Operations Director (Safe Care)

We have a fantastic opportunity for a strategic, results-driven National Operations Director to join our Mental Health Patient Transport Service. This role will be remote with regular UK-Wide travel across our bases.

Reporting directly to the Safe Care Managing Director the National Operations Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational performance, and continuous improvement of mental health patient transport services across the EMED Safe Care Division. This role ensures safe, reliable, and patient-centred transport delivery while maintaining regulatory compliance, financial performance, and high service standards.

The postholder will oversee multi-site operations, lead regional teams, and play a key role in shaping operational strategy, innovation, and service excellence. The role will have a role in supporting the commercial growth of the services and play a key role in developing and maintaining high quality service delivery.

Benefits for the role include

• Annual salary circa £85,000
• Remote
• £5,000 annual car allowance.
• Performance related bonus
• 33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Life Assurance – providing colleagues and their family financial peace of mind and protection to the value of £5,000.
• 24/7 online/telephone GP Consultation and access to prescriptions.
• 2nd opinion medical support following diagnosis or where a colleague is on a treatment pathway.
• Cash-plan benefits, providing colleagues the option of protecting themselves in case of illness and recuperation, including dental, optical, chiropody.
• Access to mental health and physiotherapy consultations.
• Access to legal advice on domestic issues e.g. motoring offences, wills and probate, and personal injury.
• Financial guidance re retirement planning, tax savings and state benefits.
• Long Service Recognition Scheme – recognising colleagues for their continued service after 5 years and at 5-year intervals with an increase in annual leave.
• Values-based Internal Recognition Scheme with financial reward, which will lead to an annual recognition event.

Role Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the national EMED Safe Care operational strategy aligned with EMED organisational objectives.
• Drive service growth, efficiency, and innovation across all patient transport services.
• Contribute to executive-level decision-making as part of the senior leadership team.
• Identify and implement new service opportunities, partnerships, and contracts.
• Lead and oversee daily operations across all regions, ensuring service reliability and performance.
• Ensure effective deployment of resources, including vehicles, staff, and scheduling systems.
• Monitor KPIs such as response times, patient satisfaction, utilisation rates, and cost efficiency.
• Ensure all services meet regulatory and compliance requirements (e.g., CQC /Healthcare Inspectorate Wales standards)
• Work closely with clinical governance teams to manage incidents, audits, and continuous improvement.
• Own operational budgets, drive cost control initiatives and deliver financial performance.
• Contribute to pricing strategies, tenders, and contract negotiations.
• Optimise fleet utilisation and workforce productivity.
• Ensure workforce planning aligns with demand and growth projections.
• Foster a culture of accountability, engagement, and continuous improvement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS trusts, commissioners, and private clients.
• Manage escalations and complex operational challenges.
• Drive innovation in routing, scheduling, and digital solutions.
• Building strong partnerships with NHS trusts, commissioners, and clients.

Do you have what it takes?

• Proven senior leadership experience in multi-site operations (healthcare, transport, logistics, or related sector).
• Strong understanding of mental health / patient transport services or regulated environments.
• Experience managing large, geographically dispersed teams.
• Demonstrable track record of improving operational performance and efficiency.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Experience working with regulators and compliance frameworks.

Desirable Skills 

• Experience within NHS or healthcare services
• Experience of mental health services
• Knowledge of CQC requirements and clinical governance frameworks. Experience as a registered manager.
• Experience managing fleet operations.
• Evidence of leading digital transformation or operational innovation.

EMED Group are committed to providing equal opportunities and we endeavour to provide an inclusive and safe working culture for all.