Job summary
We are seeking an experienced, visionary leader to join our Trust as Head of Operations for Mental Health & Learning Disability Services.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering high-quality care for children, adults and older adults across community services.
The postholder will support the Deputy Director to deliver the Trust's operational plan and strategic framework. The postholder will be responsible for the operational management of an agreed portfolio of services within the Mental Health & Learning Disability Care Group, ensuring effective and efficient use of allocated resources to provide a service organised around the needs of service users and our local communities.
This is a senior leadership role and the postholder will work in collaboration with the Heads of Professions and Corporate services to ensure effective performance of teams, high quality governance, workforce planning, emergency planning and on-going business development. The postholder will promote a culture of innovation, involvement and quality improvement.
Main duties of the job
Reporting to the Deputy Director of Operations and working closely with senior clinical and operational leaders, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across:
- Children and Young People's Mental Health Services
- Older Adults Mental Health Services
- Learning Disability Services
- Talking Therapy Services
Closing Date: Midnight on Wednesday 7th January 2026
Shortlisting Date: Thursday 8th January 2026
Interview Date: Friday 16th January 2026
About us
Everything we do is underpinned by our core values: -
We Care- We act with respect and empathy, and always value difference
We Listen- We understand people's views and respond to their individual needs
We Deliver- We develop and provide excellent services and support our partners
We will consider a variety of flexible working arrangements to enable staff to balance their work and home lives and support staff by offering a fantastic range of benefits including :
Increase mileage rates for > 3500
A wide range of health and wellbeing support packages
A range of internal and external development and learning opportunities
Plus many more.
We are also proud to pledge our support to the Armed Forces and hold a Bronze Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme.
BDCFT is dedicated to environmental and social sustainability by delivering on the commitments within our Green Plan. All staff are actively encouraged and supported to participate in training and to identify and implement sustainable quality improvement across all service areas and activities.
Please note that the Trust reserves the right to close the vacancy before the closing date if a sufficient number of applications are received. It is in the candidate's best interest to apply as soon as possible
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please read the attached Job description and person specification for further details about this role.
Right to Work in the UK
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trusts eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.
As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).
Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please read the attached Job description and person specification for further details about this role.
Right to Work in the UK
Prior to your appointment you will be asked to provide confirmation of your right to work and reside in the UK. During your continued employment with the Trust, you have a personal responsibility to notify your manager as soon as possible should there be any changes to your right to work status.Regrettably, if the role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Trusts eligibility criteria, the Trust are unable to extend your employment beyond the expiration of your current visa. The Trust is not responsible or liable for ensuring that your employment continues after this period.
As a condition of continuous employment, it essential you maintain the legal right to work in the United Kingdom throughout the duration of your employment with Bradford District Care NHS Foundation Trust (BDCFT).
Any change in your right-to-work status, including but not limited to visa expiration, revocation, or denial of renewal, may impact your eligibility for employment with the Trust. It is your responsibility to promptly inform your Line Manager of any changes in your right-to-work status immediately and to provide necessary documentation for verification purposes. Failure to obtain or renew your visa in a timely manner is a breach of employment conditions and will result in termination of your employment. We appreciate your attention to this matter and your commitment to fulfilling this requirement promptly
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant health or social care post graduate professional qualification
- Masters Level or equivalent experience
- Appropriate management and professional qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Project management qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of operational service management at a senior level in community or inpatient services.
- Experience of leading the provision of clinical services.
- Experience of managing service budgets, contributing to strategic and operational business plans linked to a financial strategy
Desirable
- Specific operational experience in mental health and learning disability services
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Relevant health or social care post graduate professional qualification
- Masters Level or equivalent experience
- Appropriate management and professional qualification or equivalent experience
Desirable
- Project management qualification or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of operational service management at a senior level in community or inpatient services.
- Experience of leading the provision of clinical services.
- Experience of managing service budgets, contributing to strategic and operational business plans linked to a financial strategy
Desirable
- Specific operational experience in mental health and learning disability services
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
