Job Description

We have an exciting opportunity for a Permanent, Full Time, Quality and Operations Lead to join Southampton City Council (SCC) in Kentish Respite Service.
About the team
Southampton City Council is seeking a skilled and experienced Quality and Operational Lead to join our Kentish Road Respite Service--part of our Directly Delivered Services (DDS). This is a key leadership role within a CQC-registered service supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, neurodiversity, and complex needs.
As we continue to reshape adult social care in Southampton, this role will be central to ensuring high standards of care, operational efficiency, and continuous improvement across the respite service.
About the role
The Quality and Operational Lead will be responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the respite care home, ensuring compliance with statutory requirements, and driving quality assurance across all aspects of care. You will work closely with the Registered Manager and wider team to maintain a safe, responsive, and person-centred environment.
Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and supporting staff to deliver high-quality, strengths-based care.
• Implementing and monitoring quality assurance frameworks aligned with CQC standards.
• Managing rotas, staffing levels, and resource allocation to meet service demands.
• Supporting safeguarding practices and promoting positive risk management.
• Overseeing medication administration and liaising with health professionals.
• Supervising staff performance, training compliance, and professional development.
• Contributing to service planning, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Deputising for the Registered Manager as required.

For further information about this role please view the job description.
About you:
We are looking for a confident and proactive leader with a strong background in adult social care and service management.
Essential criteria:

• Level 4 qualification in Adult Care and willingness to work towards Level 5 Leadership and Management.
• Proven experience in supervisory roles within learning disability, autism, or neurodiverse services.
• Strong understanding of CQC regulations, safeguarding principles, and person-centred care.
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain resilience in a dynamic environment.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and service excellence.

This is a pivotal time for Kentish Road Respite Service as we continue to evolve and strengthen our offer to adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. As Quality and Operational Lead, you'll be at the forefront of shaping how the service operates--ensuring it remains responsive, inclusive, and aligned with best practice.
You'll have the opportunity to:

• Lead service improvements that directly enhance outcomes for individuals and their families.
• Influence how care is delivered through quality assurance, staff development, and operational planning.
• Contribute to a wider transformation agenda across Directly Delivered Services, helping to build a sustainable and future-ready adult social care model.
• Work within a structure that supports innovation, continuous improvement, and professional growth.

This role offers a unique chance to combine leadership, strategic thinking, and hands-on service delivery--making a tangible impact on the lives of people who access support.
What we can offer you:
Salary: The salary band for this role is 41,771 - 46,141. The starting salary is 41,771 with annual progression through the salary bands.
Here at SCC we have a range of different perks and benefits, a few examples can be found below.

• Excellent

with 16.8% employer contribution * Death in service benefit of x3 salary, and optional salary sacrifice shared cost AVC (additional voluntary contribution)

• Generous holiday 25-31 days, based on role and service
• Flexible working options (role-dependent)
• Family-friendly policies - Maternity, Paternity, Adoption, Shared/Unpaid Parental Leave, Time off for Dependents
• Training and development, including coaching and mentoring
• Health and wellbeing support - Employee Assistance Programme, Menopause Pledge, Mental Health First Aiders and access to a variety of staff networks
• Veteran-friendly employer with the Armed Forces Covenant
• Retail discounts and savings through the Southampton City Council benefits platform
• Discounted memberships at local sports and fitness centres
• Sustainable travel benefits - low emission car scheme, cycle to work, season ticket loans
• Employee volunteering scheme with 2 paid days leave to volunteer

For further information on our benefits package please visit:
If you feel you have the necessary background, experience, and skills to undertake this role we would like to hear from you.
Contact details for informal discussion:
For further information and details regarding the Quality and Operations Lead please contact Andrea Garden, Registered Manager, on 023 8091 7889 or
Interview Information:
Please note that interviews are scheduled for week commencing 6th October 2025.
Recruitment contact details:
Email:
Tel: 023 8083 4033
For more information about SCC please visit
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Organisation
Southampton City Council
Service Area
Adult Social Care
Job Location
Kentish Road Respite Service
Contract Length
Permanent
Work Hours
Full time 37 hours per week
Salary
41,771 - 46,141 per annum
Special Requirements
Enhanced DBS will be required
Closing Date
28/09/2025
Job Reference
16019
Documents
(PDF, 326.94kb)

Skills Required