At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations in complex care, overseeing services and managing a dedicated team.
- Company: A growing, privately owned provider in complex care with a focus on development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with autonomy and a transparent, driven team ready to learn.
- Why this job: Take ownership of operations and shape a growing service while making a real impact.
- Qualifications: Level 5 in Leadership & Management and experience in supported living and complex care.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
A growing, privately owned provider in complex care (learning disabilities, mental health and autism), across supported living and residential, is looking for an Operations Manager to take real ownership of operations and quality.
You'd oversee a registered service plus supported living provision, line-manage experienced Registered Managers and senior teams who've been in post three years and genuinely know their stuff, and sit as the link between the directors and the front line. Around 80 staff. Roughly 3,000 care hours a week today, with three new developments in the pipeline over the next 18 months.
The directors are hands-on, but they want to step back from the day-to-day. That's the entire point of the role: to take it off their plate and own it.
Why it's worth a conversation:
- A genuine route to Associate Director. The plan is for you to grow into it and eventually replace yourself.
- Autonomy from day one. You'll be trusted to run it, not babysat.
- A growth story you get to shape rather than inherit.
- A team they describe as transparent, driven and pulling the same direction.
- The 100% internal job satisfaction isn't a number invented for a poster.
Worth being straight with you: this isn't a finished, perfect service. The team is strong and hungry to learn, but they want someone who'll challenge and lift them, not coast. If you're the type who enjoys building, that's a feature, not a flaw.
The non-negotiables:
- Level 5 in Leadership & Management (or equivalent), minimum.
- Operations or multi-site experience in supported living and complex care, ideally around the 5,000-hours-a-week mark.
- A track record that sits firmly in the Good to Outstanding bracket. Requires Improvement or Inadequate histories won't land here.
- Someone who can be trusted completely, and who talks about people (their team, the people they support, and yes, former employers) with respect.
Practical bits: site-based in Leicester, Monday to Friday with flexibility for the occasional night spot check. They're ready to move fast for the right person.
If this sounds like your next move, apply with your CV (it doesn't need to be polished or up to date) or call me directly for a confidential, no-pressure conversation about whether it fits.
Operations Manager in Leicester employer: Recruitment Panda
Join a dynamic and growing provider in complex care, where as an Operations Manager, you'll have the autonomy to shape operations and quality from day one. With a clear pathway to Associate Director and a supportive team that values transparency and collaboration, this role offers not just a job, but a chance to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you support. Located in Leicester, you'll be part of a forward-thinking organisation that prioritises employee growth and satisfaction, making it an excellent place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Leicester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Recruitment Panda.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Recruitment Panda!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Recruitment Panda, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Recruitment Panda or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Leicester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Recruitment Panda:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Recruitment Panda! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruitment Panda
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
