Director of Operational Services- 12 month FTC - #1725024

Sense is looking for a driven and experienced Director of Operational Services to join our senior leadership team on a 12 month fixed term contract. This is a pivotal role where you’ll drive innovation, champion high-quality care, and ensure that every individual we support has the opportunity to live the life they choose.

About the Role

As Director of Operational Services, you will lead a large, diverse team across the UK, with responsibility for leading well-managed services that operate within budget, developing effective business models that empower the people we support to live the lives they choose.

This role will shape and deliver on an ambitious operational strategy—driving service quality, growth, and transformation while ensuring strong financial management and sector-leading outcomes.

You’ll collaborate closely with directors across the organisation, supporting strategic decisions, and representing Sense externally. Your leadership will ensure our services are inclusive, innovative, and enable greater independence for the people we support.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide visionary leadership across all operational services
• Champion person-centred, inclusive support that exceeds regulatory standards (CQC, Ofsted, CIW, etc.)
• Foster a strong, supportive performance culture through coaching and development
• Ensure operational services are financially sustainable, delivering year-on-year growth
• Drive innovation and adoption of technology to improve lives and service delivery
• Build meaningful relationships with stakeholders, from families to commissioners
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisation-wide performance as part of the Executive Team
• Embed health and safety, compliance, and safeguarding as top priorities across services
• Promote Sense’s brand, reputation and influence across the sector

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a senior operational leader who brings:

• Proven experience leading large, multi-site services in social care, education, or the public/voluntary sector
• A strong track record of strategic planning, financial oversight, and regulatory compliance
• Experience working with local authorities, commissioners, and external stakeholders
• The ability to inspire teams, build relationships, and deliver transformational change
• A passion for inclusion, innovation, and empowering people with complex needs
• Outstanding communication, influencing, and leadership skills
• Commitment to Sense’s values of inclusion, independence, and empowerment

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Sense are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer.

Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.

To Apply

Please use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview; in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.

Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.

No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.

If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 415 6735 or [email protected]

Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.

For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented ethnic minority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they're given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. For more information please visit: https://www.sense.org.uk/jobs/equality-diversity-and-inclusion-in-recruitment/