General Manager

Hartford Care; Chawton; On-site; GBP 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hartford Care Ltd. in England seeks a General Manager for Alton Place to lead a newly opened dementia care home through its growth phase. You will drive occupancy, build a high-performing team, and shape culture and reputation in the local community.

You'll manage budget, ensure CQC standards, champion person-centred care, and maintain strong links with families, GPs and social services while delivering compassionate, safe, high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Proven experience filling beds and growing occupancy in a care home.
• Management or leadership qualification (NVQ, RMA or Diploma at Level 5 minimum).
• Previous management experience in a residential/nursing home of similar size.

Responsibilities

• Drive occupancy growth by building community links and engaging referrers.
• Show prospective residents and families around the home and be the local face.
• Recruit, induct, train and develop the team as the home grows.
• Lead and inspire a hands-on, trusted team.
• Ensure Alton Place meets CQC standards and the company quality standards.
• Champion person-centred care for residents with dementia and residential needs.
• Manage budgets, maximise occupancy and control costs.
• Build relationships with families, GPs, district nurses, social services and the community.
• Carry out clinical audits and oversee medication, safeguarding, infection control and health & safety.

Skills

Occupancy growth

Team leadership

Communication

IT skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Management qualification (NVQ/RMA/Diploma Level 5)

Tools

CQC knowledge

NMC Code of Conduct

Job description

Alton Place is a residential and dementia care home that opened in July 2025, and we're looking for an inspiring General Manager to lead it through its next phase of growth. The foundations are in place. Now we need someone to grow occupancy, build a settled, high-performing team, and shape the culture and reputation of the home in the local community. You will have full responsibility for the home, from filling beds to the quality of the care your team delivers every day. Dignity, independence and individual choice will always be at the centre of your decisions.

About The Role

You will:

• Drive occupancy growth, filling beds by building community links, working with referrers and assessing prospective residents to match their needs to the home


• Show prospective residents and their families around the home, and be the face of Alton Place in the local community


• Recruit, induct, train and develop the team as the home grows, building strong teamwork and a culture of high standards


• Lead and inspire your team, with a visible, hands-on presence that residents, families and colleagues know and trust


• Make sure Alton Place meets CQC Fundamental Standards and the company's own brand and quality standards


• Champion person-centred care for people living with dementia and for residents with residential care needs


• Manage budgets, maximise occupancy and control costs as the home grows


• Build strong relationships with families, GPs, district nurses, social services and the wider community


• Carry out regular clinical audits and oversee medication, safeguarding, infection control, and health and safety

About You

You will have:

• Proven experience of filling beds and growing occupancy in a newly opened or low-occupancy care home


• A relevant management or leadership qualification (NVQ, RMA or Diploma at Level 5 minimum)


• Previous management experience in a residential or nursing home of a similar size


• A strong knowledge of CQC Fundamental Standards and the NMC Code of Conduct


• Experience of caring for people living with dementia


• A real understanding of person-centred care, promoting independence and enablement


• Excellent communication and IT skills


• The ability to motivate a team, manage your time well and stay calm under pressure


• Good commercial awareness


• Flexibility around working hours, including occasional on-call duties and night visits

It Would Be Great If You Also Have

• Experience of opening or commissioning a new care home


• At least three years' experience in a residential care setting


• End of life care knowledge and experience


• Experience in rehabilitation and enablement