Deputy Care Manager

Seeking an experienced, motivated, and highly professional Deputy Care Manager to support the strategic and operational management of our care services. This is a senior leadership role within the organisation, requiring a candidate with substantial experience in adult social care, strong operational oversight, and the ability to deputise fully for the Registered Manager and General Manager when required.

The Deputy Care Manager will work closely alongside senior management to ensure the effective delivery, development, and continuous improvement of high-quality, person-centred care services. The role extends beyond day-to-day shift coordination and requires active involvement in quality assurance, compliance management, workforce leadership, service development, safeguarding oversight, stakeholder engagement, and business operations.

The successful candidate will be expected to take a proactive leadership role in maintaining and improving standards across the service. This includes monitoring regulatory compliance, leading quality improvement initiatives, conducting detailed audits, analysing performance trends, identifying areas for development, and implementing corrective action plans where required. The Deputy Care Manager will support the organisation in achieving and maintaining full compliance with CQC regulations, company policies, contractual obligations, and best practice guidance.

A key responsibility of the role is the oversight and management of care delivery across multiple packages of care and staff teams. The Deputy Care Manager will monitor service quality through regular spot checks, competency observations, supervisions, audits, and client feedback, ensuring that care is consistently delivered safely, effectively, and in accordance with individual care plans and risk assessments.

The role requires a strong understanding of complex care coordination and care planning processes. The Deputy Care Manager will undertake comprehensive assessments for prospective clients, develop tailored care and support plans, complete risk assessments, and regularly review ongoing packages of care to ensure services continue to meet clients’ changing needs. They will work collaboratively with clients, families, commissioners, social workers, healthcare professionals, and multidisciplinary teams to achieve positive outcomes and maintain effective professional relationships.

The Deputy Care Manager will have significant responsibility for staff leadership and workforce management. This includes supporting recruitment and retention, conducting formal supervisions and appraisals, overseeing staff performance management, identifying training and development needs, and supporting disciplinary, absence, capability, and grievance procedures where appropriate. They will act as a mentor and role model for staff, promoting professionalism, accountability, and a culture of high performance throughout the organisation.

In addition to operational responsibilities, the Deputy Care Manager will contribute to the wider strategic development of the service. This may include supporting occupancy growth, strengthening relationships with commissioners and external professionals, assisting with service improvement plans, supporting implementation of new systems and processes, and contributing to business objectives and organisational development initiatives.

The role also carries significant safeguarding and incident management responsibilities. The successful candidate will be expected to oversee safeguarding concerns, complaints, accidents, incidents, and medication errors, ensuring these are investigated appropriately, documented accurately, and followed up with robust action plans and learning outcomes. They must demonstrate sound judgement, confidence in decision-making, and the ability to manage sensitive situations professionally and calmly.

This position requires a candidate with proven senior-level experience within domiciliary care or adult social care services, ideally in a Deputy Manager, Care Manager, Senior Care Coordinator, or equivalent leadership role. Applicants should possess a strong working knowledge of CQC Fundamental Standards, safeguarding legislation, medication management, risk management, and quality assurance processes. Experience of leading teams, managing compliance, conducting audits, and working collaboratively with external stakeholders is essential.

Candidates must hold a minimum Level 3 qualification in Health and Social Care and should hold, or be actively working towards, an NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care. Excellent communication, leadership, organisational, and problem-solving skills are essential, together with confidence using digital care management systems and maintaining accurate records.

The successful candidate will be professional, resilient, organised, and capable of managing competing priorities within a fast-paced care environment. They will be committed to delivering excellent standards of care while supporting the continued growth and development of the service. This role requires flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and participate in the on-call rota in line with operational requirements.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expect all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references, right to work checks, and an enhanced DBS check.