Head of Operations (Care Homes)

Harbour Healthcare Ltd; Greater Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A family-run care home provider in Greater Manchester is looking for a Head of Operations to lead and support 41 care homes. This pivotal role includes ensuring high standards of care and compliance while driving operational performance. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in the care sector, strong leadership skills, and in-depth knowledge of CQC regulations. Travel across multiple sites is required, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and teamwork is essential.

Benefits

Training and support for qualifications

Opportunities for promotion

Family-run business environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a senior operations role within the care sector.
• In-depth knowledge of CQC/CIW regulations.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent analytical and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Support Regional Managers to deliver high-quality care.
• Monitor performance and compliance across care homes.
• Lead implementation of new policies and improvement plans.
• Mentor and develop Regional Managers.

Skills

Leadership

Team development

Communication

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

CQC/CIW knowledge

Education

Relevant health or social care qualification

Job description

Head of Operations (Care Homes)

Harbour Healthcare

Location: National (with regular travel across 41 care homes)

The Head of Operations will play a pivotal national leadership role in supporting the Director of Operations and designated Regional Managers to deliver excellent operational performance across 41 care homes. This role will ensure the highest standards of care, compliance, and business efficiency are maintained, and will deputise for the Director of Operations when required.

Operational Leadership & Support

• Provide strategic and operational support to Regional Managers to ensure each care home delivers high‑quality, person‑centred care.
• Monitor performance, compliance, occupancy, staffing, and financial targets across regions, intervening when performance dips.
• Lead on the implementation of new policies, procedures, and improvement plans across the estate.
• Ensure effective communication and collaboration across all operational levels.
• Conduct regular regional and home visits to support and guide local leadership.

Quality & Compliance

• Support Regional Managers in ensuring homes are fully compliant with CQC/Care Inspectorate (Wales) standards and internal governance frameworks.
• Participate in and support preparation for CQC/Care Inspectorate (Wales) inspections, internal audits, and safeguarding investigations.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning.

Leadership & People Management

• Mentor and develop Regional Managers, supporting their leadership capabilities and performance.
• Deputise for the Operations Director in meetings, reporting and decision‑making as needed.
• Support recruitment, onboarding and development of senior care home leaders (e.g., Home Managers).

Strategic Development

• Contribute to business planning, growth strategy and innovation projects.
• Identify risks and opportunities at both regional and national levels, escalating appropriately.
• Support integration and mobilisation of new homes or services into the operational portfolio.

Performance Monitoring & Reporting

• Analyse performance data, providing insights and recommendations to the Operations Director.
• Lead or contribute to the resolution of underperformance or operational crises.

Essential Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior operations role within the care sector, preferably across multiple sites.
• In‑depth knowledge of CQC/CIW regulations and best practices in adult social care.
• Strong leadership, mentoring and team development skills.
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• Willingness and ability to travel nationally on a regular basis.
• Driving licence.

Desirable

• Relevant health or social care qualification (e.g. RN, NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care or Leadership & Management).
• Five years’ experience in a senior operational role.
• Experience in leading through regulatory inspection or turnaround situations.
• Commercial acumen with budget and financial management experience.

Who are Harbour Healthcare?

We are a family‑run business with 41 Care Homes across the UK and are growing year by year. Inclusion is how we unleash the power of diversity. We strive to foster belonging and empowerment at work. Harbour Healthcare listens and engages with our diverse communities, and we value teamwork within our diverse workplace.

Having family traditions at heart, our philosophy is simple: we strive to provide an excellent standard of care to our residents, treating them with complete dignity and respect.

We are looking for people who care regardless of qualifications or experience. We care more about you sharing and demonstrating our values, which are:

• Humility
• Accountability
• Achievement
• Passion
• Integrity

We will give you all the training and support you need, such as obtaining a qualification in health and social care and opportunities for promotion and career growth.

Harbour Healthcare has won many accolades and awards over the years, including carehome.co.uk Top 20 Awards (5 years running) and Disability Confident Committed.

Please note that all our positions require an Enhanced DBS check in relation to Children and Adults.

If you are interested, please click the apply button now!