At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop high-quality supported living services while ensuring compliance and financial sustainability.
- Company: Join a compassionate team recognised as the 2025 Housing with Care Employer of the Year.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, health support, and ongoing career development.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with diverse staff networks and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported living services and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 71155 - 71155 £ per year.
Department: Health and Social Care (Management)
Operation: Sanctuary Supported Living
Closing Date: 28/07/2026
Salary: £71,155.30 per annum plus Car Allowance of £9,800.73 per annum
37.5 hours per week
Make a difference where it matters most. We’re proud to be recognised as the 2025 Housing with Care Employer of the Year – and we’re excited to welcome a new Regional Head of Operations to East region. You’ll be part of a compassionate, community‑focused team, that puts people first – every single day. #BeYourBest is more than a hashtag – it’s our commitment to helping our people grow, thrive, and feel valued. We’ll support you with the tools, training, and encouragement to reach your full potential; while celebrating your individuality and the difference you make every day.
Your role:
- Support the strategic development and implementation of high-quality supported living services, ensuring services meet customer, organisational, and financial needs while maintaining long-term sustainability.
- Provide effective leadership across supported living services within the region, promoting a positive organisational culture, safe working practices, and a high-performance environment.
- Coach, guide, and support Area Service Managers to deliver service improvements, successful transformations, new service implementations, and organic business growth.
- Ensure compliance with all legislative, regulatory, and governance requirements, minimising risk and maintaining safe, secure, and high‑quality services.
- Monitor and audit service performance against contractual obligations and key performance indicators (KPIs), identifying areas for improvement and driving corrective actions.
- Oversee the financial performance of regional services, including budget setting, monitoring, and cost management to ensure sustainable operations.
- Analyse and communicate emerging trends, customer needs, behaviours, and market insights to support strategic planning and future service development.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, providing reports and presentations to inform decision‑making and regulatory compliance.
- Lead recruitment, performance management, and staff development activities to ensure a skilled, engaged, and high‑performing workforce.
- Lead and contribute to strategic programmes, projects, and initiatives that support organisational objectives, values, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications:
- CIH Level 5 qualification (or willingness to attain)
- Full UK driving licence
- Extensive knowledge of supported living services, legislation, and regulatory requirements including CQC and Ofsted
- Proven experience delivering service improvements, business growth, and cost‑effective operations
- Strong commercial, tendering, budgeting, and financial management skills
- Experience working successfully within a regulated environment
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills
- Strong project management and people leadership experience
- Ability to drive performance, change, and continuous improvement within services
Your rewards:
You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 33 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 38, including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:
- Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short‑term counselling
- Company‑paid life insurance
- Parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
- Company‑funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
- Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
- Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangement
Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.
Ready to #BeYourBest? Apply today and start an inspiring career with Sanctuary Supported Living.
Before you apply:
We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK. All roles require safeguarding and pre‑employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch. Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account. We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.
Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.
Regional Head of Operations in Basildon employer: Sanctuary Group
Sanctuary Maintenance Contractors Limited is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of its employees. With generous benefits such as up to 30 days of annual leave, a pension scheme, and access to wellbeing support, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive in their roles. Working in Sheffield, you will be part of a dedicated team making a meaningful impact on the community while enjoying the advantages of a not-for-profit organisation focused on improving lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Regional Head of Operations in Basildon
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
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Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at Sanctuary Group!
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Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at Sanctuary Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Regional Head of Operations in Basildon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at Sanctuary Group. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to Sanctuary Group and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at Sanctuary Group. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to Sanctuary Group's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sanctuary Group
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with Sanctuary Group.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at Sanctuary Group will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact Sanctuary Group and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.