West Cork Recruitment
West Cork Recruitment is hiring an Operations Manager for a fast-growing, Irish home care provider committed to high quality, compassionate and person-centred care for people in their own homes. Its mission is to help people live safely, independently and with dignity, while giving their families reassurance and peace of mind. As the company grows, it is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead its operational teams, drive service excellence and support its continued growth. This is a start-up role. You will be joining at the beginning and building operations from the ground up, so proactivity is key. The right person takes ownership without waiting to be asked, spots problems before they happen, and is happy to roll up their sleeves, from running second-round interviews to setting up the systems the company will grow on.
Our client is a fast-growing, early-stage Irish home care provider committed to high quality, compassionate and person-centred care for people in their own homes. Its mission is to help people live safely, independently and with dignity, while giving their families reassurance and peace of mind. As the company grows, it is looking for an experienced and motivated Operations Manager to lead its operational teams, drive service excellence and support its continued growth.
This is a start-up role. You will be joining at the beginning and building operations from the ground up, so proactivity is key. The right person takes ownership without waiting to be asked, spots problems before they happen, and is happy to roll up their sleeves, from running second-round interviews to setting up the systems the company will grow on.
Job purpose
The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective management, performance and development of home care operations across designated service areas. The role provides strategic and operational leadership so that services are delivered safely, efficiently and consistently, in line with HSE contract requirements, Irish legislation and the company's quality standards.
Working closely with the CEO, the recruitment team and external HR, payroll and finance partners, the Operations Manager makes sure the company meets its objectives for service delivery, workforce, client satisfaction, compliance and sustainable growth. The successful candidate will understand the Irish home care sector well and be able to balance high-quality care with operational and commercial performance.
Key duties and responsibilities
1. Operational leadership and management
• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day performance of home care services
• Lead, manage and support Care Coordinators, Regional Care Managers and operational teams to meet agreed service objectives
• Make sure care is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with each client's assessed needs and care plan
• Oversee care scheduling, workforce allocation, service capacity and continuity of care
• Monitor operational performance, identify areas to improve and put corrective actions in place
• Make sure communication works well between offices, coordinators, carers and senior management
• Develop and maintain standard operating procedures across all service areas
• Provide senior support on complex service delivery challenges
• Put contingency and escalation plans in place for staff shortages, service disruption
and emergencies
2. Quality, compliance and governance
• Make sure services meet Irish legislation, HSE requirements, safeguarding obligations and relevant quality standards
• Work with the clinical lead to maintain high standards of care
• Monitor compliance with company policies, procedures and contract obligations
• Make sure systems are in place for incident reporting, complaints, safeguarding and risk management
• Oversee operational audits and follow through on quality improvement actions
• Promote a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and client safety
• Prepare the company for new home support regulation and HIQA inspection
• Make sure operational records, reports and documentation are accurate and on time
3. People leadership and workforce management
• Provide strong, visible and supportive leadership to the operational team
• Set clear expectations, objectives and performance standards
• Hold regular management meetings, performance reviews and supervision
• During the start-up phase, personally conduct second-round interviews for care staff and make hiring decisions with the recruitment team
• Work with recruitment to make sure there are enough carers in every service area
• Support onboarding, induction, shadowing, staff development and retention
• Make sure training, supervision and competency requirements are kept up to date
• Identify workforce challenges and develop recruitment and retention strategies
• Promote a positive culture based on respect, teamwork, professionalism and accountability
• Support succession planning and develop future operational leaders
4. HSE contracts and stakeholder management
• Oversee delivery of HSE-funded home support in line with contract requirements
• Build strong working relationships with HSE Home Support Offices and healthcare professionals
• Manage referrals, new care packages and changes to existing services quickly and well
• Monitor service delivery requirements, performance measures and reporting obligations
• Help resolve operational issues raised by the HSE, clients and families
• Represent the company at stakeholder and service planning meetings
• Support the mobilisation of new HSE contracts and service opportunities
5. Financial and commercial performance
• Manage operational performance against agreed budgets and financial targets
• Review care hours delivered, staffing costs, overtime, travel costs and workforce utilisation
• Work with the CEO and finance partners to find efficiencies and improve performance
• Allocate resources to protect both service quality and financial sustainability
• Monitor service profitability and support better operating margins
• Produce regular operational performance reports for the CEO
• Contribute to financial planning, forecasting and budgets
6.Business growth and service development
• Support the CEO in delivering the company's operational growth strategy
• Identify opportunities to grow services in existing and new areas
• Make sure operations are ready for new contracts, care packages and rising demand
• Build scalable processes and management structures to support growth
• Work with recruitment and management to mobilise new services
• Find ways to improve client experience, service delivery and efficiency
• Contribute to strategic planning and organisational development
7. Client experience and service excellence
• Make sure care is compassionate, reliable and person-centred
• Keep clients' dignity, independence, preferences and wellbeing at the centre of every service
• Monitor client satisfaction, complaints and feedback to drive improvement
• Support the team in resolving complex client and family concerns
• Deal with service issues promptly and professionally
• Build a culture of responsiveness, accountability and continuous improvement
Person specification
Essential
• At least 3 years' management experience in home care, community care or a related health or social care setting
• QQI Level 6 in Healthcare or Social Care, or an equivalent relevant qualification
• Proven experience managing operational teams, service delivery and staff performance
• Strong understanding of HSE-funded home support and the Irish healthcare environment
• Experience putting in place quality assurance systems, operational policies and safeguarding procedures
• Able to manage competing priorities and make good decisions under pressure
• Highly proactive, with the drive and resilience to thrive in a start-up where processes are still being built
• Excellent interpersonal, communication and stakeholder management skills
• Strong financial awareness, analytical skills and confidence with management reporting
• A full, valid driving licence and willingness to travel
Desirable
• Experience managing more than one home care service area or regional team
• A third-level qualification in management, business, healthcare or social care
• Experience developing operational strategy and leading growth
• Knowledge of care scheduling and workforce management systems
• Experience of service mobilisation, organisational change and continuous improvement
For a confidential discussion email laura@westcorkrecruitment.com