Head of Operations Mental Health & Learning Disability Services

NHS; Bradford; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in the UK is seeking an experienced Head of Operations for Mental Health & Learning Disability Services. This senior leadership role involves overseeing community services and working closely with clinical teams to ensure high-quality care. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in operational service management and a relevant health or social care postgraduate qualification. The position offers flexible working and a commitment to staff wellbeing and development.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Health and wellbeing opportunities

Qualifications

• Significant experience of operational service management at a senior level in community or inpatient services.
• Experience of leading the provision of clinical services.
• Experience of managing service budgets and business plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across mental health services.
• Collaborate with senior clinical and operational leaders.
• Ensure effective performance of teams and high-quality governance.

Skills

Operational service management experience

Clinical service leadership

Budget management

Project management

Education

Postgraduate professional qualification in health or social care

Master's level or equivalent experience

Management qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced, visionary leader to join our Trust as Head of Operations for Mental Health & Learning Disability Services. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver high-quality care for children, adults and older adults across community services. The postholder will support the Deputy Director to deliver the Trust's operational plan and strategic framework and oversee the operational management of services within the Mental Health & Learning Disability Care Group.

This senior leadership role involves working in collaboration with the Heads of Professions and Corporate services to ensure effective performance of teams, high quality governance, workforce planning, emergency planning and ongoing business development. The postholder will promote a culture of innovation, involvement and quality improvement.

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Operations and working closely with senior clinical and operational leaders, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across:

• Children and Young People's Mental Health Services
• Older Adults Mental Health Services
• Learning Disability Services
• Talking Therapy Services

Qualifications

Essential:

• Relevant health or social care postgraduate professional qualification
• Masters Level or equivalent experience
• Appropriate management and professional qualification or equivalent experience

Desirable:

• Project management qualification or equivalent experience

Experience Essential:

• Significant experience of operational service management at a senior level in community or inpatient services
• Experience of leading the provision of clinical services
• Experience of managing service budgets, contributing to strategic and operational business plans linked to a financial strategy

Desirable:

• Specific operational experience in mental health and learning disability services

Benefits and Working Arrangements

Everything we do is underpinned by our core values: We Care, We Listen, We Deliver. Flexible working arrangements are available and a range of health, wellbeing and development opportunities are offered.

We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. The Trust is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability and actively encourages sustainable quality improvement across all service areas.

Closing and Application Dates

Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 7th January 2026

Shortlisting Date: Thursday 8th January 2026

Interview Date: Friday 16th January 2026

Right to Work

Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK and you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment.