Head of Operations

Head of Operations – Property & EstatesReporting to: Operations Director / Managing DirectorLocation: UK & Ireland (National Travel Required)Role OverviewThe Head of Operations is responsible for the strategic leadership and operational management of the organisation's national property portfolio, overseeing more than 100 residential properties across the UK and Ireland that support health and social care services.This role ensures the efficient sourcing, acquisition, mobilisation, maintenance and ongoing management of all properties while leading multidisciplinary operational teams to deliver safe, compliant and high-quality accommodation. The post holder will oversee property sourcing, maintenance operations, procurement, fleet management, lease administration and rapid response services, ensuring excellent service delivery to internal stakeholders and external partners.The role requires exceptional leadership, commercial awareness and the ability to operate within a fast-paced, highly regulated environment.Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic LeadershipDevelop and implement the operational strategy for the property portfolio.Lead continuous improvement initiatives across all operational functions.Support business growth through efficient mobilisation of new properties.Produce operational reports, KPIs and performance dashboards for senior leadership.Drive cost efficiencies whilst maintaining exceptional service standards.Property Acquisition & SourcingLead the national property sourcing team.Identify suitable residential properties for supported living, children's services and adult care.Oversee negotiations with landlords, developers, agents and investors.Coordinate property onboarding and mobilisation.Ensure properties meet operational and regulatory requirements prior to occupation.Estates & MaintenanceLead all planned, reactive and emergency maintenance services.Manage internal maintenance teams and external contractors.Develop preventative maintenance programmes.Ensure statutory inspections and compliance programmes are completed.Oversee refurbishment and improvement projects.Maintain high standards across all company properties.Lease & Property ManagementOversee all lease agreements and tenancy documentation.Manage lease renewals, rent reviews and landlord relationships.Ensure property records remain accurate and compliant.Resolve property disputes where required.Procurement & Supplier ManagementManage procurement of materials, contractors and specialist services.Negotiate supplier contracts and service level agreements.Monitor supplier performance and value for money.Develop strategic supplier partnerships nationally.Fleet ManagementOversee the organisation's operational vehicle fleet.Ensure servicing, maintenance, MOTs and compliance.Manage vehicle procurement and replacement programmes.Monitor fuel usage, telematics and operational efficiency.Rapid Response OperationsLead emergency property response services across the UK and Ireland.Coordinate out-of-hours property emergencies.Ensure rapid mobilisation for urgent accommodation requirements.Develop escalation procedures for operational incidents.Team LeadershipManage and develop:Property Sourcing TeamMaintenance OperativesRegional Property CoordinatorsProcurement TeamFleet CoordinatorExternal ContractorsResponsibilities include:RecruitmentPerformance managementTraining and developmentWorkforce planningSuccession planningHealth & Safety leadershipCompliance & GovernanceEnsure compliance with:Health & Safety legislationHousing legislationFire Safety RegulationsGas Safety RegulationsElectrical Safety StandardsWater HygieneAsbestos ManagementLegionella ComplianceEnvironmental legislationCompany policies and proceduresSupport inspections from:CQCOfstedLocal AuthoritiesCommissionersInsurance Inspectors