Commissioning Operations Manager

Orchard Care Homes Ltd.; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

£70,000 salary per annum

£4,200 car allowance

Career development from day one

Hundreds of colleague discounts

Recognition schemes (Making a Differ-­

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) 24

Company pension

Fully funded DBS check

Job summary

Orchard Care Homes Ltd. is seeking an experienced Commissioning Operations Manager to lead mobilisation, commissioning and operational success across the region. Travel across the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Midlands may be required.

You will embed dementia and mental health care models, support Home Managers to achieve excellent care and regulatory outcomes, and build partnerships with commissioners and local authorities to drive occupancy and sustainable referrals.

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years' experience as a Registered Care Home Manager in dementia/complex care.
• Strong knowledge of CQC regulations with a track record of Good/Outstanding ratings.
• Experience supporting service mobilisation, commissioning or business development.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills.
• Strong financial and operational management experience.
• Valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mobilisation and commissioning of new care services and acquisitions.
• Embed Orchard's Reconnect Dementia and Reconnect Mental Health care models.
• Support Home Managers to achieve high standards of care, quality, and regulatory compliance.
• Build relationships with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and healthcare professionals.
• Drive occupancy growth and develop sustainable referral pathways.
• Provide interim Home Manager support when required to ensure continuity and stability.
• Manage budgets, performance targets and operational resources.
• Coach and develop leaders to create high-performing, engaged teams.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Operational management

Travel willingness

Budget management

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care

Level 4 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care

Nursing qualification (desirable)

Job description

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

Brief Description

At Orchard Care Homes, we're growing, evolving, and investing in the future of care. As part of our strategic expansion, we're looking for an experienced Commissioning Operations Manager to join our leadership team and play a pivotal role in the mobilisation, commissioning, and operational success of our homes across the regions. Travel across the North West, North East, Yorkshire and Midlands may occasionally be required to support business needs.

This is a unique opportunity for an accomplished care home leader who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys leading change, and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for residents living with dementia and complex care needs. You'll work closely with our Head of Commissioning to bring new services to life, support existing homes, and help shape the future of Orchard Care Homes.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Commissioning Operations Manager, you'll provide operational leadership across our portfolio, ensuring newly commissioned and existing services are safe, compliant, and positioned for success.

Key Responsibilities Include

• Leading the mobilisation and commissioning of new care services and acquisitions
• Embedding Orchard's innovative Reconnect Dementia and Reconnect Mental Health care models
• Supporting Home Managers to achieve exceptional standards of care, quality, and regulatory compliance
• Building strong relationships with commissioners, local authorities, Integrated Care Boards and healthcare professionals
• Driving occupancy growth and developing sustainable referral pathways
• Providing interim Home Manager support when required, ensuring continuity and stability
• Managing budgets, performance targets and operational resources effectively
• Coaching and developing leaders to create high-performing, engaged teams

What We're Looking For

We're seeking an inspiring operational leader who combines strong commercial awareness with a passion for person-centred care.

You'll Have

• A minimum of 2 years' experience as a Registered Care Home Manager within a dementia or complex care environment
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or Level 4 with commitment to complete Level 5)
• Strong knowledge of CQC regulations and a track record of achieving Good or Outstanding ratings
• Experience supporting service mobilisation, commissioning or business development within the care sector
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Strong financial and operational management experience
• A valid UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the region
• Nursing qualification and active NMC PIN (desirable but not essential)

Why Join Orchard Care Homes

At Orchard, we're committed to delivering the kind of care we'd want for our own families. We invest heavily in our people and offer genuine opportunities to develop and progress as our organisation continues to grow.

Everything You'll Love

• Salary of £70,00 per annum plus £4,200 car allowance
• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference” award and Long Service Awards
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
• Fully funded DBS check

About Orchard Care Homes

For more than 15 years, Orchard Care Homes has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families.

We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and warmly welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our Defence Employer Recognition Scheme commitment. We value the unique strengths and experiences that service personnel bring and strive to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.