Role: Head of Older Communities
Location: England and Scotland (Remote with travel across sites)
Salary: £66,671 per annum plus benefits
Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Defour Partnership is proud to partner with SJOG, a fantastic values driven charity who have been supporting people in their lives for 140 years. SJOG is proud to offer a rare and exciting opportunity to lead a truly unique portfolio of care services. We are seeking a visionary leader for our Head of Older Communities to oversee several registered care/nursing homes and domiciliary services, delivered through full management contracts with religious communities across Scotland and England.

About the Role

This is no ordinary leadership position. You will be at the forefront of developing new services, and shaping and delivering exceptional care for older people, ensuring services meet the highest standards of quality, compassion, and innovation. You’ll lead the Older Communities strategy, working closely with the people we support and their community families, and care teams to develop forward-thinking models of care that reflect the values of SJOG.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of older communities services.
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory frameworks and best practice standards
• Manage and negotiate complex contracts within older communities and with partners
• Oversee a budget exceeding £4 million, ensuring financial sustainability and value
• Drive continuous improvement and innovation in care delivery
• Champion outstanding outcomes for older people, rooted in hospitality, compassion and respect
• Complete tenders and develop new services with NHS/ICBs and Local Authorities and other religious communities UK wide

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in managing and leading older people’s services at a senior level
• Experience of multi-site operational management across the UK
• Deep knowledge and understanding of legislation, policy, procedures and practices in older people and nursing care
• Inspirational leadership and the ability to build trusted relationships
• The ability to develop and shape an older people’s strategy, monitor and report to the Executive Management Team
• Values Driven, Compassion, innovation and good communication skills

Benefits and Rewards:

• Annual leave entitlement of 33 days (pro-rata) including bank and public holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Auto Enrolment Pension Scheme
• Health Cash Plan
• Bike to Work Scheme
• Excellent training and development opportunities
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (which we will pay for) will be required for the role.

Please note: This post is open to female applicants only, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Paragraph 1.

The role involves working in close contact with women in a residential religious setting (including members of a religious order), where personal care and support is provided. Due to the nature of the environment and the expressed preferences of the individuals supported — including cultural and religious considerations — it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female.

We are committed to equal opportunities and diversity in our recruitment process. This requirement is made solely in relation to the specific nature of the role and environment.

Defour Partnership has partnered with SJOG and are managing the recruitment for this role. For more information and a confidential chat please contact Joanne Diver at joanne@defourpartnership.co.uk or apply online today!