Job Title

Director of Operations – Mental HealthUp to £85,000 + Performance BonusShape national mental health services. Lead at system level. Deliver at scale.Compass Associates has been selected to appoint a Director of Operations – Mental Health to take ownership of a large, complex, and fast-growing mental health portfolio delivering inpatient and community services across the NHS.This is a senior leadership role for someone who understands how mental health services actually work - operationally, clinically, commercially, and within NHS systems - and who is motivated by improving access, quality, and patient flow at scale.The opportunity:You’ll be accountable for the operational performance of a national mental health division, working closely with NHS Trusts, ICBs, and system partners to deliver safe, high-quality services while supporting growth across new pathways and geographies.You’ll lead senior operational leaders, oversee significant budgets, and play a key role in shaping service models that genuinely relieve pressure across the system.Responsibilities: End-to-end operational leadership of a multi-site mental health portfolio spanning inpatient and community servicesDelivering operational strategy aligned to clinical quality, safety, and commercial performanceLeading and developing a senior leadership team across service delivery, mobilisation, and patient flowBuilding trusted, senior relationships with NHS Trusts, ICBs, commissioners, and provider collaborativesMobilising new services and expanding existing contracts nationallyEnsuring strong performance management, governance, and KPI reportingManaging operational budgets across staffing, mobilisation, and non-pay spendOverseeing regulatory compliance (CQC, MHA, MCA, safeguarding, NHS contracts)Identifying and mitigating operational and clinical riskContributing to executive-level decision-making and board reportingScale & Scope:Responsibility for services generating £20m+ annual incomeOversight of £15m operational budgetDirect leadership of 4 senior operational headsNational remit with regular travelThis role will suit someone who:Has senior operational leadership experience in mental health servicesUnderstands NHS commissioning, provider collaboratives, and system-level deliveryIs confident balancing clinical quality, operational delivery, and commercial performanceHas led large, multi-site services with complex stakeholder environmentsIs credible at executive and board levelLeads with compassion, clarity, and accountabilityThrives in environments where services are evolving and scalingWhat’s on offer:Salary up to £85,000Performance-related bonus (linked to EBITDA or revenue)National leadership role with genuine influence on mental health pathwaysOpportunity to shape and scale services that make a real impact