Main Purpose
As a key member of our Senior Leadership Team, the Head of Operations will provide strategic leadership and contract oversight for our Asylum Accommodation and Support Contract (AASC), delivering safe, compliant and compassionate services to asylum seekers across South Yorkshire, the Humber, Derby and Nottingham.
You will take overall accountability for performance, compliance, risk and stakeholder relationships relating to the AASC contract, while directly managing Service Managers responsible for day to day operational delivery. You will also contribute to organisational strategy, lead continuous improvement initiatives, and shape the development of complementary services that align with our values and mission.
Key Responsibilities
Contract & Service Leadership
- Lead the strategic delivery of the AASC contract, ensuring all performance, compliance and safeguarding standards are consistently met
- Act as the senior point of contact for commissioners, national providers and other key partners
- Lead on contract reviews, audits, reporting, and external relationship management
- Ensure compliance with regulatory, contractual and organisational policies – including safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management
Team Leadership & Management
- Provide clear leadership and line management to Service Managers across multiple locations
- Support managers to build high performing, resilient, and values led teams
- Promote a culture of continuous improvement and accountability
- Ensure professional standards, wellbeing, and staff development across the services
Strategic Contribution
- Collaborate with the CEO and SLT to shape organisational strategy and direction
- Use data, insight and service user feedback to inform improvements and innovation
- Identify and support the development of new or complementary services that respond to emerging needs
- Represent the organisation in forums, conferences and sector networks
Governance & Financial Oversight
- Monitor and report on contract budgets in line with financial plans
- Prepare reports for the Board, funders, and external stakeholders as required
- Support organisational governance, quality assurance and risk management processes
Person specification
Essential:
- Senior level leadership experience within housing, asylum support, homelessness, or a related public or voluntary service
- Proven ability to manage large scale contracts with responsibility for compliance, performance and risk
- Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with experience working with commissioners, regulators and delivery partners
- Experience leading dispersed teams and supporting managers to deliver outcomes
- Sound understanding of safeguarding, housing and support services for vulnerable people, particularly asylum seekers
Desirable:
- Direct experience with the AASC contract or similar national programmes
- Experience of service transformation or strategic programme development
- Experience managing services across multiple sites and regions
About Us
We are a mission led organisation delivering housing and support services to people facing homelessness, exclusion and displacement. Through the AASC contract and our wider services, we provide safety, dignity and support to those seeking asylum and refuge in the UK.
Competencies
- Customer Focus (Critical)
- Developing & Coaching Others (Critical)
- Planning & Organising (Critical)
- Confidence & Judgement (Very Important)
- Integrity (Very Important)
- Communication & Influencing (Very Important)
- Team Work (Critical)
- Flexibility (Critical)
- Leading by Example (Very Important)
