Head of Commissioning Operations

Extraordinary People, Exceptional Care

Orchard Care Homes is a growing, values‑led organisation dedicated to delivering high‑quality, person‑centred health and social care services. We are expanding our ReConnect portfolio and seeking an experienced Head of Commissioning Operations to lead operational delivery, drive service excellence, and support the development of new, innovative service models.

In this pivotal position, you will play a key leadership role in shaping and driving the performance, quality, and growth of our ReConnect services. You will be responsible for leading operational teams, overseeing commissioning requirements, and ensuring services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory and contractual standards. You will have the opportunity to lead new services, supporting adults with complex needs, where your impact will be visible and meaningful.

This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who understands the realities of complex care and is confident leading services where positive behaviour support, risk management, and person-centred practice are essential. No two days will be the same, and strong, visible leadership will be essential to creating safe, stable, and positive environments.

Please note: This is a field‑based position rather than a Harrogate‑based role, with travel required across the North West, North East, Midlands, and Yorkshire in line with business requirements.

What is ReConnect?

ReConnect is Orchard Care Homes’ award‑winning model of dementia care, designed to help people living with dementia and mental health needs reconnect with the life they love. Our specialist communities are built around independence, engagement, and meaningful living — supporting every person to thrive. In addition to our dementia communities, we also operate two dedicated mental health services, further expanding our ability to provide high‑quality, person‑centred support across complex needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the operational strategy for ReConnect services, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, ICBs, NHS partners, commissioning bodies, families, professionals, and internal teams.
• Lead tender activity and new commissioning opportunities.
• Lead the mobilisation and development for new services and contracts.
• Embed positive behaviour support, risk management, and person-centred planning.
• Coach, develop, and support Registered Managers, Service Leads, and operational teams.
• Ensure services meet and exceed compliance with CQC regulations, quality frameworks, and contractual KPIs.
• Lead, support, and performance-manage staff to deliver high-quality care
• Oversee operational budgets, rotas, resources, occupancy and performance KPIs / targets.

Role Requirements

• A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards).
• We are looking for a confident, forward thinking operational leader who can balance strategic vision with hands on delivery.
• You will be resilient, and values-led, with a strong background in complex residential care.
• Proven senior operational leadership experience in health or social care managing residential services for people with complex needs
• Experience working with commissioned services (Local Authority and NHS pathways).
• Strong knowledge of CQC regulations, regulatory frameworks and health & social care legislation
• Experience in specialist service mobilisation, commissioning discussions, and/or contract management.
• A solid understanding of positive behaviour support and risk management
• Excellent leadership, communication, relationship‑building and staff management skills.
• The ability to remain calm, professional, and decisive in challenging situations

The successful candidate will be required to take part in an on‑call rota to support operational needs. This will be circa one weekend per annum.

Everything You’ll Love

• Salary: Competitive – dependent on experience
• Company-supported pension scheme to invest in your future
• Fully funded DBS check
• Career development from day one, with clear progression pathways
• Hundreds of colleague discounts every month across shopping, holidays, dining, tech via the Blue Light Card
• Excellent employee recognition schemes such as a ‘Making a Difference” award, Long Service Awards and referral bonuses
• Free emotional, practical, and financial support that’s fully confidential, through an Employee Assistance Programme helpline and wellbeing app that’s available 24/7, all year round

About Orchard Care Homes

For more than 15 years, Orchard Care Homes has been dedicated to delivering exceptional care for older people and being an active, trusted part of the local community. We are committed to delivering care we would want for our own families.

We invest in our people and support continuous professional development, offering a wide range of training and progression opportunities across our portfolio of homes.

We are proud supporters of the Armed Forces community and warmly welcome applications from veterans, reservists, and military spouses as part of our Defence Employer Recognition Scheme commitment. We value the unique strengths and experiences that service personnel bring and strive to create an inclusive, supportive workplace where everyone can thrive.