Operations Manager at East Sussex County Council

Lewes, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Jan, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

13 Oct, 25

Experience

5 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Mental Health Social Care, Service Management, Strategic Planning, Leading Change, Collaboration, Innovation, Recovery-Focused Care, Strength-Based Approach

Industry

Government Administration

Description

Are you ready to lead meaningful change and help shape a modern, creative approach to social care? Be part of shaping the future of Mental Health Social Care in East Sussex. We’re not looking for an ordinary Operational Manager (you may have also heard this job referred to as Service Manager in other Local authorities). We’re looking for a leader who’s excited about supporting a workforce to grow, thrive, and innovate, while making a real difference in the lives of East Sussex residents. This is a unique 12-month opportunity to join a service undergoing transformation, with the chance to lead new developments, use data to inform real improvements, and work in true partnership with residents and colleagues. If you’re Social Work registered with significant Mental Health experience and passionate about recovery-focused, strength-based social care, we want to hear from you. This role could be offered on a secondment basis, please check with your line manager before applying. What’s in it for you? Play a pivotal role in shaping change – You’ll lead and influence service developments that directly impact the lives of adults with mental health needs. Grow your career while helping others – We’ll support you with ongoing development opportunities, including access to a fully funded Level 6 Chartered Manager apprenticeship (if not already qualified). Flexible, modern working – Our hybrid working model means you only need to work in the office one day a week (or more if you prefer). If you want to come in five days a week, we’ll make that work too. We trust our people and offer flexibility while keeping residents’ needs at the heart of everything we do. Work that feels worthwhile – you’ll be part of a committed and caring team where your ideas are welcomed, and your leadership will help shape a service that truly supports people to live the life they want. You’ll manage a team of Practice Managers, lead quality improvement, and drive innovation across our mental health services. With support from the Head of Service, you’ll lead on a number of exciting service developments, contribute to strategic planning, and ensure services remain person-centred, sustainable, and fit for the future. This role sits at the heart of our efforts to respond to national health and social care changes, your impact will be felt not just today, but for years to come. We’re looking for someone who: Brings significant experience in mental health social care, ideally in a statutory setting. Has a strong track record in service management, strategic planning, and leading change? Holds a relevant professional qualification (e.g. Social Work, Occupational Therapy) Has a management qualification, or is willing to work towards one (fully funded) Believes in working collaboratively, creatively, and always in partnership with residents. To apply for this role, please follow the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV and a Supporting Statement. We will be using your Supporting Statement to shortlist so please be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification, drawing on any relevant work/life experience, education, or personal interests. Please download the Job Description & Person Specification for further details. For guidance on how to write an application see our how to apply page. Interviews will take place week commencing 10 November in person at County Hall in Lewes. Candidates who meet certain criteria are given priority when we shortlist. See our priority status page for details. Why choose East Sussex County Council? When you join us, you’re joining a place where we work with people, not on them. We value staff wellbeing, collaboration, and innovation, and we’re committed to flexible, supportive working environments. Our benefits include: Hybrid working (minimum one day in the office per week) Access to training and funded qualifications Lease car scheme (subject to eligibility) Access to our extensive wellbeing resources and mental health support Reimbursement of your annual Social Work England registration fee We have a committed workforce who strives to work alongside people who require a service. We are open to initiatives to support positive outcomes by working in a strength-based approach. We would like an Operational Manager with the same ethos to enhance our services. For more information about our diverse range of benefits please click on the link to show the benefits page. For an informal chat about the role, please contact Bev Hull (Head of Mental Health Service) Bev.Hull@eastsussex.gov.uk For work that makes a difference, choose East Sussex!

Responsibilities

You will manage a team of Practice Managers, lead quality improvement, and drive innovation across mental health services. Your role will involve leading service developments and ensuring services remain person-centred and sustainable.