salary is between 66000 - 92400 £ per year.
Location: England and Scotland (Remote with travel across sites)
Salary: £66,000 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Defour Partnership is proud to partner with SJOG, a fantastic values driven charity who have been supporting people in their lives for years. SJOG is proud to offer a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a truly unique portfolio of care services. We are seeking a visionary leader for our Head of Older Communities to oversee several registered care/nursing homes and domiciliary services, delivered through full management contracts with religious communities across Scotland and England.
About the Role
This is no ordinary leadership position. You will be at the forefront of developing new services, and shaping and delivering exceptional care for older people, ensuring services meet the highest standards of quality, compassion, and innovation. You’ll lead the Older Communities strategy, working closely with the people we support and their community families, and care teams to develop forward-thinking models of care that reflect the values of SJOG.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of older communities services.
- Ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks and best practice standards.
- Manage and negotiate complex contracts within older communities and with partners.
- Oversee a budget exceeding £4 million, ensuring financial sustainability and value.
- Drive continuous improvement and innovation in care delivery.
- Champion outstanding outcomes for older people, rooted in hospitality, compassion and respect.
- Complete tenders and develop new services with NHS/ICBs and Local Authorities and other religious communities UK wide.
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in managing and leading older people’s services at a senior level.
- Experience of multi-site operational management across the UK.
- Deep knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy, procedures and practices in older people and nursing care.
- Inspirational leadership and the ability to build trusted relationships.
- The ability to develop and shape an older people’s strategy, monitor and report to the Executive Management Team.
- Values Driven, Compassion, innovation and good communication skills.
Benefits and Rewards:
- Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro-rata) including bank and public holidays.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme.
- Health Cash Plan.
- Bike to Work Scheme.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (which we will pay for) will be required for the role.
Closing Date for applications: Monday 19th January
1st Stage Interview: Thursday 29th January
2nd Stage Interview: Monday 2nd February
Defour Partnership has partnered with SJOG and are managing the recruitment for this role.
Head of Older Communities employer: Defour Partnership Ltd
Contact Detail:
Defour Partnership Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Older Communities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector, especially those who have experience with older communities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SJOG and their values. Understand their approach to care and think about how your vision aligns with theirs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills during interviews. Share specific examples of how you've driven innovation and improved care services in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate your fit for the Head of Older Communities role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Older Communities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing older people's services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Head of Older Communities, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your leadership approach. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and build trusted relationships, so share examples of how you've successfully led teams and developed strategies in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details 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 Defour Partnership Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of older people's services and the regulatory frameworks that govern them. Brush up on SJOG’s values and how they align with your own leadership style. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you genuinely understand the mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in multi-site operations. Think about challenges you've faced and how you overcame them. This is your chance to demonstrate your inspirational leadership and ability to build trusted relationships.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like managing a complex contract or ensuring compliance with care standards. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies clearly, as this will highlight your strategic thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the future direction of SJOG and their Older Communities strategy. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values and vision for care delivery.