Director of Operations

Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing and provides help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds. We have faith and optimism in our clients and so the services we deliver are built around their needs. We support the people of Leeds to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ from periods of poor mental health, and to live life independently with their mental health condition.

Our values of Being Open, Supportive, Brave, Connected, and Resourceful are pivotal to the work we do.

As part of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT), you’ll provide transformational leadership, developing and executing our strategy to ensure we deliver our mission of ‘better mental health for all’. With a focus on increasing our impact and reach, you will have a key role in developing meaningful relationships with internal and external partners, crucial to ensuring a sustainable approach for services.

Belonging at Leeds Mind

Leeds Mind is committed to creating an inclusive environment and being an equal opportunities employer - We believe that inclusive practices should be part of everything we do.  We are committed to ensuring that our colleagues, volunteers, and service users feel a sense of belonging at Leeds Mind that gives them the confidence to share their unique perspectives and experience. 

Purpose of the role

The Director of Operations is a high profile and influential role, key to Leeds Minds strategic development and successful delivery. The Director of Operations is responsible for leading the team and the strategic development of operations across West Yorkshire.  The operations team are the largest function with a highly committed team and varied portfolio of services for young people and adults. The role requires a leader who understands accountable leadership and can inspire teams as we move towards our next strategy. The role is fast paced and varied so resilience, strong leadership and a values-led approach will be key to success.

The postholder will join Leeds Mind with a proven track record in successful services strategy with a focus on social purpose and client experience. The role requires experience of strategic oversight and accountability for delivering effective, safe and impactful outcomes.  The postholder will be expected to demonstrate a strong commercial understanding of the sector. They will use evidence to inform their decision making to ensure services are cost effective and deliver in the best interests of the organisation, our staff and clients.

With experience of programme management & financial modelling, enabling robust monitoring and evaluation frameworks, will be key to success with the following:

·       safeguarding practice

·       contract and procurement management

·       strategic and operational risk and 

·       sustainable development 

What we're looking for

Leeds Mind is an equal opportunities organisation, and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and identities; particularly culturally diverse, LGBTQIA+ and/or people with disabilities who are under-represented  within Leeds Mind.

• We're looking for someone who has a proven track record and professional experience at a senior leadership level preferably within health & social care.
• You'll have had organisational accountability for safeguarding policy and practice, and ideally understand Caldicott Guardian requirements. 
• Strong programme management skills are a must, and you will be accustomed to managing complex issues and demanding priorities. 
• Experience of oversight of quality assurance systems is essential and you'll have developed continuous improvement systems within your organisation.
• You'll have strong influencing skills and effective working relationships with senior stakeholders across the voluntary and public sectors
• Demonstrable financial experience managing & developing budgets and business plans, as well as contract management
• Experience of developing and understanding service user involvement at all levels

Assessment process

This will be a 2-stage process, with first interviews happening through the advertising dates and a planned final stage on Monday 18th November.

The role is based at Clarence House, Clarence Road, LS18 4LB (with hybrid working).

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a right to work in the UK check as well as an enhanced DBS check.  Leeds Mind is an Equal Opportunities employer.          

Reg charity number: 1007625