Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location: Minstead Trust | South of England (Hybrid / Multi-site)

Next year, Minstead Trust celebrates 40 years of supporting people with neuro‑disabilities to live more independent, fulfilling lives. We’re proud of what we’ve achieved but we’re even more excited about what comes next.

The social care system is under immense pressure. Too many adults with neuro‑disabilities receive little or no support. We refuse to accept that status quo.

That’s why our Board has approved a bold 10‑year strategy: to evolve from a respected regional provider into a national force for systemic change, and we’re now looking for an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help make this vision a reality.

The Opportunity

This is not a traditional COO role.

As Chief Operating Officer, you’ll be the operational engine behind our national expansion. You’ll take innovative, person‑centred service models and turn them into financially sustainable, operationally excellent services on the ground.

You’ll lead the ‘Front’ of the organisation – scaling what works, ensuring safety and quality, and building a high‑performing regional leadership model that empowers local teams to act with autonomy, accountability and purpose.

Over the next decade, you’ll help grow our turnover, expand regional hubs and shape a genuinely replicable operating model that can change outcomes for thousands of people.

What you will be doing

• Lead operational excellence
  • Hold executive accountability for operational performance, compliance and P&L
  • Ensure all regulated services achieve and maintain Good or Outstanding CQC ratings
  • Embed strong systems, policies and assurance across a growing national footprint

• Develop future leaders
  • Build and coach a new group of Regional Network Heads
  • Create a culture of accountability, learning and continuous improvement
  • Lead confidently within a collaborative, matrixed executive team

• Deliver national scale
• Build and execute the operational playbook to launch new regional hubs
• Translate innovative service designs into consistent, high quality delivery
• Stress-test unit economics and ensure each region is sustainable

Who we are looking for

We’re looking for a rare kind of leader, someone who combines:

• A deep commitment to quality, safety and person‑centred outcomes
• Relational leadership skills that bring out the best in others
• Strong commercial and operational rigour
• Confidence working with tight margins and diverse income models
• Experience scaling complex, multi‑site services

Experience in social care, health, or regulated services is highly valued but above all, we’re seeking someone who wants to build, scale and lead with purpose.

About Minstead Trust

Minstead Trust supports over 600 people each year with neuro-disabilities (learning disabilities, autism and acquired brain injuries) across the South of England.

Our work includes:

• Supported living and residential care
• Day opportunities and life skills development
• Employment training and supported work placements
• Social enterprises including inclusive cafés, gardens, theatres, hospitality and retail ventures

We believe support should wrap around the whole person – their strengths, ambitions and place in the community.

Why join us?

• A once‑in‑a‑career opportunity to shape a national operating model
• A values‑led organisation with the courage to challenge the system
• The chance to create lasting change for people who need it most

How to apply

To ensure all candidates have a comprehensive understanding of the role’s strategic objectives and our long-term vision, we are operating a two-stage application process:

Stage one: Request the Candidate Brief