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- Tasks: Lead operations to ensure high-quality support for people with disabilities.
- Company: People Matters, a values-driven charity in Leeds.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, health support, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of individuals with learning disabilities.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational leadership and commitment to inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on collaboration and creativity.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
People Matters (Leeds) CIC
Location: Hybrid – based at our Leeds office with the flexibility to work from home. There is an expectation to work in the office at least once per week.
Introduction
People Matters is a medium-sized charitable incorporated organisation with a wide membership model. Its members are people with disabilities, predominantly those with learning disabilities or autistic people who use its services. The staff team includes around 50 people, supported by volunteers. Services include social care, learning and social opportunities, and employment support. We are a values-led charity with a hands-on culture, limited bureaucracy, and a deep commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
Purpose
The Head of Operations will lead the operational delivery of People Matters’ services, ensuring high-quality support, strong safeguarding practice, and sustainable organisational growth. You will balance strategy with hands-on leadership — sometimes switching between the two within the same hour. This role is central to shaping the organisation’s future, strengthening internal systems, and ensuring that our members receive the best possible experience.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Leadership: Oversee day-to-day operations across all services, ensuring they run efficiently, safely, and in line with organisational values. Lead service planning, delivery, and evaluation to maintain high standards and continuous improvement. Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements, including safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection.
- Strategic Development: Work closely with the CEO and Board to develop and implement organisational strategy. Identify opportunities for service expansion, partnership development, and innovation. Contribute to long-term financial planning and sustainability.
- People Management: Lead, support, and develop the managers and coordinators. Foster a positive, inclusive, and high-performance culture. Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, training, wellbeing and performance management.
- Quality and Compliance: Ensure services meet or exceed quality standards, contractual obligations, and regulatory frameworks. Lead on safeguarding practice, risk management, and incident reporting. Implement systems for monitoring outcomes, impact, and service effectiveness.
- Systems and IT: Oversee the organisation’s digital infrastructure, ensuring systems are reliable, secure, and fit for purpose. Ensure compliance with data protection legislation and best practice in information governance. Identify opportunities to modernise systems, automate routine processes, and improve reporting and analytics.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Build strong relationships with members, families, commissioners, partners, and community organisations. Represent People Matters at external meetings, networks, and events. Promote the organisation’s mission and values across West Yorkshire.
- Finance and Resources: Manage operational budgets and ensure cost-effective service delivery. Support income generation through tenders, bids, and partnership opportunities. Oversee effective use of organisational resources, systems, and technology.
Person Specification
- Proven senior leadership experience in social care, community services, education, or a related field.
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
- Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage change, and drive improvement.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills.
- Commitment to inclusion, empowerment, and person-centred practice.
- Demonstrated ability to complete reports for stakeholders and update organisational policies and processes.
- Relevant Level 4 qualification (minimum) in education or social care.
- Commitment to continuous professional development.
- Humility, warmth, and collaborative leadership.
- Respect for lived experience.
- Emotional intelligence and resilience.
- Commitment to co-production and rights-based practice.
- Experience working with people with learning disabilities, autism, or additional needs.
- Experience overseeing a CQC regulated service.
- Knowledge of commissioning, contract management, and the voluntary/community sector.
- Experience in strategic planning and organisational development.
- Understanding of digital transformation and modern operational systems.
The Realities of This Role
- This role is hands-on; you will be close to operational issues.
- You will juggle strategy and delivery.
- The environment is dynamic, fast-paced, and people-centred.
- Resources are finite; creativity and pragmatism are essential.
- You will lead through complexity and ambiguity.
This role is NOT for you if…
- You want a purely strategic post with minimal operational involvement.
- You prefer predictable routines.
- You feel uncomfortable leading safeguarding practice.
- You struggle with fast decision-making.
This role IS for you if…
- You thrive in a values-driven environment.
- You enjoy balancing strategy with hands-on leadership.
- You are motivated by inclusion and empowerment.
- You want to influence culture and systems.
What We Offer
- Meaningful Work: The opportunity to contribute to an organisation that makes a real impact in the lives of people with learning disabilities, autism, and hidden disabilities in West Yorkshire.
- Positive, Supportive Culture: A workplace built on trust, collaboration, and kindness, where colleagues champion one another and work towards shared goals.
- A Voice That Matters: We actively encourage feedback and ideas at all levels. Your insight and experience will help shape the future of the organisation.
- Hybrid & Flexible Working: The autonomy to manage your time effectively with a blend of home-working and office presence. While there is an expectation to work from our Leeds office at least once per week, we support flexible arrangements around personal commitments such as childcare or other needs.
- Trust and Autonomy: A high degree of independence in how you plan and deliver your work, recognising you as a senior leader.
- Health & Wellbeing Support: Access to our health benefits scheme and Employee Assistance Programme, offering confidential emotional, financial, and wellbeing support.
- Exclusive Discounts: A range of discounts available to charity and social care workers.
- A Place to Grow: Opportunities to develop professionally while shaping an organisation that values continuous improvement.
People Matters is a member-led organisation supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, and other support needs to live more independent, connected, and fulfilling lives. We are seeking an experienced and values-driven Head of Operations to provide maternity cover and ensure the smooth running of our services, teams, and organisational systems.
About the Role
The Head of Operations plays a central role in ensuring our services run safely, efficiently, and in line with our mission. You will oversee day-to-day operations, lead and support staff teams, manage compliance and quality standards, and contribute to strategic planning during a key period of organisational delivery and development.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support operational teams to deliver high-quality, person-centred services.
- Oversee staffing, recruitment, supervision, and workforce planning.
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, health and safety, and regulatory requirements.
- Manage budgets, resources, and operational systems.
- Monitor performance, outcomes, and service quality.
- Work closely with senior leadership to support organisational development.
- Build strong relationships with members, families, partners, and commissioners.
About You
- Experienced in operational leadership within social care, community services, or the voluntary sector.
- Skilled in managing teams, systems, and compliance.
- Committed to person-centred practice and co-production.
- A confident communicator who builds positive relationships.
- Comfortable working in a dynamic, values-driven environment.
Head of Operations – People Matters – MAT leave cover April 26 – June 27 in Leeds employer: Volunteer Centre
Contact Detail:
Volunteer Centre Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations – People Matters – MAT leave cover April 26 – June 27 in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care and community services sectors. Attend events, join relevant groups, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching People Matters and its mission. Understand their values and how they align with your own. Think about how your experience in operational leadership can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re all about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on leadership style during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you’ve balanced strategy with day-to-day operations in previous roles. Highlight your commitment to inclusion and empowerment, as these are key values for People Matters.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to 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 being part of the People Matters team. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations – People Matters – MAT leave cover April 26 – June 27 in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for inclusion and empowerment shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours at People Matters, so don’t hold back on sharing your motivation for applying!
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in social care or community services. We’re looking for someone who can balance strategy with hands-on leadership, so give us examples of how you’ve done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and person specification outlined in the job description. This helps us see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to be part of our community from the get-go!
How to prepare for a job interview at Volunteer Centre
✨Know the Organisation Inside Out
Before your interview, take the time to research People Matters thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific services they provide. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Given the hands-on nature of the Head of Operations role, be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully led teams or managed operational challenges. Think about examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to balance strategy with day-to-day operations.
✨Showcase Your People Management Skills
As this role involves leading and developing teams, be prepared to talk about your experience in people management. Share specific instances where you've fostered a positive culture, supported staff development, or navigated difficult conversations. This will demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and empowerment.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the current challenges the organisation faces or how they measure success in their services. This shows that you're thinking critically about the role and are eager to contribute to the organisation's future.
