Deputy Care Operations Manager

Orcutt Labs, Inc.; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider is seeking a Deputy Care Operations Manager to oversee mental health transport services. This full-time role involves leading teams, managing operational performance, and ensuring a compassionate approach to patient care during transfers. Ideal candidates will demonstrate strong leadership and communication skills, with a commitment to high standards of care in a challenging environment.

Benefits

Company pension

Cycle-to-work scheme

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

Qualifications

• At least 12 months driving experience preferred.
• Prior leadership experience in healthcare, security, or emergency services.
• Calm under pressure with a passionate approach to quality patient care.

Responsibilities

• Support, mentor, and lead teams for patient-centered care.
• Manage rotas, vehicle readiness, and resource allocation.
• Monitor compliance with health and safety protocols.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Emotional resilience

Education

Full UK Manual Driving License

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)

If you're an experienced leader in healthcare or secure services, this is your opportunity to step into a meaningful management role with purpose.

At Secure Care UK , we dont just transport patientswe care for them through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. As a Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM) , you will support, mentor, and lead teams to deliver safe, respectful, and person-centred mental health transport services. Youll act as a role model for quality care, manage operational performance, and ensure your team embodies the values that set us apart.

Were looking for passionate individuals with strong leadership skills, calm under pressure, and committed to making a positive difference.

This is a highly unpredictable and emotionally demanding role, often supporting individuals in distress or crisis. Candidates must demonstrate compassion, patience, and emotional resilience. You will need to manage sensitive and sometimes distressing information, adapt quickly to changing situations, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure environments. In return, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team making a meaningful difference every day.

• What Youll 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 peoples 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 2436 hours
  
  

Youll 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 isnt just a driving jobits about accompanying patients with care, dignity, and compassion through their most difficult transitions.

As a Deputy Care Operations Manager, youll 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

• What We Offer
  
  

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
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• 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 .

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