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- Tasks: Lead operations across 41 care homes, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
- Company: Harbour Healthcare, a family-run business dedicated to excellent care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, mileage pay, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations within the care sector and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Join a growing company that values diversity and offers training for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
Head of Operations (Care Homes)
Harbour Healthcare
Location – National (with regular travel across 41 care homes)
The Head of Operations will play a pivotal national leadership role in supporting the Director of Operations and designated Regional Managers to deliver excellent operational performance across 41 care homes. This role will ensure the highest standards of care, compliance, and business efficiency are maintained, and will deputise for the Director of Operations when required.
Operational Leadership & Support
- Provide strategic and operational support to Regional Managers to ensure each care home delivers high-quality, person-centred care.
- Monitor performance, compliance, occupancy, staffing, and financial targets across regions, intervening when performance dips.
- Lead on the implementation of new policies, procedures, and improvement plans across the estate.
- Ensure effective communication and collaboration across all operational levels.
- Conduct regular regional and home visits to support and guide local leadership.
Quality & Compliance
- Support Regional Managers in ensuring homes are fully compliant with CQC/ Care Inspectorate (Wales) standards and internal governance frameworks.
- Participate in and support preparation for CQC/Care Inspectorate (Wales) inspections, internal audits, and safeguarding investigations.
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.
Leadership & People Management
- Mentor and develop Regional Managers, supporting their leadership capabilities and performance.
- Deputise for the Operations Director in meetings, reporting, and decision-making as needed.
- Support recruitment, onboarding, and development of senior care home leaders (e.g., Home Managers).
Strategic Development
- Contribute to business planning, growth strategy, and innovation projects.
- Identify risks and opportunities at both regional and national levels, escalating appropriately.
- Support integration and mobilisation of new homes or services into the operational portfolio.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Analyse performance data, providing insights and recommendations to the Operations Director.
- Lead or contribute to the resolution of underperformance or operational crises.
Essential Requirements:
- Proven experience in a senior operations role within the care sector, preferably across multiple sites.
- In-depth knowledge of CQC/CIW regulations and best practices in adult social care.
- Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
- Excellent communication, analytical, and problem‑solving abilities.
- Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis.
- Driving licence.
Desirable:
- Relevant health or social care qualification (e.g., RN, NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care or Leadership & Management).
- Five years’ experience in a senior operational role.
- Experience in leading through regulatory inspection or turnaround situations.
- Commercial acumen with budget and financial management experience.
Who are Harbour Healthcare?
We are a Family run business with 41Care Homes across the UK and are growing year by year.
Inclusion is how we unleash the power of diversity. We strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. Harbour Healthcare listen and engage with our diverse communities, and we value teamwork within our diverse workplace.
Having family traditions at heart, our philosophyis actually quite simple. We strive to provide an excellent standard of care to our residents, treating them with complete dignity and respect.
We are looking for people who care regardless of qualifications or experience. We care more about you sharing and demonstrating our values, which are, –
- Humility
- Accountability
- Achievement
- Passion
- Integrity
We will give you all the training and support you need, such as obtaining a qualification in health and social care and opportunities for promotion and career growth.
Harbour Healthcare have won many accolades and awards over the years from carehome.co.uk Top 20 Awards, now for the 5th year running as well as Disability Confident Committed.
Please note that all our positions require an Enhanced DBS check in relation to Children and Adults.
Interested? – Go on and click that apply button now!
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Head of Operations (Care Homes) employer: Harbour Healthcare Ltd
Contact Detail:
Harbour Healthcare Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Care Homes)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Head of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of CQC regulations and best practices in adult social care. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in previous roles and how you can bring that experience to Harbour Healthcare.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've mentored and developed teams in the past. Highlight your ability to drive performance and compliance across multiple sites.
✨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 genuinely interested in joining the Harbour Healthcare family.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Care Homes)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Operations role. Highlight your experience in senior operations within the care sector and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your background aligns with our values and the specific requirements of the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about delivering high-quality care and how your leadership skills can benefit our 41 care homes. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us your personality.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it’s improving compliance scores or leading successful projects, we want to know how you’ve made a difference in your previous roles. Numbers and examples speak volumes!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application directly and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us. So, go ahead and click that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Healthcare Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of CQC/CIW regulations and best practices in adult social care. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the standards expected in the care sector.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed operations in previous roles. Think about specific situations where you mentored others or improved performance, as this aligns perfectly with what Harbour Healthcare is looking for.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Compliance
Since compliance is a big part of the Head of Operations role, be prepared to talk about your experience with inspections and audits. Share any strategies you've implemented to ensure compliance and how you’ve handled challenges in the past.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Harbour Healthcare values passion and integrity, so don’t shy away from expressing why you care about providing high-quality, person-centred care. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that highlight your commitment to the sector and its values.
