Director of Elderly Care

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

About Us

SDR is fast growing family-owned social infrastructure business. We are committed to delivering exceptional, person-centred care for the elderly. We currently operate three homes (two in Hampshire and one in West Sussex), with a total capacity of c. 90 beds. In 2025, we are looking to add accommodation, expanding our reach and impact in the elderly care sector.

With a focus on quality, culture and innovation, we are dedicated to providing the highest standards of care while ensuring sustainable business development.

We are now seeking an inspirational Director of Elderly Care to join our leadership team and drive strategic and operational excellence alongside outstanding care and compliance across the organisation.

The Location

Head Office (Falmer, East Sussex) with travel to services in Hampshire, East Sussex, West Sussex.

The Role

As the Director of Elderly Care, working alongside the COO, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation. You will provide strategic leadership, oversee daily operations, and ensure regulatory compliance while driving sustainable growth. Additionally, you will lead the integration of newly acquired care homes, fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and innovation across all teams.

This role would suit an individual who values autonomy, thrives in a dynamic environment, and is motivated by the opportunity to make a lasting impact in the care sector.

Unlike many providers, SDR offers a unique environment-a relatively small, dynamic head office with direct and daily access to Board members. This role provides an unparalleled opportunity to make a real impact while shaping the future of a growing organisation.

Learn more about us at www.sdrgroup.co.uk

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement the organisation's strategic plan in alignment with its mission and long-term goals.
• Support the SDR Board through growth and transformation, including acquisitions and service expansion.
• Prepare and present performance updates and strategic reports to the Board.
• Support financial analysis and provide insight into financial reporting.

1. Operational Management

• Oversee operations across all elderly care homes, ensuring they meet high standards of care and operational efficiency.
• Identify and implement continuous improvement initiatives to optimise operational performance.
• Provide Leadership to Home and Area Managers.

1. Acquisition Integration

• Collaborate with the Board and operational teams to ensure the smooth integration of new acquisitions.
• Align systems, processes, and organisational culture across newly acquired and existing care homes.

1. Leadership

• Build, lead, and develop high-performing home management and care teams.
• Promote a culture of accountability, innovation, and collaboration across the organisation.

1. Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant regulatory and legislative requirements, including CQC standards.
• Maintain a high standard of care delivery and operational practices across all homes.
• Strive to achieve 'Outstanding' CQC rated homes with a minimum of 'Good' for integrated homes.

1. Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective relationships with key stakeholders, including employees, regulators, and partners.
• Represent the company in industry forums and public engagements to enhance its reputation and market presence.

1. Sales, Marketing, and Brand Development

• Strengthen the company's brand reputation and implement an effective sales & marketing strategy.
• Conduct market research to identify trends, competitor activities, and growth opportunities.
• Ensure effective utilisation of the company's CRM system to drive sales and marketing efforts.

What we are looking for

Are you an experienced Director or an experienced Regional or Registered Manager looking to take the next step?

Key Skills, Attributes, and Experience

• Proven Experience: Extensive leadership experience within the elderly care and nursing home sectors, with a strong track record in operational management, business transition/integration or turnaround. Experience in achieving 'Good', or ideally, 'Outstanding' CQC ratings.
• Strategic Vision: Demonstrated ability to develop and execute strategies and innovate.
• Financial Expertise: Strong understanding of budgeting, forecasting and cost management.
• Leadership: Exceptional leadership and team management skills, with the ability to inspire and foster collaboration.
• Industry Knowledge: Sector leading understanding of the elderly care and nursing home sector, including regulatory requirements, market trends and professional network.
• Change Management: Proven ability to lead homes through transformations, including acquisitions and integrations.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence.

Education and Qualifications

• Minimum Level 5+ Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care or equivalent.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

Core Values
The Director of Elderly Care is expected to embody and promote SDR's core values:

• Kindness, Dignity & Respect: Treat everyone with kindness, dignity, and respect to create a fulfilling and rewarding work environment.
• Calmness: Approach challenges and decisions with calm and composure to deliver effective solutions.
• Creativity: Encourage and embrace creativity to find innovative ways to enhance service delivery.
• Responsibility: Take ownership of actions, attitudes, and outcomes while supporting career development and team growth.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary of from £70,000 + depending on experience
• Performance based bonus
• 30 days AL (plus Bank Holidays)
• Supportive and collaborative leadership team

• Autonomy to lead and innovate in a key leadership position

• Opportunity to shape the future of a fast-growing organisation
• Supportive environment that encourages creativity and professional development.
• Company pension (3% employer contribution and 5% employee contribution, if eligible)
• Benefits available upon completion of probation include:

Group life insurance (4x salary)

Private Medical insurance (subject to underwriting)

Company sick pay

Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

As a growing company, we are committed to continually reviewing and enhancing our benefits.

Ready to Apply?

If you're excited about this opportunity, we'd love to hear from you! Please ensure that you attach your CV and fully respond to the application questions.

Join us at SDR and make a difference in the lives of residents and their families while contributing to the growth of a leading care provider.

No Agencies please