Director of Operations Mental Health - 35 hours per week, home based in the North West - Driver

Alternative Futures Group; Liverpool City Region; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Alternative Futures Group seeks a Director of Operations Mental Health to lead strategies and performance in a charity providing mental health services. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years in operational leadership, overseeing multiple sites, and managing complex budgets. The role ensures outstanding quality and compliance in care services while fostering growth in line with strategic ambitions.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Car allowance

Qualifications

• At least 5 years’ senior operational leadership in adult health or social care.
• Experience managing multi-site estates and regulatory compliance.
• Understanding of health and social care legislation and policy.

Responsibilities

• Drive service development and growth to maximise revenue.
• Monitor operational delivery and implement corrective actions.
• Manage budgets, risks, and staff performance.

Skills

Problem-solving

Decision-making

Analytical skills

Strong communication

Project management

Education

Relevant professional or management qualification

Job description

About The Role

Alternative Futures Group has an ambition to be the leading third sector provider of inpatient and community mental health services over the next 2 years. The Director of Operations Mental Health will be responsible for delivering strategies, processes, and performance to ensure the organisation's goals are met.

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a trusted partner in ICB provider collaboratives shaping strategy and delivery of specialist mental health hospital services.
• Deliver flexible service models responsive to commissioner needs, reducing pressure on NHS and Local Authority partners.
• Provide sector-leading quality, safety, outcomes, and value across hospital and community mental health services.
• Meet growth targets through expansion of current hospital sites and development of new schemes.

The role involves overseeing the performance of the Mental Health Division and implementing the strategic mental health agenda from operational, clinical, quality, and corporate perspectives.

Dimensions:

• Responsibility for a division comprising 6 hospitals, approximately 65 community-supported living schemes, and outreach support, delivering around £20 million income.
• Operational budget responsibility of approximately £15 million.
• Direct line management of 4 reports.

Principal Accountabilities:

• Contribute expertise to improve operational and corporate performance.
• Drive service development and growth to maximise revenue.
• Innovate and support new service models aligned with strategic ambitions.
• Develop cost-effective structures and processes to meet performance standards.
• Monitor operational delivery and implement corrective actions.
• Build relationships with funders and partners to facilitate growth.
• Negotiate and allocate financial resources within budgets.
• Ensure models of support are best practice and value for money.
• Support the COO and other senior leaders in strategic and operational initiatives.
• Maintain regulatory compliance and oversee quality and safety strategies.
• Manage the senior management team and ensure effective resource use.
• Manage budgets, risks, and staff performance.
• Report to the board and trustees regularly and participate in strategic activities.

Person Specification - Essential Requirements

Skills and Knowledge:

• Excellent problem-solving, resilience, decision-making, and analytical skills.
• Strong communication, IT literacy, influence, and project management skills.
• Understanding of health and social care legislation and policy.

Values and Attitudes:

• Commitment to public service values, self-development, and making a positive impact.

Experience:

• At least 5 years’ senior operational leadership in adult health or social care.
• Experience with strategic risk, change management, and working with senior executives and boards.
• Experience managing multi-site estates and regulatory compliance.

Qualifications and Training:

• Relevant professional or management qualification.
• Continuous professional development.

Other Requirements:

• Full driving license, ability to travel, and participate in on-call duties.

We offer flexible working options, a car allowance, and are committed to supporting our staff’s work-life balance. The role is Band IV, with interview dates scheduled for 15th July (Liverpool) and 18th July.

About Us

We’re Alternative Futures Group, a charity providing support for people with learning disabilities or mental health conditions, with over 30 years of experience. We aim to create a world where everyone can achieve their aspirations and are committed to our values and to our staff’s well-being.