Lead a small organisation making a big difference across Ayrshire

The opportunity

Are you an experienced, values-led leader who wants to help people have greater choice and control over their lives?

The Community Brokerage Network is looking for a new Operations Manager to lead our small, committed team and help shape the next stage of our development. Working across Ayrshire, we provide free, independent brokerage support to people navigating Self-directed Support and an increasingly challenging social care system.

This is a varied and influential role for someone who can combine strategic thinking with practical, hands-on leadership. You will work closely with our Board, lead and support our staff team, oversee funded services and organisational systems, build strong partnerships and ensure the voices and experiences of the people we support remain at the heart of everything we do.

About us

For 12 years, CBN has helped disabled people, unpaid carers and others who need social care to understand their rights, explore their options and plan support that works for them. We believe in independent living, inclusion and finding creative solutions that build on people’s strengths, relationships and communities.

We are entering an important period of development. Demand for our support is growing, the social care environment is changing rapidly and a new funding cycle is approaching. We are looking for someone who can provide confident leadership now while helping CBN develop new opportunities and build a sustainable future.

What you’ll do

• Lead the day-to-day management and development of CBN.
• Work with the Board to turn strategy into practical plans and effective delivery.
• Lead, support and develop our staff team and promote a positive organisational culture.
• Oversee service quality, referrals, complex practice issues and organisational systems.
• Manage budgets, funding agreements, monitoring and impact reporting.
• Develop strong funding applications and identify new income and partnership opportunities.
• Maintain effective governance, compliance, risk and health and safety arrangements.
• Represent CBN and build strong relationships with Health and Social Care Partnerships, funders and third-sector partners.
• Use evidence and lived experience to contribute to wider discussions about Self-directed Support and social care.

About you

You do not need to have done this exact job before. You will, however, need experience of leading people and services, sound organisational judgement and the confidence to manage a broad remit within a small organisation.

You will be comfortable moving between Board reports, staff support, funding applications, budgets, partnership meetings and practical operational issues. You will share our commitment to human rights, inclusion and person-led support, and you will understand the importance of combining challenge with constructive relationships.

Knowledge of Self-directed Support and Scotland’s social care landscape would be valuable. We would also welcome applicants who bring strong transferable leadership experience and are ready to learn.

What we offer

• A home-based role with flexibility in how your working week is organised.
• 35 days’ annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
• A 5% employer pension contribution, subject to scheme rules.
• The opportunity to lead a respected, values-driven organisation and influence its future direction.
• A planned handover with the current Operations Manager, subject to the successful candidate’s start date.

Contract and funding

The post is currently funded to 31 March 2027. CBN has maintained continuous funding since it was established 12 years ago, and applications for the next funding period and other income sources will form an important part of the role. While continued funding cannot be guaranteed, the Board is committed to pursuing a sustainable future for the organisation.

Travel and other requirements

Regular travel across North, South and East Ayrshire is required, including to some rural locations that are not well served by public transport. A driving licence and access to a vehicle are therefore normally required, although we will consider reasonable alternatives that allow the full requirements of the role to be met.

Occasional evening or weekend work may be required for events, meetings or conferences. The successful applicant will also be required to join the appropriate PVG Scheme and complete a three-month probationary period.