Deputy Care Operations Manager

Secure Care UK - Bases; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Maidstone seeks a Deputy Care Operations Manager for full-time support of patient transport needs. Responsibilities include leading teams, ensuring compliance, and managing resources. Ideal candidates have a full UK driving license and experience in leadership roles within healthcare or emergency services. The position offers a blended pay rate of £14.29 per hour with further benefits including pension and training opportunities.

Benefits

Company pension

Refer-a-friend bonus

Health Care Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Full uniform and enhanced PPE

Wagestream financial wellbeing platform

Monthly Care Awards

Qualifications

• Full UK Manual Driving License is required.
• Enhanced DBS within the last 3 years is preferred.
• At least 12 months' driving experience is preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in healthcare, security, or emergency services.
• Confident using IT systems for scheduling and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach teams to deliver safe, effective care.
• Monitor compliance with health & safety and company protocols.
• Manage rotas and resource allocation.
• Support recruitment, onboarding, and staff retention.

Skills

Leadership experience

Strong communication skills

Calm under pressure

Driving skills

Job description

Deputy Care Operations Manager – Full Time (40.3 hours / week)

Location: The Old Stables, Tonbridge Road, Mereworth, Maidstone, ME18 5LR

Reports To: Area Care Operations Manager (ACOM)

Job Type: Full‑time

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating between 4 days and 4 nights – 12‑hour shifts)

Pay: Blended rate of £14.29 p / h (Annual Remuneration of £29,993.83 based on expected hours)

Equal Opportunities

Secure Care UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

What You’ll Be Doing

You will support a wide range of transport needs involving individuals detained under the Mental Health Act, including:

• Hospital transfers, court or prison escorts, and medical appointments
• House extractions under Section 135, working with police and mental health professionals to move individuals from their home to a place of safety
• Community assessments, supporting local authority mental health reviews in people’s homes
• Bed watch services, supervising and supporting admitted patients during hospital stays
• Suite work, caring for patients held in psychiatric suites under Section 136 or 135, often for up to 24–36 hours

You’ll work in crews of two or more, rotating between driving, escorting, and supervising patients, using secure, specially‑adapted vehicles (under 3.5 tonnes or larger Safe Area Vehicles for complex cases).

This isn’t just a driving job—it’s about accompanying patients with care, dignity, and compassion through their most difficult transitions.

Responsibilities

As a Deputy Care Operations Manager, you’ll also be responsible for:

• Leading and coaching teams to deliver safe, effective care
• Monitoring compliance with health & safety and company protocols
• Managing rotas, vehicle readiness, and resource allocation
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding, and retention of staff
• Acting as the first point of contact for operational escalations
• Ensuring accurate use of electronic systems and data reporting
• Promoting a positive team culture through regular communication and support
• Contributing to business development and building client relationships
• Working collaboratively with other departments for service delivery

Requirements

• Full UK Manual Driving License (Required)
• Enhanced DBS within the last 3 years (Preferred)
• At least 12 months’ driving experience (Preferred)
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in healthcare, security, emergency services, or a related field
• Strong communication and coaching skills
• Calm under pressure and passionate about quality patient care
• Confident using IT systems for scheduling, reporting, and communication

Who We Are

Secure Care UK was founded in 2013 in response to a growing need for safe, compassionate mental health transport. We are proud to be the first and only secure transport provider in the UK meeting Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards. With operations spanning the UK and some international services, we work with NHS trusts, local authorities, and private care settings to deliver essential support every day.

Our values are at the heart of what we do: Patient First | Respect | Openness | Unity | Determination

Training & Development

• Full induction including de‑escalation, physical intervention, handcuff training, and First Aid
• Specialist training, NVQ Diplomas, and mentoring programmes
• Leadership development and career progression opportunities

Benefits

• Company pension
• Refer‑a‑friend bonus
• Health Care Cash Plan (after 6 months)
• Eligibility for Blue Light Card
• Employee Assistance Programme (from day one)
• Full uniform and enhanced PPE
• Wagestream financial wellbeing platform
• Additional annual leave (after 2 years of service)
• Monthly Care Awards and driver recognition schemes
• Suggestion scheme with rewards for implemented ideas

Pay Enhancements

• Overtime: £22.00 p / h
• Enhanced pay of £1.20 p / h for Place of Safety and Bed Watch
• Additional shift enhancement of £1.75 p / h for call‑ins or extra shifts

Flexibility & Commitment

Due to the nature of our services, flexibility is essential. While we operate on structured 4‑on / 4‑off rotas, there may be occasions when shift overruns or changes are necessary to meet patient needs. We appreciate and support a responsive, team‑first approach.

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?

If you're passionate about supporting teams and patients, ready to lead with integrity, and want to grow within a company that values its people and purpose—apply today to begin your next chapter with Secure Care UK.