Kara Healthcare
Director of Operations
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Overview
Kara Healthcare is seeking an exceptional and highly experienced Director of Operations to lead and oversee the operational performance, quality, compliance, and growth of our residential care services.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a motivated and commercially minded professional with a proven track record in residential elderly care, including significant experience within dementia care, nursing care, and palliative/end-of-life care services.
The successful candidate will bring extensive multi-site operational leadership experience, a thorough understanding of regulatory requirements, and a passion for delivering outstanding person-centred care. Working closely with the senior leadership team, you will drive quality outcomes, support Home Managers, enhance resident experiences, and ensure our homes consistently achieve the highest standards of care and compliance.
Follow our CEO Nitesh Somani or Kara Healthcare LinkedIn on LinkedIn to find out more about our vision and commitment to excellence in care.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Operations
- Develop and deliver the operational strategy across all care homes, aligned with the organisation's vision, values, and long-term objectives.
- Provide strong leadership and support to Home Managers, ensuring high standards of performance and accountability.
- Oversee the day-to-day operations of multiple residential care homes, ensuring effective resource management and service delivery.
- Drive occupancy growth, resident satisfaction, and operational efficiency across all locations.
- Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs), implementing improvement plans where required.
- Lead operational due diligence, service improvement, and change management initiatives.
Quality, Safety & Compliance
- Ensure all services consistently meet or exceed CQC Fundamental Standards and other regulatory requirements.
- Champion a culture of high-quality, person-centred care, dignity, and respect.
- Lead quality assurance programmes, audits, governance processes, and risk management frameworks.
- Support homes in achieving and maintaining Good and Outstanding CQC ratings.
- Ensure robust safeguarding practices and effective clinical governance systems are in place.
- Lead responses to inspections, action plans, and quality improvement initiatives.
- Promote best practice in elderly care, dementia care, and palliative care services.
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Financial Management & Commercial Performance
- Manage operational budgets and ensure financial targets are achieved.
- Drive occupancy and revenue growth whilst maintaining excellent care standards.
- Analyse operational and financial data to identify opportunities for improvement and increased profitability.
- Work collaboratively with finance and senior leadership teams to ensure sustainable growth.
- Support business development opportunities, acquisitions, and service expansion initiatives where appropriate.
People Leadership & Culture
- Inspire, lead, and develop high-performing operational and home management teams.
- Foster a positive, inclusive, and values-driven culture across all locations.
- Support recruitment, retention, succession planning, and workforce development strategies.
- Ensure effective performance management processes are implemented consistently.
- Promote continuous learning, professional development, and leadership growth.
- Act as a role model for organisational values and behaviours.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Minimum 5+ years' senior operational leadership experience within residential elderly care services.
- Extensive experience overseeing multiple residential care homes.
- Significant experience within elderly residential care, dementia care, nursing care, and palliative/end-of-life care services.
- Proven track record of supporting and improving care home performance across quality, compliance, occupancy, and financial metrics.
- Experience leading large multi-disciplinary teams and managing senior operational leaders and Home Managers.
- Strong working knowledge of:
- CQC regulations and inspections
- Fundamental Standards
- Safeguarding legislation
- Clinical governance
- Risk management and quality frameworks
- Demonstrable success in achieving and maintaining positive regulatory outcomes across multiple locations.
- Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budget accountability and performance improvement.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between services.
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Desirable Qualifications & Experience
- Registered Nurse qualification (RGN/RMN) or equivalent clinical background.
- Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification or equivalent.
- Degree in Health & Social Care Management, Business Management, Nursing, or a related field.
- Experience in care home turnaround projects and service improvement programmes.
- Experience supporting acquisitions, integration, and growth within a care home group.
Skills & Competencies
- Exceptional leadership and people management abilities.
- Outstanding communication and influencing skills.
- Strategic thinker with strong operational execution capabilities.
- Commercially focused with excellent business acumen.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a fast-paced environment.
- Resilient, adaptable, and solutions-focused.
- Passionate about improving outcomes for older people.
Why Join Kara Healthcare?
At Kara Healthcare, we are committed to delivering exceptional care and creating outstanding environments for residents, families, and colleagues.
In return, we offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to shape and influence the strategic direction of a growing organisation.
- A supportive and ambitious senior leadership team.
- Genuine opportunities for career progression and professional development.
- The chance to make a real difference to the lives of older people and those living with dementia.
Apply today and help us shape the future of care at Kara Healthcare.
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