Interim Deputy Director Of Care

Description:

Gilbert Meher is proud to be working with a well-respected charity based near High Wycombe, seeking to appoint an Interim Deputy Director of Care. This is a key leadership role on a 6-month contract, with a strong potential to extend to a permanent position. The successful candidate will play a central role during a major organizational transition and expansion phase. This is a full-time on-site position (5 days per week) and will require hands-on management across multiple services.

The role demands someone with strategic vision, operational strength, and deep empathy for service users, particularly those with learning difficulties, complex needs, and challenging behaviours.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide leadership and oversight of multi-site residential care services.

• Drive operational improvements while maintaining compliance and high standards of care.

• Oversee and manage complex budgets and commercial strategies aligned with the charity’s objectives.

• Collaborate cross-functionally across departments to align care operations with broader organizational goals.

• Ensure full compliance with CQC (Care Quality Commission) regulations and standards.

• Professionally represent the organization in interactions with stakeholders, families, and visitors.

• Identify and seize opportunities for community engagement and outreach.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience in a similar senior care leadership role.

• Minimum 5 years' experience working with vulnerable individuals, especially those with learning disabilities and complex behaviours.

• Demonstrated success managing multiple residential service sites.

• Strong values-based leadership with excellent communication and collaboration skills.

• Outstanding understanding of CQC compliance frameworks and expectations.

• Excellent delegation, time management, and organizational abilities under pressure.

• Compassionate, empathetic, and committed to high-quality care delivery.

• A positive role model who can inspire and empower care teams.