At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations across 40 care homes, ensuring high-quality care and compliance.
- Company: Family-run Harbour Healthcare, dedicated to excellent care and community engagement.
- Benefits: Comprehensive training, career growth opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a growing company that values diversity and teamwork.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operations within the care sector and strong leadership abilities.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Harbour Healthcare Location - National (with regular travel across 40 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 40 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 41 care 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 philosophy is 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. Please note that all our positions require an Enhanced DBS check in relation to Children and Adults.
Head of Operations (Care Homes) in Wolverhampton employer: Harbour Healthcare
Harbour Healthcare is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its staff while delivering outstanding care across its 41 care homes. With a strong emphasis on teamwork, diversity, and continuous improvement, employees benefit from comprehensive training, career advancement opportunities, and a supportive family-run culture that values integrity and accountability. The role of Head of Operations offers a unique chance to lead and inspire teams nationally, ensuring high standards of care and compliance in a rewarding environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations (Care Homes) in Wolverhampton
✨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 and their values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of providing excellent care and fostering a supportive environment. Tailor your answers to reflect our core values!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop us a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Plus, it makes tracking your application a breeze!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations (Care Homes) in Wolverhampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations within the care sector. We want to see how your skills align with our values and the specific requirements of the Head of Operations role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves mentoring and developing Regional Managers, it’s crucial to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or improved performance in previous roles.
Highlight Compliance Knowledge:We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of CQC/CIW regulations. Make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with compliance and quality assurance in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harbour Healthcare
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in Harbour Healthcare’s values and operations. Familiarise yourself with CQC/CIW regulations and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their commitment to high-quality, person-centred care.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership and mentoring abilities. Think of specific situations where you’ve successfully guided teams or improved performance in previous roles, especially in a multi-site environment.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle operational crises. Prepare to discuss how you would approach underperformance or compliance issues, demonstrating your analytical thinking and strategic mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, ask questions that show your interest in the role and the company. Inquire about their future growth strategies or how they foster a culture of continuous improvement, which will demonstrate your enthusiasm for contributing to their mission.
