At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operations and development for supported living services, driving quality and innovation.
- Company: Walsingham Support, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to improving lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape impactful services.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team committed to inclusion and outstanding support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in social care and a passion for service improvement.
Wales Region Home-Based with National / Regional Travel
Shape the Future of Walsingham Support
We are looking for an exceptional leader to join our Senior Leadership Team as our next Head of Operations & Development. This is a rare opportunity to lead a significant operational portfolio while helping to shape the future direction of Walsingham Support.
As Head of Operations & Development, you will provide strategic leadership across supported living services, ensuring outstanding outcomes for the people we support, strong operational performance, regulatory excellence, and sustainable growth. You will lead and inspire Area Managers, driving a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, innovation, and person-centred support. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to identify opportunities, develop new services, strengthen partnerships, and deliver our strategic ambitions. This role requires a leader who can confidently operate at both strategic and operational levels. One day you may be presenting performance information to the Executive Leadership Team, the next supporting a service through a complex operational challenge, and the next developing opportunities with commissioners and external partners.
What You'll Be Responsible For:
- Providing strategic leadership across a regional portfolio of supported living and residential services.
- Leading, coaching and developing Area Managers.
- Driving quality, compliance, safeguarding and operational excellence.
- Ensuring services achieve strong financial performance and occupancy levels.
- Leading on complex operational issues and organisational priorities.
- Building and maintaining influential relationships with commissioners, regulators and key stakeholders.
- Supporting business growth through service development, tenders and new opportunities.
- Contributing to organisational strategy as a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
- Championing a culture that promotes independence, inclusion and outstanding support for the people we support.
- Holding active Registered Manager Status with the CIW and Social Care Wales.
We're Looking For Someone Who:
- Is an inspiring and credible leader with experience of leading multiple services.
- Has a track record of improving quality, compliance and operational performance.
- Understands the challenges and opportunities facing adult social care.
- Can analyse complex information and make sound decisions under pressure.
- Builds strong relationships and influences at all levels.
- Demonstrates commercial awareness and financial accountability.
- Is passionate about developing people and creating high-performing teams.
- Embodies the values and ambitions of Walsingham Support.
Why Apply?
This is more than a leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence the future of our organisation, shape services that change lives, develop the next generation of leaders, and help Walsingham Support continue to grow and thrive. If you are ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a lasting impact, we would love to hear from you.
Head of Operations & Development employer: Walsingham Support
Walsingham Support is an exceptional employer that prioritises the development of its leaders and the people they support. With a strong commitment to person-centred care, our work culture fosters innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and collaboration across the organisation. As a home-based role with national and regional travel, you will enjoy the flexibility of remote work while making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals across Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations & Development
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Walsingham Support.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Walsingham Support.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Walsingham Support.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Walsingham Support. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations & Development
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Walsingham Support. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Head of Operations & Development, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsingham Support
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Walsingham Support. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
