Operations Manager

Hightown; Watford; On-site; GBP 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading housing association in the UK seeks an Operations Manager to lead Young People homelessness services in Watford & Hemel Hempstead. This role involves ensuring high-quality support, compliance with legal frameworks, and service development. Candidates should have proven leadership in services for young people and experience managing complex services. Competitive salary and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

£43,446 per annum

33 days annual leave

Monthly attendance bonus

Workplace pension and life assurance

Refer-a-friend scheme

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in young people’s services, care, or supported housing.
• In-depth understanding of the needs experienced by homeless individuals.
• Experience managing complex services and driving operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality support that promotes independence and safety.
• Ensure compliance with legal frameworks.
• Develop services to meet evolving needs.

Skills

Leadership in young people’s services

Understanding of complex needs of homeless people

Safeguarding and risk management

Communication and problem-solving skills

Job description

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you passionate about empowering young people to thrive? At Hightown Housing Association, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to live independently, safely, and with dignity. We are seeking a dedicated Operations Manager to lead our Young People homelessness services in Watford & Hemel Hempstead.

This is a unique opportunity to shape services that support young people facing complex challenges - whether transitioning out of care, experiencing homelessness, or needing tailored support to build life skills and resilience.

What You Will Lead On

• High-quality, strengths-based support that promotes independence, safety, and personal growth.
• Compliance with key legalisation and frameworks including Ofsted Supported Accommodation (England) Regulations 2023, Children Act 1989 & 2004, Care Act 2014.
• Service development and transformation to meet evolving needs and commissioning priorities.
• Recruitment, supervision, and development of passionate, trauma-informed staff teams.
• Strategic partnerships with commissioners, social workers, and external agencies.
• Performance monitoring, audits, and continuous improvement.

What You Will Bring

• Proven leadership in young people’s services, care, or supported housing.
• An in depth understanding of the multiple and complex needs experienced by homeless people.
• Previous experience of working in services for people experiencing homelessness.
• Strong understanding of safeguarding, trauma-informed practice, and risk management.
• Experience managing complex services and driving operational excellence.
• A collaborative, compassionate approach to team and service development.
• Excellent communication, problem‑solving, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Why Hightown?

Be part of a values‑driven organisation that puts people first.

Lead services that truly change lives.

Enjoy a supportive culture of learning, reflection, and innovation.

Competitive salary and benefits package.

Opportunities to shape the future of care and supported housing.

Make a Real Impact

This is more than a management role - it’s a chance to shape services that change lives. You will work closely with commissioners, social workers, and external partners to ensure our Young People services are responsive, compassionate, and effective.

The Benefits:

• £43,446 per annum for a 37.5-hour week
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays), rising to 35 with service
• Monthly attendance bonus and annual performance bonus
• Workplace pension and life assurance (3x salary)
• Refer-a-friend scheme (£130 bonus)
• Ongoing professional development and support
• Monthly reflective practice sessions

Important Information

Due to the nature of the services we run and the need to respond to business requirements, you may be required to work with different cohorts and/or within different geographical patch areas during your employment. The organisation reserves the right to make such changes to meet operational and service delivery needs.

We are shortlisting and interviewing candidates on an ongoing basis and may close the vacancy early. Interested applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible to ensure they are considered.

Hightown is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Successful candidates will need to have a satisfactory disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service, together with any other relevant recruitment checks.

We are an Equal Opportunities & Disability Confident Employer