At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage operations in adult social care, ensuring quality and compliance across services.
- Company: Kent Autistic Trust, a values-driven organisation focused on quality and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and strong executive support.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of autistic adults while shaping operational excellence.
- Qualifications: Significant senior management experience in adult social care and knowledge of relevant frameworks.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 62000 £ per year.
Kent (Hybrid / on site (multi site) – 3-4 days per week) based in Medway £55 - 62k - dependent on experience.
Kent Autistic Trust (KAT) is recruiting an additional Operations Manager to provide strong, proactive leadership across our residential, supported living and day services. This is a senior operational role reporting directly to the Chief Executive, created following a strategic review to strengthen quality oversight, regulatory assurance and sustainable service performance.
The Role
- Provide senior operational leadership and line management to Service Managers across multiple sites.
- Jointly act as a Registered Manager for Supported Living services in the Medway based services.
- Lead safeguarding practice, risk management, and complaint oversight.
- Drive improvement through audits, business plans, appraisals and performance management and strive for outstanding service level only.
- Work closely with a dedicated Compliance and Quality Manager, with a clear separation of compliance and operational functions.
- Work closely with our award-winning PBS team.
- Support inspection readiness and act as a first‑line operational lead during CQC inspections.
- Ensure contract compliance across the services in Medway.
- Play a key role in service development, mobilisation, and capacity planning.
About You
- We are looking for experienced, confident leaders who have significant senior management experience in adult social care.
- Significant experience working with autistic adults who may have behaviours of concern and is familiar and experienced with respectful approaches, language and interventions.
- Be an existing or former Registered Manager (Supported Living or equivalent).
- Have strong working knowledge of the Care Act, safeguarding, MCA/DoLS and CQC frameworks.
- Have a positive and can‑do attitude, driven by dedication and passion for people’s rights and wellbeing.
- Can balance operational grip with values‑led, person‑centred leadership.
- Have sound judgement and know when to elevate risk appropriately.
Why Join KAT
- Opportunity to shape a newly strengthened operational structure.
- Clear executive support with delegated authority and trust.
- Strong values‑led organisation focused on quality and inclusion.
- Real influence over culture, systems, and outcomes.
- Collaborative senior team with specialist compliance and support functions.
Additional Information
- On‑call commitment approx. 1 in 3–4 weeks (under review).
- Hybrid working with travel across Kent services.
Operations Manager Specialist Adult Social Care in Chatham employer: The Kent Autistic Trust
Contact Detail:
The Kent Autistic Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager Specialist Adult Social Care in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the adult social care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Kent Autistic Trust. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Care Act and CQC frameworks. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for quality service delivery during those crucial conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Kent Autistic Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager Specialist Adult Social Care in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in adult social care, especially with autistic adults. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Operations Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant skills!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As this role involves senior operational leadership, it’s crucial to demonstrate your management experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, managed services, or improved operations in your previous roles. We love a good success story!
Highlight Your Knowledge of Regulations: Familiarity with the Care Act, safeguarding, and CQC frameworks is key for this position. Make sure to mention any relevant qualifications or experiences that showcase your understanding of these regulations. We’re looking for someone who knows their stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be all set!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Kent Autistic Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the Care Act, safeguarding, and CQC frameworks. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations but also understand how they impact service delivery.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've provided strong leadership in previous roles, especially in adult social care. Think about times when you've driven improvement or managed a team effectively, as this will be crucial for the Operations Manager role.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion
Let your dedication to improving the lives of autistic adults shine through. Share stories that highlight your commitment to person-centred care and how you've advocated for individuals' rights and wellbeing in your past positions.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation's approach to service development and compliance. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also invested in the future of the services you'll be managing.