At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence in specialist care and drive high-quality service delivery.
- Company: Growing specialist care provider focused on delivering exceptional support for adults.
- Benefits: Competitive executive salary, career progression, and a chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Collaborative senior leadership team with opportunities for strategic influence.
- Why this job: Shape the future of care services and impact lives positively every day.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in adult social care and strong leadership skills required.
Location: Blackburn, Lancashire (Head Office with Regional Travel)
Salary: Competitive Executive Package
Contract: Full-time | Permanent
Lead Operational Excellence in Specialist Care
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Operations Director to join a growing specialist care provider delivering high-quality supported living services for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and other complex needs.
This executive leadership position is ideal for a commercially focused, quality-driven leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional care while driving operational performance and sustainable growth. Working as part of the Senior Leadership Team and reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation's future and ensuring services continue to deliver outstanding outcomes for the people they support.
The Role
As Operations Director, you will have overall responsibility for the operational performance, quality, compliance and financial sustainability of a portfolio of supported living services. Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic and operational leadership across multiple services.
- Driving operational excellence and ensuring person-centred, high-quality care is delivered consistently.
- Embedding an "inspection-ready" culture across all services, maintaining compliance with CQC standards and contractual requirements.
- Managing regional budgets and ensuring commercial performance and efficient resource allocation.
- Supporting the mobilisation of new services and successful implementation of growth opportunities.
- Leading, mentoring and developing Area Managers and Service Managers to create a high-performing, values-led culture.
- Working closely with senior stakeholders to deliver organisational objectives and continuous improvement.
About You
We’re seeking an accomplished operational leader with a strong track record within adult social care who understands how to balance exceptional care quality with commercial performance. You’ll bring:
- Significant senior operational leadership experience within Supported Living or Adult Social Care.
- A proven history of managing large, multi-site services with successful CQC inspection outcomes.
- Strong financial and commercial management experience.
- The ability to lead, inspire and develop geographically dispersed teams.
- Experience working with Local Authorities, NHS partners and Integrated Care Boards (ICBs).
- Excellent communication, strategic planning and stakeholder management skills.
- A passion for delivering outstanding, person-centred care.
Desirable
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
- Strong understanding of the Care Act 2014 and current adult social care legislation.
- Experience leading operational growth, acquisitions or service mobilisation projects.
What’s on Offer?
This is a rare opportunity to join an ambitious and expanding organisation where you can make a significant impact on service quality, operational performance and future growth. In return, you’ll benefit from:
- A competitive executive salary package.
- The opportunity to influence strategic direction.
- A collaborative and supportive senior leadership team.
- Career progression within a growing organisation.
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to the lives of vulnerable adults every day.
If you’re an experienced Operations Director or Senior Operations Leader looking for your next executive challenge within specialist adult social care, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion.
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
Director of Operations in Blackburn employer: Search
Join a dynamic and growing specialist care provider in Blackburn, Lancashire, where your leadership as Operations Director will directly impact the quality of life for vulnerable adults. With a competitive executive salary package, a collaborative senior leadership team, and ample opportunities for career progression, this role offers a unique chance to drive operational excellence while making a meaningful difference in the community. Embrace a culture that values person-centred care and supports your professional growth in a fulfilling environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operations in Blackburn
✨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 Search.
✨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 Search!
✨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 Search, 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 Search 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 Director of Operations in Blackburn
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 Search:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Search! 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 Search
✨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.
