Director of Operations

THE BRENDON CARE FOUNDATION; Winchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job description

Director of Operations

Location: Winchester, hybrid working + travel across southern England
Full-time: Permanent
Salary: Up to £85,000 + Benefits
Application Deadline: Thursday 9th May 2025

Be Part of Something Bigger

At Brendoncare, we believe that everyone should live well in older age. We’re a charity with heart and ambition—supporting older people through a network of seven care homes and four extra care provisions with a thriving range of community services. We're proud to deliver care and connection in equal measure, championing wellbeing and inclusion in everything we do.

We are seeking an outstanding Director of Operations to provide inspirational leadership across our care and community services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of care delivery—leading with compassion, strategy, and innovation.

The Role: Strategic, Operational, Transformational

The Director of Operations plays a vital leadership role within Brendoncare’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT), overseeing the effective delivery and continuous improvement of our care homes, extra care services, and community programmes.

You will:

1. Lead day-to-day operations across multi-site care settings, ensuring high-quality, safe, and person-centred service delivery.
2. Champion regulatory compliance, embedding robust quality assurance systems and driving continuous service improvement to achieve excellence.
3. Support our Care model, integrating health, social care, and community engagement to enhance the lived experience of residents and members.
4. Develop and empower teams, providing leadership, mentorship, and accountability across our operational management structure.
5. Collaborate with external stakeholders, including Local Authorities, Integrated Care Boards, NHS partners, and regulators, to build strategic partnerships and influence sector-wide change.
6. Drive innovation and transformation, implementing new approaches to care that reflect evolving best practices and the needs of our communities.

About You

This role requires a skilled, values-led leader with a deep understanding of health and social care, operational excellence, and sector transformation.

You’ll bring:

1. Proven experience in senior operational leadership within health or social care.
2. A strong track record managing complex, multi-site teams and services.
3. Detailed understanding of CQC regulations, safeguarding, and quality standards.
4. Experience of setting and managing large operational budgets with commercial acumen.
5. A passion for data-led improvement and service development.
6. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
7. A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel across Brendoncare sites.

Desirable experience includes:

1. Leadership experience within a not-for-profit or charitable organisation.
2. Evidence of ongoing professional development in care, management, or quality.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

1. Manage and support Heads of Care, Membership, and Quality & Practice Development.
2. Ensure services exceed regulatory expectations and strive for ‘Outstanding’.
3. Lead service planning, performance improvement, and operational efficiency.
4. Respond to complaints, incidents, and investigations with transparency and action.
5. Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and excellence across all teams.

Strategic Development

1. Contribute operational insight to the charity’s strategy and business planning.
2. Align local KPIs and goals with Brendoncare’s vision and mission.
3. Lead on operational transformation projects and organisational change.

Resource and Financial Management

1. Develop and oversee service budgets, ensuring responsible resource allocation.
2. Identify cost savings without compromising quality.
3. Work closely with the finance and executive teams on forecasting and investment decisions.

People and Culture

1. Lead, coach and mentor direct reports and wider teams.
2. Collaborate with HR to support workforce development and talent pipelines.
3. Build a culture of trust, growth, and shared purpose across all directorates.

Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

1. Represent Brendoncare in key external forums, building positive relationships and partnerships.
2. Engage with regulatory bodies, safeguarding boards, and commissioners.
3. Be a visible leader who champions our charitable values at every level.

Why Join Brendoncare?

We know that great leadership is the foundation of great care. That’s why we invest in our people, support their development, and celebrate their impact.

In return, we offer:

1. 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays).
2. Pension scheme with matched contributions up to 7.5% (post-probation).
3. Life assurance (death in service benefit – 3x salary).
4. Eligibility for the Blue Light Card for retail discounts.
5. Flexible working and supportive leadership culture.
6. A meaningful role where you can shape services and touch lives.

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you’re ready to bring your experience, insight, and heart to a role where you can truly make a difference, we’d love to hear from you.

Applications close: Thursday 9th May 2025 For more details or to apply, please visit Brendoncare.org.uk/careers

Brendoncare is proud to be an inclusive employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities and are committed to building a diverse and supportive workforce.