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- 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 supportive team with a focus on continuous improvement and community engagement.
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.
About 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 strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. We listen and engage with our diverse communities, and we value teamwork within our diverse workplace. 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 and who demonstrate our values: Humility, Accountability, Achievement, Passion, Integrity. We provide training and support, including opportunities for qualification in health and social care and career progression. Harbour Healthcare has won multiple accolades, including carehome.co.uk Top 20 Awards for several years and Disability Confident Committed. An Enhanced DBS check is required for positions involving Children and Adults.
Interested? Apply 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 specific examples of how you've led teams, improved operations, or handled compliance issues in the past. This will demonstrate your fit for the Head of Operations role.
✨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 serious about joining Harbour Healthcare and contributing to their mission.
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 working with us at Harbour Healthcare. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or improved operational performance in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your commitment to high-quality care.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a potential Head of Operations, we need to see your leadership style. In your application, highlight experiences where you've mentored others or led through challenging situations. This will help us understand how you can support our Regional Managers and contribute to our culture of continuous improvement.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our company culture there!
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 best practices in adult social care, as this will show your commitment to compliance and quality care during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully mentored and developed teams in previous roles. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference, especially in challenging situations or during inspections.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to discuss your experience with business planning and growth strategies. Think about how you can contribute to Harbour Healthcare’s mission and values, and be prepared to share ideas on improving operational performance across multiple sites.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they support their leaders in achieving high standards of care. This shows your genuine interest in the position.
