Interim Head Of Care

Interim Head of Care6-Month Fixed Term Contract (with potential extension)Salary: £70,000 pro rata Location: Brierley Hill, Wolverhampton & Surrounding areas Hours: 35 hours per week (part-time considered: 28–35 hours) Working Pattern: Hybrid, with significant on-site presenceRole OverviewWe are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Care to provide hands-on, visible leadership across residential care and supported living services. This senior interim role is responsible for ensuring the delivery of high-quality, compliant and person-centred care, while guiding, supporting and developing teams across multiple services.The Interim Head of Care will lead on regulatory compliance and safeguarding, support services through inspections, audits and commissioning activity, and oversee the operational, financial and strategic performance of registered services. This role requires a confident leader who can balance quality, compliance and commercial awareness while maintaining a strong on-site presence.Key ResponsibilitiesProvide strategic and operational leadership across residential and supported living servicesEnsure full compliance with CQC regulations, the Health and Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014, and the Fundamental StandardsAct as Nominated Individual for CQC-registered services (where required)Lead and oversee safeguarding practice, acting as Designated Safeguarding LeadPrepare for, manage and respond to CQC inspections, audits and commissioning reviewsMaintain a strong on-site presence to support, guide and develop care teamsEnsure services are appropriately resourced, including staffing structures, recruitment, training and developmentLead and develop high-performing teams through effective leadership, communication and people managementMonitor and performance-manage services against KPIs, quality standards and financial targets, implementing improvement plans where requiredEnsure the financial viability of services through effective budgeting, monitoring and cost controlOversee budget setting, income and expenditure control, and authorisation of invoices in line with financial proceduresEnsure systems, processes and resources are efficient, effective and support service growthPrepare and present written and verbal reports to senior stakeholders as requiredBuild and maintain strong professional relationships with internal and external stakeholdersEnsure compliance with health & safety, COSHH, fire safety, infection prevention and control, and data protection requirementsPromote equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure policies and procedures are consistently appliedQualificationsDegree-level qualification in a relevant subject or Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle (travel between sites required)Formal leadership or management training (desirable)Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check requiredRequired Skills & ExperienceMinimum 5 years’ senior management experience within regulated health and social care servicesProven experience leading residential and/or supported living servicesStrong, up-to-date knowledge of CQC requirements, safeguarding frameworks and relevant legislationDemonstrable experience in quality assurance, service improvement and regulatory complianceStrong leadership capability with experience managing large, multi-disciplinary teamsExcellent commercial awareness, financial management and service sustainability skillsExperience leading change, service development and performance improvementStrong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior stakeholdersHighly organised, resilient and self-motivated, with a proactive and solutions-focused approachWorking ArrangementsHybrid working availableExpectation of regular on-site presence and visibility with care teamsAttendance at head office meetings and panels as required