28 Director of operations jobs

At FitzRoy, we believe everyone deserves to live a gloriously ordinary life, filled with purpose, choice and happiness.  For over 60 years, we've been supporting people with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and forensic backgrounds to live the lives they choose. Today, our services span residential care, supported living and community-based support across England. But we're not standing still.  As we shape our ambitious strategy for 2027 and beyond, we're looking for an exceptional Executive Director of Operations to help lead our next chapter.

This is an opportunity to influence the future of an established, values-led charity, bringing together outstanding operational leadership, strategic thinking and the creativity to challenge how things have always been done.

The opportunity

We're looking for someone who understands social care from the inside out. Someone who knows what it takes to run great services, has the credibility to guide and challenge experienced operational leaders, and can also step confidently into the boardroom, influence senior stakeholders and help shape organisational strategy.

You'll lead our regional operations, creating a culture of accountability, visible leadership and continuous improvement. You'll ensure that our services are safe, effective and sustainable, while empowering your leadership team to deliver exceptional outcomes for the people we support.

But this role is about much more than overseeing today's operations.  You'll help us anticipate what's next for adult social care, navigate an increasingly complex political and commissioning environment, and explore new opportunities to innovate, diversify and grow.

Working alongside dedicated Quality and Business Development functions, you'll bring the operational expertise, commercial judgement and fresh thinking needed to turn ambitious ideas into successful, sustainable services.

What makes this opportunity different?

We're entering an exciting period of change, with a strategy being built around three key ambitions that you'll have a genuine opportunity to shape how these ambitions become reality, influencing not only how we deliver services today, but what FitzRoy looks like in the years ahead.

About you

You'll be an accomplished senior leader with substantial experience in regulated adult social care, particularly supporting people with learning disabilities and autism.

You'll bring:

• Deep operational credibility – a strong understanding of frontline services, combined with proven experience leading complex, geographically dispersed operations.
• Exceptional leadership – the ability to inspire, develop and challenge senior managers, creating accountability and delivering results through others.
• Strategic vision and political awareness – the confidence to influence at Board level, anticipate sector developments and navigate complex commissioning and stakeholder relationships.
• Commercial acumen and creativity – the ability to identify opportunities, challenge conventional thinking and help develop innovative, sustainable models of support.
• Strong professional judgement – extensive knowledge of CQC regulation, safeguarding and operational risk, with the ability to identify issues early and drive meaningful improvement.
• A visible, values-led approach – someone who connects with people, listens, leads with integrity and never loses sight of the individuals behind the services.

Above all, we're looking for someone who can combine strategic ambition with genuine operational understanding. A leader who is as comfortable engaging with people in our services as they are influencing commissioners, presenting to Trustees or shaping our future strategy.

Why FitzRoy?

Because this is an opportunity to make a difference on a significant scale, in an organisation where purpose and values genuinely matter.

You'll join a committed Executive Leadership Team, work with talented colleagues across the organisation and have the scope to bring new ideas, challenge established thinking and help shape our future.

We're proud of what FitzRoy has achieved, but we're equally excited about what comes next.

Benefits

• 30 days rising to 35 with 5 years’ service in here, plus bank holidays.
• £6,000 car allowance. 
• Private medical Insurance. 
• Healthcare cash plan.
• EV salary sacrifice scheme. 
• Pension and Life Assurance.

About Us

FitzRoy is a national charity, set up 60 years ago by brave parents as a pioneering alternative to institutional care. Their values remain the values of FitzRoy today – we see the person, we are brave and we are creative – and they thread through everything we do.

We support hundreds of people with a range of needs. You could be supporting someone with learning disabilities, autism, acquired brain injuries or mental health support needs. Many of the people we support also have physical impairments or other health issues. Working for us will give you an opportunity to learn, to grow and to transform lives. Join us today.