Operational Improvement Manager

Location: Essex and surrounding area

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 37.5 per week

Reports To: Head of Operational Improvement

Remote working

Purpose of the Role

The Operational Improvement Manager plays a key role in supporting services to achieve and sustain high standards of care and operational performance. Working across multiple services, you will provide practical, hands-on support to managers and teams to strengthen leadership, improve service performance and deliver outstanding outcomes for the people we support.

This is a varied role requiring adaptability, resilience and a collaborative approach with operational and functional colleagues. You will quickly assess the needs of a service and provide targeted support, whether through interim management, leading or supporting improvement programmes and supporting new managers to set them up for success.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Operational Improvement

• Work alongside operational leaders to improve key performance indicators including quality, compliance, culture, and general service performance.
• Support services experiencing operational challenges by providing practical solutions and hands-on leadership.
• Identify barriers to performance and support managers to implement sustainable solutions.

Leadership Support

• Provide interim management support where operational needs require.
• Coach, mentor and support Registered Managers to develop confidence and leadership capability.
• Provide structured support to newly appointed managers to help them succeed.
• Build positive working relationships that encourage accountability, collaboration and continuous learning.
• Lead by example, promoting professionalism, inclusion and a positive organisational culture.

Collaboration and Communication

• Work collaboratively with operational leaders, central support teams and external professionals.
• Produce clear reports outlining service performance, risks, progress and recommendations.
• Represent the organisation positively with regulators, commissioners and partner agencies where appropriate.

Experience

Essential

• Experience as a Registered Manager or Deputy Manager within adult social care services supporting people with learning disabilities, autism and/or mental health needs.
• Experience supporting or leading services through inspection or improvement programmes.
• Experience coaching, mentoring and developing colleagues.

Desirable

• Experience working across multiple services or operational areas.
• Experience providing interim management support.
• Experience supporting newly appointed managers.

Knowledge

Essential

• Strong understanding of adult social care legislation, safeguarding, governance and regulatory requirements.
• Sound knowledge of quality assurance, service improvement and performance management.
• Understanding of person-centred care and outcomes-based practice.

Skills

Essential

• Ability to rapidly assess service performance and identify priorities.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
• Ability to analyse quality and operational performance information to drive improvement.
• Strong planning and organisational skills, managing competing priorities across multiple services.
• Adaptable and able to work effectively within changing operational environments.
• Confident decision-maker with sound judgement and problem-solving skills.

Personal Attributes

• Passionate about improving outcomes for the people we support.
• Positive, approachable and collaborative.
• Resilient and calm under pressure.
• Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and accountability.
• Leads by example and promotes an inclusive, supportive and high-performing culture.

Qualifications

Essential

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (or equivalent).
• Full UK driving licence with willingness to travel extensively across services.

Desirable

• Degree or professional qualification in Health and Social Care, Leadership and Management or Quality Improvement.