Managing Director

Job Title - Managing Director

Location - Nationwide (Scotland, North East, Central and Central East)

Reporting - Deputy Chief Executive Officer

We are a national provider of care and support with a diverse range of residential and supported living services. The people we support have complex needs, they may have autism, learning disabilities, mental health issues or need a specialist nursing service. We believe that with the right support everyone can achieve greater independence and fulfilling lives, as each person we support is at the heart of all services we provide.

About the role

The Managing Director is responsible for the leadership, performance, and quality of operational services across a portfolio of residential and supported living services for people with learning disabilities.

Reporting to the Deputy CEO, the role provides strategic and operational leadership through Divisional Directors, ensuring services are safe, high-quality, financially sustainable, and aligned with Company objectives. The postholder plays a key role in delivering operational excellence, driving performance, and supporting the Company’s growth and development.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across services through Divisional Directors.
• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and person-centred care across all services.
• Maintain oversight of day-to-day operations through Divisional Directors, ensuring timely interventions where performance does not meet expectations.
• Drive consistency in operational standards, policies, and practices across divisions.
• Ensure effective oversight of service performance, addressing areas of risk or underperformance.
• Develop and implement operational strategies that encompass quality, compliance, and sustainable growth.

Performance & Quality

• Monitor and drive performance through robust KPI frameworks and dashboards, covering quality, compliance, occupancy, workforce stability, and financial performance.
• Ensure services meet regulatory and legislative requirements.  
• Lead quality improvement initiatives and ensure continuous improvement across services.
• Support services to achieve positive inspection outcomes and maintain high standards of care.

Financial & Commercial Management

• Hold accountability for the financial performance of the operational portfolio.
• Oversee budgets, cost control, and operational efficiency across divisions.
• Work closely with finance teams to ensure services are financially sustainable.
• Support the commercial viability of services, including occupancy levels and cost management.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, coach, and develop Divisional Directors to deliver strong operational performance.
• Build a high-performing leadership culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and results.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, and retention strategies across services.
• Promote a positive Company culture aligned with the Swanton’s PRIDE Ethos.
• Lead in line with Swanton values, promoting the Company’s PRIDE Ethos and behavioural framework.
• Lead and support Divisional Directors to successfully implement and sustain change initiatives within their areas.
• Act as a visible advocate for people with learning disabilities, ensuring their voices and outcomes remain central to service delivery.

Service Development & Growth

• Work closely with the Deputy CEO and Head of Business Development to support service growth and expansion.
• Contribute to the mobilisation of new services, ensuring operational readiness and successful delivery.
• Support the integration of new services into the operational portfolio.

Governance & Risk

• Ensure robust governance structures are in place across all services.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate operational risks.
• Ensure compliance with Company policies, procedures, and regulatory frameworks.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, local authorities, and external partners.
• Represent the Company in operational and partnership forums.
• Support the Company’s reputation as a high-quality provider of services for people with learning disabilities.
• Promote and embed co-production with colleagues, people we support, families, and external stakeholders to achieve business objectives and improve services.

Transformation, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the implementation and embedding of operational change initiatives across operations.
• Drive the standardisation of processes, policies, and ways of working to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality.
• Evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of operational processes, both internally and with external partners, taking action to address areas of underperformance.
• Oversee the development and effective use of systems to support operational delivery, performance monitoring, and decision-making.
• Ensure the consistent use of KPI dashboards across divisions, enabling real-time visibility of performance and proactive management of risk.
• Embed a data-driven culture, using performance insights to drive accountability, continuous improvement, and informed decision-making.
• Work with internal stakeholders to ensure systems and reporting frameworks are fit for purpose and aligned with Company priorities.
• Ensure changes are effectively implemented, adopted, and sustained across all services.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Significant senior operational leadership experience within adult social care or comparable sector.
• Experience managing multi-site services through senior leaders (e.g. Regional or Divisional Directors).
• Strong understanding of residential and/or supported living services for people with learning disabilities.
• Experience of driving service performance, quality improvement, and operational change.
• Experience managing budgets and financial performance.

Essential Skills

• Strategic and operational leadership
• Performance management and data-driven decision making
• Financial and commercial awareness
• Leadership and people development
• Strong communication and influencing skills
• Ability to manage complexity across multiple services

Desirable

• Experience at Managing Director, Director, or equivalent senior level
• Experience supporting service growth or acquisitions
• Relevant leadership or social care qualifications

Key Outcomes

Success in the role will be demonstrated by:

• High-quality, safe, and compliant services
• Strong operational and financial performance across divisions
• Effective leadership of Divisional Directors
• Improved occupancy and workforce stability
• Successful delivery of operational elements of Company strategy