At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional services for children and young people.
- Company: Join Midland Mencap, a community-focused organisation dedicated to making a positive impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, development opportunities, and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and young people while growing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational management within children's services is essential; strong communication skills are a must.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role covering maternity leave, offering a chance to lead impactful change.
The predicted salary is between 34000 - 46000 £ per year.
Job Title: Interim Operational Manager – Children and Young People’ Service (CYP)
Reporting To: Senior Operations Manager – Community Operations
Responsible For: CYP service team
Job Location: Based at Pinewood, West Midlands Wide
Contract: 37 hours per week – Fixed Term 12 months (Maternity Leave Cover)
Salary: £40,995.00
Who We Look For
We’re seeking an experienced and inspiring Interim Operational Manager who is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people.
You will thrive in this role if you:
- Have proven leadership and operational management experience within children and young people’s services or a related sector
- Are an effective communicator who can engage confidently with children, young people, families, and stakeholders
- Can lead, motivate, and develop teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred services
- Understand the challenges and opportunities in delivering responsive, inclusive, and outcomes-focused support
- Are committed to safeguarding, quality assurance, and continuous improvement
- Possess strong organisational and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities
It would be a bonus if you have:
- Experience of service development, contract management, and compliance within the children and young people’s sector
- A track record of building and sustaining strong partnerships across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors
- Knowledge of relevant regulations, legislation, and best practice in children and young people’s services
This is more than a management role – it’s an opportunity to lead services that empower children and young people to achieve their goals and aspirations. If you are committed to delivering excellence and driving positive change, we would be delighted to hear from you.
What does this role involve?
Reporting to the Senior Operations Manager of Community Services you will provide support, direction and leadership for the effective delivery of day-to-day operational activities and business development across Midland Mencap’s CYP services portfolio. Ensuring compliance with relevant regulation and legislation. To be part of the management team that drives a proactive, responsive and truly exceptional service to citizens and families and lead and inspire a performance related and person-centred focussed culture. Working collaboratively with, the Chief Executive, Director of Operations and other senior colleagues to ensure Midland Mencap is a sustainable, ambitious, dynamic and successful organisation.
1: Key Tasks
1.1: To lead and develop the strategic priorities and plans for all operational functions ensuring excellent customer service, developing and delivering a comprehensive range of services to meet children and young people’s needs and aspirations. Identifying business development, tendering and procurement opportunities consistent with Midland Mencap’s strategic aspirations
1.2: To provide support to management colleagues to ensure all services are effective, responsive, deliver value for money and are compliant with best practice, regulatory and statutory requirements.
1.3: Ensure the service meets high performance objectives, safeguarding standards, regulatory and quality standards and deliver outcomes for children and young people.
1.4: To oversee and ensure effective and robust contract management and compliance on all operational contracts, ensuring quality assurance and compliance.
1.5: Ensure teams and individuals are managed, supported and developed to provide high performance targeted services for children and young people and be accountable for the quality of work of both individuals and the team.
1.6: To support ongoing organisational change and help embed a performance related and child/young person-focussed culture across teams ensuring dynamic services and the highest standards of customer care and support.
1.7: To be part of a management team that ensures clarity of direction, effective communication and development of personal and team potential.
1.8: Adopt a collaborative and supportive approach, maintaining up to date professional knowledge and providing advice and assistance to teams as required.
1.9: Contribute to the development of strategic and financial plans and keep business plans and other key strategies under review ensuring risk is managed and mitigated against.
1.10: Support the achieving of and accountability for performance targets, communicating relevant business and performance data to the Senior Operations Manager and Leadership team as appropriate.
1.11: Support the Senior Operations Manager and the Director of Operations to monitor and report to the CEO on standards of performance across all services ensuring the development of effective services that remain responsive to changing circumstances and demands.
1.12: In all aspects of the Midland Mencaps’s work, promote effective communications, excellence in customer service, and a focus on continuous improvement.
1.13: Be pro-active in the development of key partnerships, working with stakeholders to ensure the effective co-ordination and delivery of services with other organisations, agencies and partners.
1.14: Ensure the Midland Mencap values are reflected in the work the teams and that all services provided are delivered in line with the Midland Mencap vision and values.
1.15: Act as an ambassador for Midland Mencap, attending and contributing to professional forums and events
1.16: Ensure compliance with all regulatory, statutory and legal requirements
2: General
2.1: To work flexibly and positively as part of the management team
2.2: To put citizens first at all times, providing a high standard of customer service both internally and externally
2.3: To adhere to the spirit and requirements of Midland Mencap’s equal opportunities and other policies
2.4: To represent Midland Mencap at internal and external meetings as required portraying a professional image at all times
2.5: To exercise a duty of care with respect to the health and safety of all
2.6: To undertake any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time
Full job description and person specification.
What we offer?
Why Work with Midland Mencap?
- Join a passionate, inclusive, and community-led organisation making a real impact.
- Flexible and family-friendly working practices.
- Learning, development, and progression opportunities.
- Supportive team culture and access to employee wellbeing services.
- Pension scheme and expenses reimbursement.
When applying for this job role, please complete and attach the following to your application:
-
Either the Application Form or your CV
-
The Equal Opportunities Form
Word Document Format:
Application Form Word
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Word
PDF Format:
Application Form PDF
Equal Opportunities Monitoring PDF
Closing date: Thursday 28th August 2025
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Interim Operational Manager – Children and Young People Service employer: Midland Mencap
Contact Detail:
Midland Mencap Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Operational Manager – Children and Young People Service
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and opportunities in children and young people's services. Understanding the current landscape will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the needs of the role during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sector, especially those who have worked with Midland Mencap or similar organisations. Engaging in conversations can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully motivated teams in the past. Be ready with examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality, person-centred services, as this is a key focus for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on relevant regulations and best practices in the children and young people’s sector. Being knowledgeable about compliance and quality assurance will show your commitment to safeguarding and continuous improvement, which are crucial for this position.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Operational Manager – Children and Young People Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your leadership and operational management experience specifically within children and young people's services. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for making a positive difference in the lives of children and young people. Include specific examples of how you've led teams and delivered high-quality, person-centred services.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise any experience you have with service development, contract management, and compliance. Mention any partnerships you've built across sectors, as this is a bonus for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at Midland Mencap
✨Show Your Passion for the Role
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for working with children and young people. Share specific examples of how you've made a positive impact in previous roles, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Highlight your ability to motivate and develop others, as this is crucial for the Interim Operational Manager position.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the relevant regulations and legislation affecting children's services. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and quality assurance in your work, as this will show your commitment to safeguarding and best practices.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific challenges in the role. Think about scenarios related to service delivery, team management, and stakeholder engagement, and prepare thoughtful responses that demonstrate your problem-solving skills.