Job Description

Operations Director

South Cliff Dental Group

South Cliff Dental Group is a rapidly growing, award-winning dental organisation providing NHS and private dental care across the South of England. With practices across Kent, Sussex, Southampton, and Wiltshire, we are proud to have been recognised as a Sunday Times Fast Track 100 company.

As we continue to scale and professionalise the business, we are seeking an experienced Operations Director to join the senior leadership team and lead the operational strategy of the group. This role is critical to driving performance, consistency, and sustainable growth across our portfolio of practices.

The Role

Reporting directly to the CEO, the Operations Director will be responsible for setting and delivering the operational strategy of South Cliff Dental Group. You will lead the Operations function, oversee multi-site performance, and ensure that operational execution aligns with the wider business strategy.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for strategic planning, large-scale project delivery, operational performance, and people leadership, ensuring the business is well-positioned for continued growth and future investment.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and execute the group-wide operational strategy in line with company objectives and growth plans. Translate business strategy into clear, measurable operational plans and initiatives. Drive performance across the estate, ensuring delivery of NHS and private income targets. Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, productivity, and profitability across practices. Act as a key member of the senior leadership team, contributing to long-term planning and decision-making. Ensure consistent implementation of systems, processes, and standards across all practices. Establish robust operational governance, controls, and performance management frameworks. Lead continuous improvement initiatives to enhance patient experience, compliance, and clinical productivity. Oversee practice infrastructure, facilities, and operational risk management. Lead, develop, and inspire the Operations leadership team, including Operations Managers and Practice Managers. Build a high-performance culture with clear accountability and ownership. Ensure strong succession planning and capability development within the Operations function. Work closely with HR, Finance, and Clinical leadership to align people, performance, and culture. Sponsor and lead key operational projects, including acquisitions, refurbishments, integrations, and system implementations. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with strategic priorities. Provide clear, data-driven reporting on operational performance, risks, and opportunities. Support due diligence, audits, and investor engagement as required.

About You

Essential:

Senior operational leadership experience within healthcare, dentistry, or a multi-site environment. Experience within NHS dental environment Proven track record of developing and delivering operational strategy at scale. Strong commercial acumen with experience driving performance and efficiency. Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills. Flexible approach to working hours, including occasional weekend working. Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across sites.

Desirable:

Exposure to M&A integration and large-scale change programmes.

What We Offer

Competitive executive-level salary, dependent on experience. Performance-related bonus opportunity. Company pension scheme. Mileage allowance and/or car allowance. The opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of a growing, ambitious organisation.

Working Hours & Location

This role is hybrid or primarily based in our Crawley Head Office.

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, with flexibility required to meet business and operational demands, including occasional weekend working.

Job Type: Full-time

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Crawley RH10 1WW