Operations Manager

Job Description

Operational Manager – Mental Health Services
East Sussex County Council

We are not just looking for an operational manager—we’re searching for an inspiring leader who can nurture the creativity, growth, and development of our workforce while engaging meaningfully with the residents of East Sussex.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership role where you will manage and support Practice Managers in delivering high-quality services and shaping the future of mental health provision in the county. You will be at the forefront of strategic service developments, using data-driven insights and stakeholder consultation to influence meaningful change.

We are currently undergoing significant transformation aligned with national Health and Social Care priorities. You’ll play a leading role in guiding these developments, working closely with the Head of Service, internal teams, and external partners to ensure our systems and workforce are well-positioned for the future.

Our team works from a strength-based, person-centred ethos, promoting choice and control for residents and ensuring value for money through innovative practice.

What We’re Looking For

We want a confident, visionary leader with:

• Extensive experience in the mental health sector, ideally within a statutory organisation
• A strong background in service development and operational leadership
• A proactive, collaborative approach to internal and external partnership working
• A commitment to continuous improvement and workforce development

Essential Experience & Qualifications

We are seeking candidates with:

• Substantial social services management experience
• Strategic service planning and transformation expertise
• Local budget management experience
• Proven ability to lead and manage change
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g., Social Work, Occupational Therapy)
• A management qualification, or willingness to undertake a Level 6 Chartered Manager apprenticeship (funded by the council)

What We Offer

East Sussex County Council is committed to investing in our people. We offer:

• A generous Local Government Pension Scheme
• Flexible hybrid working arrangements
• Funded training and development opportunities
• Lease car scheme (subject to eligibility)
• Access to wellbeing and mental health resources
• Reimbursement of annual Social Work England registration fees

For full details, please download the Job Description & Person Specification.

How to Apply

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button above and upload your CV along with a Covering Letter explaining how you meet the criteria in the person specification. We may close the advert early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply promptly.

Interview Dates: Interviews will take place during the weeks commencing 14th or 21st July, primarily via Microsoft Teams. If you prefer an in-person interview or are unavailable on those dates, please contact us to discuss alternative arrangements.

Contact for Enquiries

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Bev Hull at Bev.Hull@eastsussex.gov.uk

Additional Information

• This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. For more details, visit: gov.uk/dbs-check
• If you have lived or worked abroad, you will need to provide an overseas police check
• Salaries are pro rata for part-time or term-time-only roles
• If you require UK visa sponsorship, please mention this in your application. Learn more: gov.uk/work-visas

If you need any reasonable adjustments to support your application due to a disability, please get in touch with the hiring manager

“For work that makes a difference—choose East Sussex.”