Head of Day Opportunities

David Lewis Centre; Alderley Edge; On-site; GBP 53,000 - 71,000; Full time

Job summary

David Lewis Centre in Cheshire is seeking a Head of Day Opportunities to provide strategic and operational leadership across our Day Opportunities provision. You will lead a high-performing team and shape services to help people with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism and complex needs live more independently.

The role requires senior leadership experience in health or social care, strong people management, financial acumen, and a commitment to person-centred care.

Qualifications

• Significant senior leadership experience in health, social care, education, or related sector.
• Exceptional people management and coaching skills.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Experience leading change and service development.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• A relevant professional or degree-level qualification.
• Passion for delivering outstanding, person-centred services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a high-performing management team.
• Drive service innovation and continuous improvement.
• Shape future strategy and growth opportunities.
• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance.
• Manage budgets and operational performance.
• Work with commissioners, families, professionals and internal stakeholders.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for the people we support.
• Play a key role within the Senior Management Team, helping shape the future direction.

Skills

Senior leadership

People management

Financial awareness

Service development

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Communication skills

Degree-level qualification

Education

Degree-level qualification

Job description

Head of Day Opportunities

Lead. Inspire. Transform Lives.

Salary: £62,000

Location: David Lewis, Cheshire

Hours: Full Time

Are you an experienced leader ready to shape the future of life-changing services? Do you have the vision to inspire teams, drive excellence, and create meaningful opportunities for people to live fulfilling and independent lives?

At David Lewis, we're looking for an exceptional Head of Day Opportunities to lead and develop one of the most important areas of our organisation.

This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to have a lasting impact on the lives of the people we support while leading a talented team that shares your passion for the provision of individualised care, skills development, and personal growth.

Why David Lewis?

For over 122 years, David Lewis has been supporting people with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism and complex needs to live life to the fullest. Our Day Opportunities service plays a vital role in helping people develop skills, build confidence, access meaningful activities, and achieve their personal goals.

As our next Head of Day Opportunities, you'll be at the heart of that mission.

Whether you're an existing David Lewis colleague looking for your next leadership challenge or an external candidate seeking a rewarding senior role, we'd love to hear from you.

What You'll Be Doing:

You’ll provide strategic and operational leadership across our Day Opportunities provision, ensuring services are:

• Safe.
• Effective.
• Caring.
• Responsive.
• Well Led.

You’ll:

• Lead and develop a high-performing management team.
• Drive service innovation and continuous improvement.
• Shape future strategy and growth opportunities.
• Ensure regulatory and legislative compliance.
• Manage budgets and operational performance.
• Work closely with commissioners, families, professionals and internal stakeholders.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for the people we support.
• Play a key role within the Senior Management Team, helping shape the future direction of David Lewis.

What We're Looking For:

We're searching for a leader who can balance strategic thinking with operational excellence.

You’ll Ideally Have:

• Significant senior leadership experience within health, social care, education, or a related sector.
• Exceptional people management and coaching skills.
• Strong commercial and financial awareness.
• Experience leading change and service development.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• A relevant professional or degree-level qualification.
• A passion for delivering outstanding, person-centred services.

Most importantly, you'll share our values and commitment to helping people achieve their full potential.

The Person:

You’ll Be Someone Who:

• Inspires confidence and credibility.
• Leads with integrity, honesty and compassion.
• Enjoys developing and empowering others.
• Can see the bigger picture while delivering day-to-day results.
• Thrives on challenge and continuous improvement.
• Wants to make a genuine difference every single day.

What’s In It For You?

• The opportunity to lead a well-established and respected service.
• A senior leadership role with real influence and impact.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression.
• The chance to work alongside passionate, dedicated colleagues.
• A role where your leadership directly improves lives.

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

If you're looking for a role where strategic leadership meets purpose, we'd love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape the future of Day Opportunities at David Lewis.

For an insight into life at David Lewis, visit our website and watch our video:

www.davidlewis.org.uk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKlbvXWCnAM

Please note:

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

David Lewis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check and safer recruitment processes.