Commissioning Operations Manager in Huddersfield

Orchard Care Homes is expanding its operational support team, and we are now seeking a Commissioning Operations Manager to support our North West region. Please note that travel across other areas (Yorkshire, North East, and Midlands) where our homes are located may occasionally be required in line with business needs.

In this pivotal role, you will provide high‑level operational leadership across our services, supporting Home Managers to achieve the highest standards of care quality, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory and contractual standards. You will have the opportunity to lead new services, supporting adults with complex needs, where your impact will be visible and meaningful. You will also step in to lead a home in the absence of a Home Manager when required, ensuring continuity, stability, and an exceptional resident experience.

• Play a central role in the commissioning and mobilisation of new services as part of Orchard Care Homes’ continued expansion into specialist care.
• Support the development, setup, and launch of new service models—including complex care, Mental Health, dementia‑focused services, and other specialist pathways—ensuring they are safe, effective, and aligned with organisational strategy.
• Engage with existing customers/key stakeholders and establish new relationships to ensure the continued growth of our referral pipeline.
• Work collaboratively with clinical, quality, estates, HR, and operational colleagues to ensure new services are fully prepared for opening, staffed appropriately, and ready for regulatory registration.
• Lead on early‑stage service readiness, embedding best practice, and driving a positive culture from day one.

• Oversee all aspects of care delivery, ensuring safe, effective, and person‑centred services.
• Support Home Managers to maintain regulatory compliance, quality assurance processes, and operational excellence.
• Provide visible, inspirational leadership to empower home teams and promote resident wellbeing.
• Maintain accountability for service budgets, cost control, and delivery of key performance targets.
• Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business growth opportunities.
• Provide operational oversight during periods of Home Manager absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and maintaining high service standards.

• A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Care Home Manager within a dementia‑care environment.
• Nursing qualification with active NMC PIN – desirable but not essential.
• Level 5 Adult Social Care qualification (Level 4 Registered Managers Award considered if willing to complete Level 5).
• Strong working knowledge of CQC standards with a proven track record of achieving Good/Outstanding ratings.
• Passionate about driving high‑quality, person‑centred care.
• Demonstrated marketing and business development experience within the private care sector.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently with residents, families, teams, and external professionals.

• Salary of £60,000 - £65,000 per annum (DOE) plus £4,200 car allowance.
• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways.
• Hundreds of colleagues discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more.
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference” award and Long Service Awards.
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round.
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future.
• Fully funded DBS check.

For more than 15 years, Orchard Care Homes has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families.

We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and warmly welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our Defence Employer Recognition Scheme commitment. We value the unique strengths and experiences that service personnel bring and strive to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.