Appointment of the Managing Director and Operations Director (OD)

THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chair of the Care Dorset Board, the overall purpose of the Managing Director will be:

• To hold overall responsibility for the safe, efficient, and effective delivery of all services across Care Dorset and be commercially successful
• Ensure the development and delivery of Care Dorset’s overall strategy and business plan
• Create and lead a values-led organisation where those we support, and our colleagues are at the centre of all that we do
• To build, support and unlock the skills of individuals and teams who will be the catalyst for positive change
• To ensure the voices of our service users, carers and clients are heard and are taken into account in both day-to-day delivery and in the future development of our services

THE PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Profile and leadership

• To undertake performance appraisals and performance review meetings and conduct regular meetings with the senior leadership team to discuss operational matters, risks to the business and progress initiatives to completion
• To represent the organisation at relevant commissioning, stakeholder and partnership bodies as required
• To network with other providers, engaging in relevant and appropriate forums to raise the profile of the organisation and increase opportunities for potential collaboration
• To lead the organisation by example, showing evidence of integrity and honesty, demonstrating a full commitment to personal and professional values
• As the most senior executive colleague, to be vigilant to the demands of a 24-hour per day, 7-day a week business and to respond as necessary

Reporting and transparency

• To act at all times in conjunction with the Chair in a mutually supportive relationship which is open and transparent
• To ensure the organisation’s Board and shareholders are kept informed and appraised of relevant intelligence which may affect the organisation
• To ensure all reporting is relevant, accurate and timely by overseeing regular written reports or subgroups and provision of verbal reports and any updates according to the circumstance
• To adopt an evidence-based ethos which demonstrates clear outcomes and informs advanced decision making

Compliance

• To ensure that compliance with all statutory legal and regulatory requirements are met
• In conjunction with the Finance Director, ensure that the organisation’s financial matters are managed effectively, and Care Dorset remains in good financial health, identifying risks and taking appropriate action
• Responsible for all operational and organisational aspects of Care Dorset and their day-to-day operation, including colleagues at Head Office
• Ensure that the organisation is compliant with the regulations imposed on It and all necessary returns are made and fully filed, ensuring – in conjunction with Finance Director – that all relevant auditing and financial reporting takes place and annual accounts are prepared and filed at the appropriate regulatory body on behalf of the organisation in accordance with any regulatory requirements

Strategy, growth, and visibility

• To lead on the development, evolution, and successful delivery of the Care Dorset strategy which meets the needs of the market it serves in-line with its overall vision and that of its shareholder
• Seek out, develop, and nurture partnerships for the benefit of the organisation and the wider health and social care sector
• To have a robust and comprehensive awareness and understanding of the health and social care sector
• To be responsible for the successful delivery of the financial and other objectives of Care Dorset strategy and business plan, in conjunction with the Board and the shareholder
• To deliver new initiatives which preserve and enhance financial sustainability and growth in profits, ensure effective interventions, and promote service growth where opportunities exist that are both viable and scalable
• Provide effective strategic and inspirational leadership to take colleagues and peers through change and onto new opportunities which provide social and financial value
• To ensure the financial targets are delivered by monitoring progress and taking such action as is necessary to achieve targets and met strategic objectives

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Must have:

• Proven ability to work successfully with a Board including non-executive directors
• Significant demonstrable experience of leading an organisation delivering a complex range of activities with a significant budget and of comparable complexity
• Experience within the adult social care sector, including residential, community and reablement services
• Track record of successful management of delivering change within a collaborative stakeholder environment
• Evidence of excellent communication skills and proven ability to be an effective advocate and to influence stakeholder opinion
• Track record of managing complex financial budgets and a proven ability to work with complex statistical, financial and performance information
• A robust understanding of, and track record in, risk management and effective corporate governance
• Effective communication skills with the ability to act as an advocate and champion on a local and national stage
• Knowledge of, and credibility within, regulated and governance led environments

Personal style and behaviour

• The ability to work effectively as part of a leadership team and take the lead in the corporate decision-making process
• The ability to lead, inspire and coach, demonstrating commitment to achieve service development and improving quality
• A respected individual with a track record of delivery
• A credible and persuasive leader who leads by example, inclusively, and is prepared to share expertise and know-how
• A genuine commitment to values and understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion
• Demands high performance of self and colleagues, working positively and effectively
• Takes calculated risks consistent with our values to achieve goals
• Challenges and confronts conflict, brokering solutions in order to make progress
• Looks to the future, is able to see links and opportunities that others might miss
• Applies concepts and learning from outside own field / environment, looking ahead over the long-term to deliver improvements and avoid problems
• Acts as champions and role model, putting the organisation’s needs first and upholding goals and decisions, even when it is difficult to do so
• Supports others to work together to develop solutions, avoiding blaming others when things go wrong
• Creates and communicates a compelling, consistent vision that generates excitement and commitment at all levels of the organisation
• Celebrates and promotes service and successes
• Acting with integrity and in the best interests of Care Dorset’s colleagues and the community as a whole
• To nurture teams and individuals to be the best they can be, acting as the catalyst which unlocks opportunity for professional and personal growth by creating an environment of empowerment and an ethos of supported accountability

Good to have:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent and an appropriate professional qualification
• Experience of public / private collaborative business models, ideally within a Local Authority Trading Company environment
• Health sector experience
• Experience of leading on large and complex projects from inception through to successful delivery

THE ROLE

Job Title: Operations Director
Responsible to: CEO
Staff Numbers: c.700
Location: Dorset Area

Overall Purpose

The Operations Director will:

• Be responsible for the oversight and leadership of all operational aspects of Care Dorset’s services, in line with the strategic aims of Care Dorset by delivering high-quality, safe, compliant, and viable care and support.
• Be an active and influential member of the Board, ensuring the operational needs of the organisation are embedded in its approach and planning.
• Provide leadership and support to your team to enable them to be the best they can be, striving to enhance services that meet and exceed individual need and aspiration.

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

Compliance

• You will monitor, enhance, and act upon, quality framework practices, guiding and leading from an operational perspective to ensure Care Dorset operates to the highest standards, complying with all regulatory and contractual requirements.
• Inform colleagues and stakeholders of operational trends and potential difficulties that may impact Care Dorset’s regulatory requirements, and to suggest and implement were appropriate, solutions which enable Care Dorset to continue to maintain its high standards.
• Be familiar with day-to-day operations, allowing you to anticipate and address potential risks and challenges, ensuring all risks relative to the safe operation of all Care Dorset’s services are monitored, transparent and addressed.
• Be the Nominated Individual (Responsible Individual) with the regulatory authority – the Care Quality Commission.
• Work with colleagues and or partners to ensure all employees are properly inducted, qualified, regularly trained and in line with regulations and expected quality standards.

Performance

• To provide support, advice and coaching as required, ensuring that service standards are understood and implemented to enable the best possible standards are delivered whilst ensuring that budgets are adhered to.
• To visit all services as regularly and frequently as possible, meeting with direct reports and other colleagues on operational and workforce matters including performance and disciplinary issues.
• Ensure staffing levels are maintained and the operational and quality teams work efficiently and economically with qualified and appropriate personnel.
• Ensure teams have measurable objectives, regular reviews of performance and the opportunities to develop skills, leading to a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• To contribute to the overall management of the organisation. through regular team and one-to-one meetings.
• To ensure a person-centred and an outcome focussed approach is maintained for all people we support.
• Ensure all financial objectives are reviewed and met.

Leadership

• To supervise, develop, support and coach your team
• To work alongside the Board in the overall leadership of the organisation, being proactive and solution focussed.
• Attendance at board meetings, contributing to strategic direction, operational reports and other performance and activity matters when necessary.
• Work closely with HR colleagues to act as part of the disciplinary process as required, such as conducting appeal hearings, and processing claims when necessary, advising the Managing Director and working under their direction at all times.

Development

• Lead on the research, development, and launch of safe, viable and new services that meet the values and strategic intent of Care Dorset.
• To contribute to the business development and marketing functions to raise the profile of Care Dorset to attract new clients and colleagues to the organisation.
• To propose improvements and greater efficiencies where possible in the development of Care Dorset.
• Work proactively to design and meet market demands through working with commissioners to seek out new, scalable, and viable services that fit with the strategic direction of the organisation.

General

• To attend meetings or liaise with colleagues at specific locations. He/she will also be expected to meet key stakeholders or external partners as the need arises.
• As the most senior Operations employee, to be vigilant to the demands of a 24 hour per day, 7 day a week business and to respond as necessary.
• Work with internal colleagues as well as representing Care Dorset to external stakeholders such as, but not limited to, CQC, partners, Local Authorities and Relatives, when required.
• To work in co-operation with the Managing Director and other members of the Board to ensure the successful delivery of strategic and operational objectives.

These responsibilities and accountabilities are not restrictive, and the role may be required on occasion to undertake other duties. This will not substantially change the nature of the role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Must have:

• Experience of operational leadership of an organisation delivering a wide range of activities with a significant budget and of comparable complexity.
• Experience within the adult social care sector, residential care, day care and reablement services.
• Knowledge of and credibility within, regulated and governance-led environments.
• Track record of managing complex financial budgets and a proven ability to work with complex statistical, financial and performance information.
• Strong business acumen with exceptional judgment, particularly in measuring and managing risks.
• Experience of holding nominated individual status with CQC.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Evidence of excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability to be an effective advocate and to influence stakeholder opinion.
• Clearly demonstrates organisational skills to prioritise and manage multiple time-sensitive projects simultaneously.
• A willingness to assume a substantial workload to meet timing and project goals
• Strong propensity to nurture talent and provide mentorship at all levels.
• The mindset to develop long term effective and efficient working practices.
• Initiate solutions, successfully influence and interact with all staff levels to implement strategy, initiatives, and goals.
• Educated to Degree level or equivalent, or appropriate professional qualification.
• The ability to work effectively as part of a leadership team and take the lead in the corporate decision-making process including an understanding of, and track record in, risk management.
• Ability to lead, inspire and demonstrate commitment to achieve service development and improve quality.

Personal Style and Behaviour

• A respected individual with a track record of delivery.
• A credible and persuasive leader who leads by example, inclusive, and prepared to share expertise and know-how.
• A genuine commitment to values and understanding of diversity and equality.
• Challenges and confronts conflict, brokering solutions in order to achieve goals.
• Acts as a champion and role model, putting the organisations needs first and upholding goals and decisions, even when it is difficult to do so.
• Supports others to work together to develop solutions, avoiding blaming others when things go wrong.
• Celebrates and promotes service and successes.