Head of Older Communities

Defour Partnership Ltd; Remote; GBP 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity partnership is seeking a Head of Older Communities to oversee care services across the UK. This unique leadership role requires a visionary leader to develop new services while ensuring the highest standards of quality and compassion for older people. Ideal candidates will have proven experience in managing older people’s services, deep knowledge of relevant legislation, and inspiring leadership qualities. The position offers competitive compensation, generous leave, and development opportunities.

Benefits

33 days annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme

Health Cash Plan

Bike to Work Scheme

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing older people’s services at a senior level.
• Experience of multi‑site operational management across the UK.
• Deep knowledge of older people and nursing care legislation.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across older communities services.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks.
• Manage and negotiate complex contracts.

Skills

Managing older people's services at a senior level

Multi-site operational management

Knowledge of legislation and policy in care

Inspirational leadership

Communication skills

Job description

Role: Head of Older Communities Location: England and Scotland (Remote with travel across sites) Salary: £66,671 per annum plus benefits Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Defour Partnership is proud to partner with SJOG, a fantastic values driven charity who have been supporting people in their lives for 140 years. SJOG is proud to offer a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a truly unique portfolio of care services. We are seeking a visionary leader for our Head of Older Communities to oversee several registered care / nursing homes and domiciliary services, delivered through full management contracts with religious communities across Scotland and England.

About the Role

This is no ordinary leadership position. You will be at the forefront of developing new services, and shaping and delivering exceptional care for older people, ensuring services meet the highest standards of quality, compassion, and innovation. Youll lead the Older Communities strategy, working closely with the people we support and their community families, and care teams to develop forward‑thinking models of care that reflect the values of SJOG.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of older communities services.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks and best practice standards.
• Manage and negotiate complex contracts within older communities and with partners.
• Oversee a budget exceeding £4 million, ensuring financial sustainability and value.
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in care delivery.
• Champion outstanding outcomes for older people, rooted in hospitality, compassion and respect.
• Complete tenders and develop new services with NHS / ICBs and Local Authorities and other religious communities UK wide.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in managing and leading older people’s services at a senior level.
• Experience of multi‑site operational management across the UK.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy, procedures and practices in older people and nursing care.
• Inspirational leadership and the ability to build trusted relationships.
• The ability to develop and shape an older people’s strategy, monitor and report to the Executive Management Team.
• Values driven, compassion, innovation and good communication skills.

Benefits and Rewards

• Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro‑rata) including bank and public holidays.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme.
• Health Cash Plan.

Bike to Work Scheme

Excellent training and development opportunities. An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (which we will pay for) will be required for the role.

Closing Date for applications: Monday 19th January 2026. 1st Stage Interview: Thursday 29th January 2026. 2nd Stage Interview: Monday 2nd February 2026.

Defour Partnership has partnered with SJOG and are managing the recruitment for this role. For more information and a confidential chat please contact Joanne Diver or apply online today!