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- Tasks: Lead and shape high-quality social care services in Southend.
- Company: Join Southend Care, a dynamic local authority company focused on adult social care.
- Benefits: Be part of a values-driven organisation with a focus on culture and engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social care while supporting sustainable growth.
- Qualifications: Senior experience in social care with a focus on quality and safeguarding.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to evolve services for children and young people.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Lead complex, high-impact services that support people to live well and help shape the future of social care in Southend.
About Southend Care
Southend Care is a wholly owned local authority company delivering a broad range of adult social care services, including older people’s care homes, domiciliary care, supported living, mental health services and community-based provision. Operating across multiple locations with a lean, committed leadership team, the organisation is known for its adaptability, responsiveness and ability to manage change in a challenging and fast-moving environment. With a refreshed board, new non-executive directors and a renewed focus on culture, engagement and commercial resilience, Southend Care is looking ahead with confidence. We are also on a journey towards providing services for children and young people, so there has never been a better time to join us.
About the role
Southend Care is seeking an experienced, hands-on Director of Operations to play a pivotal role in leading and shaping high-quality social care services across the city. This is a rare opportunity to join a values-driven, commercially aware organisation at an exciting point in its evolution, helping to strengthen operational performance, embed a positive culture and support sustainable growth. As Director of Operations, you will take overall responsibility for the operational leadership, quality, safeguarding and performance of services. Working closely with the Managing Director and Director of Corporate Services, you will provide visible, credible leadership to managers and frontline teams, ensuring services are safe, person-centred and financially sustainable. You will play a central role in developing managers, strengthening consistency across services, improving engagement with stakeholders and service users and supporting opportunities for service development and growth. This is a genuinely hands-on role in a small senior team, requiring someone who is comfortable rolling up their sleeves while also contributing strategically to the organisation’s future direction.
Who we are looking for
We are looking for an operationally strong, people-focused leader with senior experience across social care and a deep understanding of regulated services. You will bring credibility in areas such as safeguarding, quality improvement and service delivery, ideally in older people’s services, domiciliary care, mental health or supported living. You will be comfortable working autonomously in a lean environment, visible and approachable in your leadership style and confident holding managers to account while building trust and rapport. Commercial awareness, adaptability and a collaborative mindset are essential, as is a genuine commitment to service user and staff experience. Above all, you will bring the energy, personality and practical leadership needed to thrive in a close-knit team and help Southend Care continue to evolve and succeed.
Director of Operations in Southend-on-Sea employer: Peridot Partners
Contact Detail:
Peridot Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Southend-on-Sea
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the social care sector, especially those connected to Southend Care. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research Southend Care’s values and recent developments. Show us you’re not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about shaping the future of social care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! We want to hear about your hands-on experiences and how you've tackled challenges in social care. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your operational strength and people-focused approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, drop a quick thank-you note. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make decisions. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operations in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in social care, especially in areas like safeguarding and quality improvement. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Southend Care!
Show Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've built trust and rapport with teams, as well as how you've managed change in a fast-paced environment. We love a hands-on leader!
Be Person-Centred: Remember, we’re all about putting people first! Highlight any experiences where you’ve improved service user experiences or engaged with stakeholders effectively. This will show us that you share our values.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you have all the latest info about the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Peridot Partners
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Southend Care's mission and values. Understand their services and recent developments in social care. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be ready to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Share specific examples of how you've led teams through change, improved service delivery, or enhanced staff engagement. Highlight your ability to balance operational demands with a people-focused mindset.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think about challenges you've faced in social care and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
✨Engage with Your Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about Southend Care’s future direction, culture, and how they measure success. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.
