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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across 41 care homes, ensuring high-quality, person-centred care.
- Company: Harbour Healthcare, a family-run business dedicated to excellent care and diversity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, £5,000 car allowance, paid mileage, and career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the care sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations within care, strong leadership, and communication skills.
- Other info: Join a growing company with a commitment to inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 85000 £ per year.
Overview
Head of Operations (Care Homes) at Harbour Healthcare
This is a national leadership role with regular travel across 41 care homes. The Head of Operations will support the Director of Operations and designated Regional Managers to deliver high-quality operational performance across the estate, ensure the highest standards of care, compliance, and business efficiency, and deputise for the Director of Operations when required.
Base pay range
This range is provided by Harbour Healthcare. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.
Location
Location – National (with regular travel across 41 care homes)
Responsibilities
- 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 41 care homes across the UK and are growing year by year. We value inclusion and diversity and strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. Our philosophy is to provide an excellent standard of care to our residents, treating them with dignity and respect.
We look for people who care, not just those with qualifications or experience. Our values are: Humility, Accountability, Achievement, Passion, Integrity.
We provide training and support, including opportunities to obtain health and social care qualifications and for career growth. Enhanced DBS checks are required for children and adults.
Seniority level
- Executive
Employment type
- Full-time
Job function
- Management and Manufacturing
Industries
- Hospitals and Health Care
Interested? – Go on and click that apply button now!
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Head of Operations (Care Homes) employer: Harbour Healthcare
Contact Detail:
Harbour Healthcare 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 lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Harbour Healthcare thoroughly. Understand their values and how they operate across their care homes. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved operations in previous roles. This will demonstrate your capability to take on the Head of Operations position with confidence.
✨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 keen on joining the Harbour Healthcare family right from the start.
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, person-centred care. Share examples of how you've led teams or improved operational performance in previous roles. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Head of Operations, we need to see your leadership chops. Mention any mentoring or team development experiences you've had. Talk about how you've supported others in achieving their goals and how you can bring that to our team.
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
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the CQC and CIW regulations. Brush up on the latest standards and best practices in adult social care, as this will show your commitment to quality and compliance during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or managed multiple sites in the past. Highlight your mentoring experience and how you've developed others, as this role is all about supporting Regional Managers and fostering a strong leadership culture.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific operational challenges or compliance issues. Think through potential scenarios in advance and be ready to discuss your problem-solving strategies and decision-making processes.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Care
Harbour Healthcare values passion and integrity, so be prepared to share why you’re passionate about providing high-quality care. Discuss how you align with their values and how you can contribute to their mission of treating residents with dignity and respect.
