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Your new company

Hays are working exclusively with a charity that is a leading provider of services addressing drug and alcohol-related issues across Northern Ireland. This organisation delivers a wide range of community‑based programmes, one‑to‑one and family interventions, and recovery services that support people affected by substance use and related harms. They are values‑driven, trauma‑informed and committed to evidence‑based practice and measurable impact. You will be joining a stable, forward‑looking charity with a strong reputation, supportive Board and experienced Senior Management Team, at a time when demand for its services and the wider external landscape are evolving quickly.

Your new role

As Director of Operations, you will be a key member of the Senior Management Team, reporting to the Chief Executive and working closely with the Board of Trustees.
You will provide strategic and operational leadership across all frontline services and organisational infrastructure, ensuring services are high‑quality, outcomes‑focused and financially sustainable.

Your main areas of responsibility will include:

• Leading the development and delivery of operational strategy in line with the charity’s vision and organisational plan
• Translating organisational strategy into clear annual operational plans, with measurable objectives and performance indicators
• Driving service development, innovation and change programmes across a range of prevention, intervention and recovery services
• Providing high‑quality reports and analysis to inform decision‑making at Board and Senior Management Team level
• Monitoring the external environment, including policy and commissioning priorities, and shaping operational responses

• Ensuring services are evidence‑informed, trauma‑informed and focused on outcomes and impact

• Leading quality assurance, audit and continuous improvement frameworks across all services

• Developing robust systems for performance monitoring, reporting and evaluation that demonstrate impact to commissioners, funders and other stakeholders

• Embedding mechanisms for listening to staff, service users and partners to support ongoing improvement

• Ensuring services meet all contractual, regulatory, legal and safeguarding requirements

• Leading organisational risk management and maintaining the corporate risk register

• Overseeing robust governance structures, policies and compliance frameworks

• Managing operational budgets and supporting resource planning and funding development

• Contributing to tenders and business cases to support sustainability

• Overseeing operational infrastructure including digital systems and facilities

• Leading, developing and motivating managers and frontline teams

• Embedding a positive, values‑driven culture focused on wellbeing and accountability

• Building strong relationships with commissioners, funders and external partners

What you'll need to succeed

• A degree in a relevant discipline e.g. Leadership, Management, Business, Health, Social Care, Community Development

• A minimum of five years in the last seven years relevant experience in an senior operational leadership role in a multi-site or geographically dispersed organisation.

• Proven experience of translating organisational strategy into operational plans, delivering measurable outcomes and performance improvements.

• Experience of managing operational budgets, monitoring expenditure and delivering services within financial constraints.

• Experience of managing a team of people to deliver results

• Experience of ensuring compliance with safeguarding, data protection (GDPR), health and safety, and other relevant regulatory requirements.
  
  It would be advantageous (but not essential) if you also have:

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline

• Experience in the health, social care, mental health, substance use or wider wellbeing sectors

• Experience of embedding trauma‑informed or psychologically informed approaches in services or organisations

• Experience of leading digital or data‑related developments such as case management systems or performance dashboards

• Experience of working with or presenting to Boards or Board Committees

• Experience of contributing to policy development or influencing at regional or national level

What you'll get in return

In addition to the opportunity to make a real difference to individuals, families and communities affected by substance use, you will receive:

• Salary of £57,866 plus 6% employer pension contribution

• 28 days’ annual leave plus 11 bank/public holidays

• Additional wellbeing‑focused benefits, including a dedicated day for Mental Health Awareness and a Christmas shopping day

• Access to a health and wellbeing support package, including an Employee Assistance Programme

• Hybrid working options, with a mix of head office and remote working

• Time‑off‑in‑lieu arrangements to support work–life balance

• A strong focus on staff voice, with staff working groups and staff representatives helping shape organisational development

• Ongoing training, professional development and study opportunities

• A positive, supportive organisational culture with formal staff reward and recognition initiatives
  
  This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational leader who wants to apply their skills in a values‑led, impact‑driven charity and help shape the future of vital services across Northern Ireland.

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Rebecca Kinder or Matthew McArthur on 02890446911.

If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.