At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in housing, health, and community services to support vulnerable individuals.
- Company: A charity dedicated to social justice and health equity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to innovative solutions and positive change.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of those facing homelessness and health challenges.
- Qualifications: Experience in leadership within social care or community services is essential.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
The Chief Operating Officer (COO) provides strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services, accommodation provision, organisational infrastructure, and compliance functions within the charity. The COO is responsible for ensuring safe, trauma-informed, financially sustainable, and outcomes-focused delivery for individuals experiencing homelessness, poverty, health exclusion, addiction, and crisis.
The role leads operations across the charity’s accommodation portfolio, including winter shelter provision, general needs accommodation, supported accommodation, and intensively supported housing. The COO also oversees the operational platform of the charity’s support programmes, including a community café, community supermarket, crisis drop-in provision, and integrated health clinics.
Working collaboratively with the CEO, Board, statutory agencies, housing provider partners, and wider stakeholders, the COO plays a key leadership role in shaping organisational strategy, strengthening operational systems, embedding trauma-informed practice, and developing innovative models of support that improve long-term outcomes for individuals experiencing multiple disadvantage.
The COO provides executive oversight of operational risk, health and safety, HR, operational systems, and service compliance, ensuring the organisation maintains robust standards of governance, accountability, and person-centred care across all services.
Key Responsibilities- Provide executive operational leadership across services and organisational functions.
- Lead the delivery, development, and continuous operational improvement of supported and temporary accommodation services, crisis and drop-in provision, food programme and social supermarket, and winter shelter provision.
- Translate organisational strategy into effective operational delivery plans.
- Drive organisational improvement, innovation, and sustainable service growth.
- Lead operational responses to emerging community need, organisational risk, and system pressures.
- Support strategic planning, organisational development, and long-term sustainability.
- Lead operational capital development initiatives across the organisation.
- Oversee operational management, legal compliance, health and safety, quality assurance across all accommodation services.
- Lead strategic partnerships with housing providers.
- Manage delegated housing arrangements and supported housing pathways.
- Maximise occupancy, sustainment, and positive move-on outcomes.
- Oversee property-related risk management, maintenance coordination, and accommodation standards.
- Lead the transformation and redevelopment of The Gathering Place, including partnership working with architects, infrastructure planning, and service design.
- Oversee operational development planning for the Bramwell Booth building to support future service delivery and organisational growth.
- Lead organisational safeguarding strategy and systems.
- Ensure SOPs are in place to enable staff to respond effectively to complex needs.
- Oversee serious incidents, risk management, and quality assurance processes.
- Promote reflective practice, professional accountability, and safe service delivery.
- Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised safeguarding quality and excellence standards.
- Support development of innovative approaches addressing homelessness, substance use, poverty, and social exclusion.
- Contribute to wider system responses focused on prevention, health equity, and community resilience.
- Provide executive oversight of organisational governance, operational compliance, and corporate infrastructure.
- Lead organisational responsibility for human resources, health & safety, insurance and organisational risk, operational systems and digital infrastructure.
- Ensure robust organisational policies, procedures, and assurance frameworks are developed, implemented, and maintained.
- Oversee compliance with employment legislation, health & safety standards, and contractual obligations.
- Lead organisational risk management processes, incident oversight, and business continuity planning.
- Ensure effective management of organisational insurance provision, liability protection, and risk mitigation.
- Support governance reporting, operational assurance, and organisational accountability.
- Develop quarterly Trustee and governance reporting packs in conjunction with Heads of Department and the CEO.
- Lead the development and implementation of operational systems, reporting frameworks, and service infrastructure.
- Design and embed systems that improve operational efficiency, safeguarding oversight, housing management, and service coordination.
- Use data, insight, and performance analysis to improve outcomes and organisational effectiveness.
- Support digital transformation, service modernisation, and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Develop monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting systems to support organisational learning and strategic decision-making.
- Foster a high-performing, inclusive, and values-led organisational culture.
- Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, supervision, and staff development.
- Promote staff wellbeing, reflective practice, and psychologically safe leadership.
- Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction for volunteer services and volunteer programme development.
- Support the organisation’s progression towards recognised volunteer quality standards.
- Represent the organisation within strategic partnerships and multi-agency forums.
- Work collaboratively with commissioners, funders, housing providers, and community partners.
- Monitor operational performance, quality standards, and service outcomes.
- Ensure effective governance, accountability, and operational compliance across all services.
- Significant senior leadership experience within homelessness, housing, health, social care, community, or voluntary sector services.
- Extensive operational leadership experience across complex, multi-service environments.
- Experience leading services supporting individuals with multiple disadvantage and complex needs.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and organisational risk management.
- Experience managing accommodation-based and community support services.
- Experience overseeing HR, compliance, governance, and organisational systems.
- Experience leading quality assurance, risk, and compliance frameworks.
- Strong partnership and stakeholder engagement skills across statutory and voluntary sectors.
- Experience managing operational budgets, compliance frameworks, and performance systems.
- Experience working within homelessness, substance use, or health inclusion services.
- Understanding of public health approaches and health inequalities.
- Knowledge of housing legislation, supported housing models, and safeguarding frameworks.
- Experience with digital transformation, systems implementation, and organisational modernisation.
- Values-driven and strongly committed to social justice and health equity.
- Strategic thinker with strong operational leadership capability.
- Calm, resilient, and decisive in complex and high-pressure environments.
- Compassionate and emotionally intelligent leader.
- Strong communicator with the ability to influence across systems and sectors.
- Innovative, solutions-focused, and collaborative.
- Committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and inclusive leadership.
Executive COO: Housing, Health & Community Services in London employer: Happydaysuk
As an employer, this charity is dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a strong commitment to social justice and health equity, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while benefiting from comprehensive training and development opportunities. Located in a vibrant area, the organisation offers unique advantages such as collaborative partnerships with local stakeholders and a focus on innovative service delivery, making it an excellent place for those seeking a rewarding career in the housing and health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Executive COO: Housing, Health & Community Services in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the housing, health, and community services sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and recent projects. This will not only help you answer questions but also show your genuine interest in the role. Plus, it’ll give you some great talking points to impress the interviewers!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. Focus on articulating your experience in operational leadership and how it aligns with the charity’s goals. The more you practice, the more confident you’ll feel when it’s time for the real deal.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get that application in and let’s make a difference together!
We think you need these skills to ace Executive COO: Housing, Health & Community Services in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the COO role. Highlight your leadership experience in housing, health, and community services, as well as your understanding of trauma-informed practices.
Showcase Your Impact:When detailing your previous roles, focus on the outcomes you achieved. Use metrics and examples to illustrate how you improved service delivery or operational efficiency, especially in complex environments.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We want to see your passion for social justice and health equity, so don’t be afraid to share your motivations and values that drive your work.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for the role without any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at Happydaysuk
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the charity's mission and values. Understand their approach to homelessness, health, and community services. This will help you align your answers with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to social justice.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in complex environments. Highlight how you've successfully led teams, managed operational improvements, and navigated challenges in similar sectors. This will show them you're ready for the strategic and operational leadership they need.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the role involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in building partnerships. Share stories that illustrate your ability to engage with different agencies and communities, showcasing your collaborative spirit and stakeholder engagement skills.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about handling complex needs and crisis situations. Prepare to discuss how you would implement trauma-informed practices and ensure compliance across services. This will demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals experiencing multiple disadvantages.
