Associate Director of Operations
| Posting date: | 18 December 2025 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £88,000 to £98,000 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £88000 - £98000 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 14 January 2026 |
| Location: | Chelmsford, CM1 1GF |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | E0279-25-2149 |
Summary
As an Associate Director of Operations for Essex Children's and Family Services, you'll be part of our valued leadership team at HCRG Care Group. You will feel valued in this senior leadership role within HCRG Care Group, receiving access to exclusive rewards and benefits including: NHS Agenda for Change Band 8d salary with group pension Membership of My Reward Hub, giving you discounts on everyday purchases, plus cashback and voucher offers for treats and essentials Access to your wages as you earn them, helping cover life's emergencies and avoid overdraft fees or high-interest borrowing Online and in-person wellbeing support, including mental health services, activity challenges, financial wellbeing tools, coaching and counselling Access to e-learning, bespoke career pathways and opportunities for professional development through our Outstanding Learning Enterprise team An open, just culture where you're encouraged to contribute ideas that help us deliver our purpose of changing lives through transforming health and care - backed by ringfenced innovation funding each year The pride of working for an organisation committed to the highest clinical and quality standards, with the majority of our rated services holding Good or Outstanding ratings from the Care Quality Commission Person Requirements To succeed in this role, you will bring: Substantial senior leadership experience within children's services, family wellbeing, social care, community health or a related multi-agency environment, with the credibility to operate confidently across a complex system. Experience working with multiple commissioners and navigating competing priorities, performance frameworks and governance requirements. Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multiple complex budgets and contributing to or leading performance recovery plans within large, complex services. A proven track record of leading large multidisciplinary teams of ideally 150 500 colleagues through senior managers and service leads. A deep understanding of multi-agency safeguarding frameworks, statutory responsibilities and best practice in the delivery of children's and family services. Experience of service redesign, transformation or improvement programmes that have delivered measurable impact. The ability to build strong relationships at all levels, from commissioners and system partners to frontline teams, using excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills. High levels of emotional intelligence, resilience and autonomy, with the ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment with competing demands. A values-driven leadership approach, aligned to our organisational values of We Care, We Think and We Do, and a passion for improving outcomes for children, young people and families. Desirable: Educated to masters level or equivalent in Leadership, Commissioning, Management or related specialist field. Coaching or Mentoring Qualification Involvement in Business development, tendering or supporting contract growth Knowledge of population health, systems level transformation and integrated care models Awareness of emerging trends impacting children's' services and the wider public service landscape