Overview
Commissioning Operations Manager – Orchard Care Homes. Orchard Care Homes is expanding its operational support team, and we are now seeking a Commissioning Operations Manager to support our North West region. Travel across other areas (Yorkshire, North East, and Midlands) where our homes are located may occasionally be required in line with business needs.
In this pivotal role, you will provide high-level operational leadership across our services, supporting Home Managers to achieve the highest standards of care quality, regulatory compliance, and operational effectiveness. You will also step in to lead a home in the absence of a Home Manager when required, ensuring continuity, stability, and an exceptional resident experience.
Our Reconnect communities represent Orchard’s innovative, sector-leading model of specialist dementia care. These environments are designed to help people reconnect with their identity, interests, and the life they love, offering a holistic and enriched model of support with proven outcomes. We have recently expanded our specialist care portfolio with the introduction of Reconnect: Specialist Mental Health Care—a pioneering service for people living with complex mental health conditions. This long-term, therapeutic approach goes beyond traditional residential care, providing a warm, supportive, and expertly staffed environment tailored to individual needs.
Responsibilities
- Commissioning of New Services: Play a central role in the commissioning and mobilisation of new services as part of Orchard Care Homes’ continued expansion into specialist care.
- Development, setup, and launch of new service models—including complex care, Mental Health, dementia-focused services, and other specialist pathways—ensuring they are safe, effective, and aligned with organisational strategy.
- Engage with existing customers/key stakeholders and establish new relationships to ensure the continued growth of our referral pipeline.
- Work collaboratively with clinical, quality, estates, HR, and operational colleagues to ensure new services are fully prepared for opening, staffed appropriately, and ready for regulatory registration.
- Lead on early-stage service readiness, embedding best practice, and driving a positive culture from day one.
Operational Leadership & Quality Assurance
- Oversee all aspects of care delivery, ensuring safe, effective, and person-centred services.
- Support Home Managers to maintain regulatory compliance, quality assurance processes, and operational excellence.
- Provide visible, inspirational leadership to empower home teams and promote resident wellbeing.
Budget & Business Performance
- Maintain accountability for service budgets, cost control, and delivery of key performance targets.
- Build strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support business growth opportunities.
Leadership Support
- Provide operational oversight during periods of Home Manager absence, ensuring continuity of leadership and maintaining high service standards.
Role Requirements
- A minimum of 2 years’ experience as a Care Home Manager within a dementia-care environment
- Nursing qualification with active NMC PIN – desirable but not essential
- Level 5 Adult Social Care qualification (Level 4 Registered Managers Award considered if willing to complete Level 5)
- Strong working knowledge of CQC standards with a proven track record of achieving Good/Outstanding ratings
- Passionate about driving high-quality, person-centred care
- Demonstrated marketing and business development experience within the private care sector
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage confidently with residents, families, teams, and external professionals
What you’ll love
- Salary of £60,000 to £65,000 per annum (DOE) plus £4,200 car allowance
- Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
- Hundreds of colleagues discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech, and more
- Excellent employee recognition schemes such as ‘Making a Difference’ award and Long Service Awards
- Free emotional, practical, and financial support through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7
- Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
- Fully funded DBS check
About Orchard Care Homes
For more than 15 years, Orchard Care Homes has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families. We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes. We are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and warmly welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our Defence Employer Recognition Scheme commitment. We value the unique strengths and experiences that service personnel bring and strive to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Apply today. If you’re ready to bring your compassion, energy, and dedication to a role that truly makes a difference, apply today and help us provide the kind of care every person deserves.
We proudly support the Armed Forces community and welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our commitment to the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme. We value the unique skills and experiences that service personnel bring and are dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
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