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- Tasks: Lead a diverse team to drive innovation and high-quality care for individuals with complex needs.
- Company: Sense is a charity dedicated to supporting people with complex disabilities and ensuring they live fulfilling lives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, excellent training, a pension scheme, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering individuals and shaping inclusive services in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care or related sectors, with strong strategic and financial skills.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds and are committed to equality and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.
Sense is looking for a driven and experienced Director of Operational Services to join our senior leadership team on a 12 month fixed term contract. This is a pivotal role where you’ll drive innovation, champion high-quality care, and ensure that every individual we support has the opportunity to live the life they choose.
About the Role
As Director of Operational Services, you will lead a large, diverse team across the UK, with responsibility for leading well-managed services that operate within budget, developing effective business models that empower the people we support to live the lives they choose. This role will shape and deliver on an ambitious operational strategy—driving service quality, growth, and transformation while ensuring strong financial management and sector-leading outcomes. You’ll collaborate closely with directors across the organisation, supporting strategic decisions, and representing Sense externally. Your leadership will ensure our services are inclusive, innovative, and enable greater independence for the people we support.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide visionary leadership across all operational services
- Champion person-centred, inclusive support that exceeds regulatory standards (CQC, Ofsted, CIW, etc.)
- Foster a strong, supportive performance culture through coaching and development
- Ensure operational services are financially sustainable, delivering year-on-year growth
- Drive innovation and adoption of technology to improve lives and service delivery
- Build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, from families to commissioners
- Contribute to strategic planning and organisation-wide performance as part of the Executive Team
- Embed health and safety, compliance, and safeguarding as top priorities across services
- Promote Sense’s brand, reputation and influence across the sector
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a senior operational leader who brings:
- Proven experience leading large, multi-site services in social care, education, or the public/voluntary sector
- A strong track record of strategic planning, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance
- Experience working with local authorities, commissioners, and external stakeholders
- The ability to inspire teams, build relationships, and deliver transformational change
- A passion for inclusion, innovation, and empowering people with complex needs
- Outstanding communication, influencing, and leadership skills
- Commitment to Sense’s values of inclusion, independence, and empowerment
About Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.
Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.
To Apply
Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time. No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they’re given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Director of Operational Services- 12 month FTC employer: Sense
Contact Detail:
Sense Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Director of Operational Services- 12 month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Research Sense thoroughly before your interview. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in operational services. This will help you align your experience with their goals and demonstrate your commitment to their cause.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led large teams and managed multi-site operations in the past. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented that resulted in improved service delivery and financial sustainability.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current or former employees of Sense if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your interview process.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your passion for inclusion and innovation in your discussions. Be prepared to share ideas on how you would drive these values within the organisation, as this aligns closely with Sense's mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Director of Operational Services- 12 month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Director of Operational Services position. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and the skills they are looking for.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in leading large teams, strategic planning, and financial oversight. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and champion high-quality care.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for inclusion and empowerment. Address how your values align with those of Sense and provide examples of how you've successfully led transformational change in previous roles.
Complete the Application Form Thoroughly: When filling out the online application form, ensure that every section is completed in full. Pay special attention to the Personal Specification section, as this will be used to shortlist candidates for interviews.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Before the interview, make sure you have a deep understanding of the Director of Operational Services role. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and how they align with your experience. This will help you articulate how you can contribute to the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples from your past roles that demonstrate your leadership skills, particularly in managing large teams and driving operational excellence. Be ready to discuss how you've fostered a supportive performance culture and delivered transformational change.
✨Highlight Your Strategic Vision
Be prepared to discuss your approach to strategic planning and financial oversight. Share specific instances where you've developed effective business models or driven service quality and growth, as these are crucial for the role.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Since Sense values inclusion and empowerment, be sure to express your passion for these principles. Share experiences that illustrate your commitment to providing person-centred support and how you've worked to ensure services are inclusive and innovative.
