Deputy Care Operations Manager

Orcutt Labs, Inc.; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare transport company in the UK seeks a Deputy Care Operations Manager to support and lead teams in delivering patient-centered mental health transport services. Candidates should have strong leadership skills and the ability to manage sensitive information. The role offers a full-time position with a structured 4-on/4-off shift pattern and competitive salary.

Benefits

Company pension

Health Care Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Full uniform and enhanced PPE

Wagestream financial wellbeing platform

Qualifications

• At least 12 months driving experience preferred.
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in healthcare preferred.
• Confident using IT systems for scheduling and reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead and coach teams in healthcare transport services.
• Monitor compliance with health & safety protocols.
• Manage rotas and resource allocation.

Skills

Leadership skills

Communication

Calm under pressure

Compassion

Emotional resilience

Education

Full UK Manual Driving Licence

Enhanced DBS

Job description

Deputy Care Operations Manager Full Time (40.3 hours/week)

Location: The Old Stables, Tonbridge Road, Mereworth, Maidstone, ME18 5LR

Reports To: Area Care Operations Manager (ACOM)

Job Type: Full-time

Shift Pattern: 4 on / 4 off (alternating between 4 days and 4 nights 12-hour shifts)

Pay: Blended rate of £14.29 p/h (Annual Remuneration of £29,993.83 based on expected hours)

If you're an experienced leader in healthcare or secure services, this is your opportunity to step into a meaningful management role with purpose. At Secure Care UK, we don't just transport patients; we care for them through some of the most challenging moments in their lives. As a Deputy Care Operations Manager (DCOM), you will support, mentor, and lead teams to deliver safe, respectful, and person-centred mental health transport services. You’ll act as a role model for quality care, manage operational performance, and ensure your team embodies the values that set us apart.

We're looking for passionate individuals with strong leadership skills, calm under pressure, and committed to making a positive difference. This is a highly unpredictable and emotionally demanding role, often supporting individuals in distress or crisis. Candidates must demonstrate compassion, patience, and emotional resilience. You will need to manage sensitive and sometimes distressing information, adapt quickly to changing situations, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure environments. In return, you will be part of a supportive and inclusive team making a meaningful difference every day.

Equal Opportunities

Secure Care UK is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation, in line with the Equality Act 2010.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Hospital transfers, court or prison escorts, and medical appointments
• House extractions under Section 135, working with police and mental health professionals to move individuals from their home to a place of safety
• Community assessments, supporting local authority mental health reviews in people’s homes
• Bed watch services, supervising and supporting admitted patients during hospital stays
• Suite work, caring for patients held in psychiatric suites under Section 136 or 135, often for up to 24-36 hours

You will work in crews of two or more, rotating between driving, escorting, and supervising patients, using secure, specially adapted vehicles (under 3.5 tonnes or larger Safe Area Vehicles for complex cases). This isn’t just a driving job; it’s about accompanying patients with care, dignity, and compassion through their most difficult transitions.

Responsibilities

• Leading and coaching teams to deliver safe, effective care
• Monitoring compliance with health & safety and company protocols
• Managing rotas, vehicle readiness, and resource allocation
• Supporting recruitment, onboarding, and retention of staff
• Acting as the first point of contact for operational escalations
• Ensuring accurate use of electronic systems and data reporting
• Promoting a positive team culture through regular communication and support
• Contributing to business development and building client relationships
• Working collaboratively with other departments for service delivery

Requirements

• Full UK Manual Driving Licence (Required)
• Enhanced DBS within the last 3 years (Preferred)
• At least 12 months driving experience (Preferred)
• Prior leadership or supervisory experience in healthcare, security, emergency services, or a related field
• Strong communication and coaching skills
• Calm under pressure and passionate about quality patient care
• Confident using IT systems for scheduling, reporting, and communication

Who We Are

Secure Care UK was founded in 2013 in response to a growing need for safe, compassionate mental health transport. We are proud to be the first and only secure transport provider in the UK meeting Restraint Reduction Network (RRN) standards. With operations spanning the UK and some international services, we work with NHS trusts, local authorities, and private care settings to deliver essential support every day.

Our values are at the heart of what we do:

• Patient First
• Respect
• Openness
• Unity
• Determination

What We Offer

Training & Development

• Full induction including de-escalation, physical intervention, handcuff training, and First Aid
• Specialist training, NVQ Diplomas, and mentoring programmes
• Leadership development and career progression opportunities

Benefits

• Company pension
• Refer-a-friend bonus
• Health Care Cash Plan (after 6 months)
• Eligibility for Blue Light Card
• Employee Assistance Programme (from day one)
• Full uniform and enhanced PPE
• Wagestream financial wellbeing platform
• Additional annual leave after 2 years of service
• Monthly Care Awards and driver recognition schemes
• Suggestion scheme with rewards for implemented ideas
• Pay enhancements
• Overtime: £22.00 p/h
• Enhanced pay of £1.20 p/h for Place of Safety and Bed Watch
• Additional shift enhancement of £1.75 p/h for call-ins or extra shifts

Flexibility & Commitment

Due to the nature of our services, flexibility is essential. While we operate on structured 4-on/4-off rotas, there may be occasions when shift overruns or changes are necessary to meet patient needs. We appreciate and support a responsive, team-first approach.

Ready to Make a Lasting Impact?

If you're passionate about supporting teams and patients, ready to lead with integrity, and want to grow within a company that values its people and purpose, apply today to begin your next chapter with Secure Care UK.