This is a newly created leadership role with a growing care provider, offering the chance to shape and drive operational excellence across a focused portfolio of homes in the Essex area. With a full package of around £75–£80k (with some flexibility) and potential bonus, this is an opportunity for an experienced regional operator to make a visible impact from day one. You’ll join an expanding organisation that values quality, innovation, and specialist dementia care. About the Role: You will oversee a regional portfolio of under 10 care homes in and around Essex, ensuring they deliver consistently high-quality, person-centred care and strong commercial performance. Working closely with home managers and senior leadership, you will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and performance management to support sustainable growth. This is a hands-on role where you will be expected to hit the ground running and drive improvement across the region. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage the operational performance of a portfolio of under 10 care homes, ensuring delivery of high-quality care and strong regulatory compliance. * Provide clear leadership, coaching, and support to home managers, building a high-performing and accountable regional team. * Develop and implement regional operational plans aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives, including quality, occupancy, and financial targets. * Monitor and analyse key performance metrics, addressing underperformance and driving continuous improvement across all homes. * Oversee quality assurance processes, audits, and action plans, with a particular focus on dementia care standards and best practice. * Collaborate with senior leadership to support expansion plans, including integrating new homes into the portfolio and stabilising performance. * Represent the organisation at external events such as Care Expo and other sector forums to stay abreast of industry developments and promote the brand. * Ensure effective communication and collaboration between regional operations, clinical, and support functions to optimise service delivery. Key Requirements: * Proven experience in a regional or multi-site operations management role within the care home or wider health and social care sector. * Strong track record in strategic planning, operational leadership, and delivering performance improvements across multiple sites. * Demonstrable experience of leading and managing teams, including coaching and performance management of home managers. * Solid understanding of regulatory frameworks and quality standards within care homes, including CQC requirements. * Evidence of working within or closely with dementia care services, with a strong focus on quality and person-centred outcomes. * Ability to analyse complex performance data, identify trends, and implement practical action plans at pace. * Comfortable working in a fast-paced, expanding environment, with the ability to hit the ground running and take ownership quickly. * Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders. Desirable Skills: * Experience managing a portfolio of care homes specifically within the wider South East region. * Background in turnaround or improvement projects for underperforming services. * Exposure to attending and presenting at sector events such as Care Expo or similar conferences. * Experience working within organisations undergoing growth or restructuring, including integration of new services. * Familiarity with digital care systems and data-driven quality improvement tools. Qualifications: * Relevant professional qualification in health and social care, nursing, social work, or a related field (e.g. NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care) * Management or leadership qualification (e.g. Level 5/7 in Leadership & Management, ILM, or equivalent) strongly preferred. * Evidence of ongoing professional development in dementia care, quality improvement, or care home management. * Full UK driving licence and ability to travel regularly across the South East region. If you’re an experienced regional operations leader with a strong quality or dementia background and ready to step into a high-impact role with real autonomy, we’d like to hear from you. Apply now to help shape the next phase of growth for this expanding care provider
Regional Operations Manager in Chelmsford employer: Keystone Care
Join a leading domiciliary care provider in Essex, where you will not only manage a dedicated team but also make a significant difference in the lives of adults with learning disabilities and autism. Our supportive work culture prioritises employee growth, offering ongoing training and development opportunities to enhance your leadership skills while ensuring compliance and high-quality care. With competitive salaries and a commitment to person-centred practice, we provide a rewarding environment for those passionate about making an impact in the community.
