Operational Manager

As Operational Manager for the Enabling and Independence Service, you will play a critical leadership role in ensuring the safe, effective and high-quality delivery of services that support adults to live independently with dignity and choice. Working closely with the Service Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operational running of the service, providing strong leadership to Team Managers and staff while ensuring full compliance with health and safety, safeguarding and regulatory requirements, including CQC standards. You will translate strategic priorities into effective operational practice, lead on performance, quality and improvement activity, and work collaboratively with partners, regulators and stakeholders to ensure the service remains fit for purpose and responsive to the needs of diverse communities across Gateshead. What you'll get to do:

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Enabling and Independence Service, ensuring high quality, safe, and compliant services across all teams in line with legislative and organisational standards.
• Provide strong operational leadership, working closely with the Service Manager to support, guide and inspire Team Managers and staff to deliver excellent outcomes.
• Drive effective operational planning, implementing robust systems, processes and frameworks aligned with government, local authority and regulatory requirements.
• Help shape and deliver service strategy, ensuring the service remains fit for purpose, continuously improving quality, performance and compliance in a social care setting.
• Translate strategic priorities into operational reality, ensuring statutory duties are met and performance is effectively managed across the service.
• Oversee performance and compliance, supporting teams to meet demanding targets and regulatory standards including CQC, TSA, audit and health and safety requirements.
• Lead service improvement projects, engaging service users, carers and partners to deliver meaningful change on time, within budget and to agreed standards.
• Manage people and culture, overseeing appraisals, supervision, investigations, complaints and workforce development to enable high-performing, skilled teams.
• Manage budgets responsibly, ensuring effective financial control, value for money, efficiencies and income generation aligned to service priorities.
• Act as a key professional contact, working collaboratively with regulators, internal teams and partners, taking part in the on-call rota and working across Gateshead as required.
  
  A recognised management qualification, with the confidence to lead, inspire and support teams in a fast-paced social care environment.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (or equivalent mobility support), enabling you to work flexibly across the borough.
• Strong knowledge of Adult Social Care, including key legislation such as the Health & Safety Act, Equality Act, Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding frameworks.
• Knowledge of the Care Quality Commission regulatory framework / TSA framework.
• Proven experience delivering 24/7 operational services, driving continuous improvement with active involvement from people who use services.
• A strong track record in performance and financial management, including monitoring budgets and achieving demanding service targets and standards.
• Excellent people management skills, with experience handling HR issues, performance management and building motivated, high-performing teams.
• Confidence working collaboratively, using strong IT skills (including Microsoft packages) to build partnerships and support effective service delivery.
  
  Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.
We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive. At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff. Lead safe, high-quality services that enable independence Adult Social Care at Gateshead Council supports adults with care and support needs to live safe, independent and thriving lives. The service provides statutory assessments, safeguarding, prevention, and a wide range of community-based support in line with the Care Act 2014. Working in a strengths-based way, Adult Social Care focuses on wellbeing, independence and personalised outcomes, helping people to access the right support at the right time, whether through assessment and planning, enablement services, technology-enabled care, or wider community resources.


• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions - a cost-effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services - plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).