Operations Manager - Elderly Care

We are looking for an Operations Manager to =join a small, growing elderly care group at a pivotal time in their journey, where your operational expertise will directly shape quality of care and future growth. This is a fantastic opportunity to step into a hands-on operational role with a clear pathway to develop into a potential directorship as the organisation expands.

About the Role:
You will take overall responsibility for the efficient, compliant, and person-centred operation of a portfolio of care homes, ensuring high standards and sustainable performance. Working closely with home managers and the senior leadership team, you will drive operational excellence, turnaround underperforming services, and embed robust processes across the group. Your work will have a tangible impact on resident outcomes, regulatory performance, and the long-term success of the organisation.

Key Responsibilities:
* Oversee day-to-day operational performance across a group of elderly care homes, ensuring consistent delivery of safe, high-quality care.
* Lead turnaround and improvement plans for underperforming services, addressing quality, financial, and staffing challenges.
* Implement and refine operational processes and systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and compliance.
* Support and coach registered managers, providing clear direction, performance oversight, and practical guidance.
* Monitor and ensure full CQC compliance, preparing services for inspections and responding effectively to action plans.
* Analyse operational data and KPIs to identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and implement targeted improvement actions.
* Collaborate with the leadership team on strategic planning, service development, and growth initiatives.
* Foster a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and resident-focused care across all homes.

Key Requirements:

* Proven experience in operations management within the care home or wider adult social care sector.
* Demonstrable track record of turning around underperforming services and delivering sustained improvements.
* Strong understanding of CQC regulations, standards, and inspection frameworks.
* Experience managing multiple sites or services, with the ability to prioritise and manage competing demands.
* Evidence of leading process improvement initiatives and embedding new ways of working.
* Confident people manager with experience coaching and developing home/service managers.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
* Ability to work effectively in a hybrid model, balancing on-site presence with remote oversight and support.

Desirable Skills:

* Experience within a small or growing care group, contributing to organisational development and change.
* Background in elderly care specifically, with a strong understanding of dementia and complex care environments.
* Exposure to budget management, cost control, and financial performance improvement.
* Experience working closely with owners/directors and contributing to strategic discussions.
* Familiarity with digital care systems and data-driven quality monitoring tools.

Qualifications:

* Relevant health and social care qualification
* Nursing registration is desirable
* Evidence of ongoing professional development in operations management, quality improvement, or regulatory compliance.
* Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle suitable for multi-site travel.

If you''re ready to take a step into a broader operational role with clear progression towards potential directorship, we''d like to hear from you. Apply now to play a key role in shaping the future of this ambitious elderly care group.