At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop critical 24/7 services that support vulnerable communities.
- Company: Colchester Amphora, a leader in community support services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent role, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Join a reputable organisation and influence service design for thousands of residents.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community support and drive innovation in adult social care.
- Qualifications: Significant leadership experience in Adults Social Care and business development skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Colchester Amphora is seeking an ambitious and commercially driven Head of Operations & Business Development to lead and develop our critical 24/7 services, including Helpline, Out of Hours and CCTV operations. This is a unique opportunity to combine strategic leadership, service transformation and business development while delivering services that have a direct impact on the safety, independence and wellbeing of vulnerable people within our communities.
As a senior leader, you will work closely with local authorities, health partners, housing providers, emergency services and community organisations to ensure our services remain innovative, responsive and financially sustainable. You will also play a key role in identifying opportunities arising from Local Government Reform, service integration and the evolving Adult Social Care landscape.
About the Role
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across a range of 24/7 services, ensuring they deliver exceptional outcomes while remaining resilient, efficient and commercially successful. Responsibilities include:
- Leading the operational delivery and continuous improvement of Helpline, Out of Hours and CCTV services.
- Developing and implementing growth strategies that expand service provision and generate new income opportunities.
- Driving innovation through technology-enabled care, digital health solutions and preventative service models.
- Supporting service development in response to changes within Adult Social Care, Integrated Care Systems and Local Government Reform.
- Managing budgets, performance frameworks, KPIs, governance and risk.
- Building and maintaining high-value partnerships across local government, healthcare, housing, voluntary sector and commercial organisations.
- Identifying and developing new commercial opportunities within monitoring, telecare and community safety services.
- Leading, motivating and developing Service Managers and multidisciplinary teams.
About You
We're looking for an experienced and forward-thinking leader who combines operational excellence with commercial acumen and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for residents.
Essential Experience and Knowledge
- Significant senior leadership experience within Adults Social Care, Careline/Telecare Services, Assisted Living, Community Response Services, Local Government, Health or Related Support Services.
- A strong understanding of the challenges, legislation and strategic priorities affecting Adult Social Care, including preventative services and independent living.
- Demonstrable experience managing or working closely with Careline, Telecare, Technology Enabled Care (TEC), Alarm Receiving Centres, Out of Hours or Emergency Response Services.
- Proven track record of leading operational teams within high-volume, customer-focused and regulated environments.
- Experience of business development, partnership working and service growth.
- Strong financial management experience, including budget responsibility and performance management.
- Experience building productive relationships with local authorities, NHS organisations, commissioners and other key stakeholders.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Understanding of Local Government Reform, integrated service delivery and changing commissioning landscapes.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Knowledge of digital health technologies, assistive technology and technology-enabled care solutions.
- Experience working within local authority commissioned services.
- Understanding of safeguarding responsibilities and working with vulnerable adults.
Why Join Colchester Amphora?
This is more than an operational leadership role. It is an opportunity to shape services that support thousands of residents to live safely, independently and confidently within their own communities. You will lead established services with a strong reputation, influence future service design, and play a pivotal role in driving innovation across preventative support, digital health and community safety.
Apply Today
If you have the leadership experience, commercial mindset and specialist knowledge of Adults Social Care and Careline/Telecare services needed to drive our services forward, we would love to hear from you. When applying, please submit your CV and a supporting statement outlining how you meet the requirements of the role.
Safeguarding: Amphora Trading Ltd provides services that bring employees into contact with children and vulnerable adults. We take our safeguarding responsibilities seriously and expect all employees to share our commitment to protecting and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, adhering to all relevant policies and procedures.
Head of Operations & Business Development – Amphora Colchester employer: Essex County Council
Essex County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a meaningful impact in the lives of children and young people. With flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, staff are encouraged to grow within their roles, all while contributing to a vital service in the heart of Chelmsford.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & Business Development – Amphora Colchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Essex County Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Essex County Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Essex County Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Essex County Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & Business Development – Amphora Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Essex County Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Essex County Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Essex County Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
