Area Chief Operating Officer

Job Summary At Nua, we're searching for an Area Chief Operating Officer who leads with purpose-and brings our mission, vision, and values to life every day. Nua Healthcare Services (Nua) is Ireland's leading private residential care provider for persons with intellectual disabilities and mental health issues. Established in 2004, Nua offers Residential, Supported Living, Day, and Community Outreach Services to Children and Adults with a range of complex Intellectual Disability and Mental Health support requirements. At Nua, we are proud to offer high standards of service and care, and we are also proud of our facilities, which combine modern living with beautiful outdoor environments. Our team bring a wealth of experience in supporting individuals with a range of diagnosis, associated, and sometimes complex needs: Autism Spectrum Disorder Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD) Acquired Brain Injury Challenging Behaviour Intellectual Disabilities Mental Health Rehabilitation and Recovery Personality Disorders Job Objectives Leadership & Strategy Provide visible and values-driven leadership across the assigned area, modelling Nua Healthcare's Mission, Vision, and Values. Translate strategy into operational delivery, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and service user outcomes. Contribute to strategic planning, policy development, and implementation of initiatives that support organisational growth, quality, safety, and efficiency. Support the Divisional Chief Operating Officer in national operational planning and delivery. Operational Management Ensure effective delivery of residential services in compliance with HIQA registrations and the associated regulations, standards, adopted national and local policy. Drive continuous improvement and efficiency across all services under your Area, ensuring optimal resource use and high-quality service outcomes. Oversee operational performance metrics, including occupancy, compliance, workforce, and financial indicators. Implement and monitor corrective action plans where required, to maintain standards and organisational performance targets. Quality, Compliance & Governance Ensure each of the designated Centres within your Area of reasonability are adhering to regulation, standards and fulfilling associated national and local policy through consistent adherence to procedures, use of approved tools and management of environments, equipment and human resources at their disposal. Review quality and safety performance and support each designated Centre achieve the highest levels of compliance through appropriate and timely supports. Provide each PIC with the appropriate level of challenge, encouragement and support to be the best version of themselves as managers within their designated Centre or Centre's. Liaise with the Director of Regulation, Quality and Safety on matters pertaining to underperforming services and collaborate on corrective action planning as, where and when necessary to ensure return to desired service delivery and performance standards as soon as possible. People Leadership & Development Provide strong and consistent leadership to operational teams, fostering a culture of empowerment, accountability, and professional growth. Lead supervision, and appraisal of PIC's Drive leadership development initiatives and succession planning within your assigned Area. Promote a positive, inclusive, and values-driven workplace culture. Financial & Resource Management Oversee the management of your Area's operational budget, ensuring financial efficiency and accountability. Monitor and control expenditure in line with budgeted targets. Work collaboratively with the Finance Team to forecast, plan, and deliver sustainable operational performance. Ensure optimal use of resources while maintaining high-quality service standards Communication & Stakeholder Engagement Support where appropriate each PIC and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including departmental heads, senior leadership team, the HSE, HIQA, families, and community partners. The objective here is to empower our managers fulfil their individual responsibilities not, fulfil them. Represent Nua Healthcare Services in external fora and ensure professional communication and reporting. Promote transparent, timely, and accurate communication within and across teams. Risk, Health & Safety Promote a culture of safety and risk awareness throughout all services. Ensure compliance with the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005 and associated codes of practice. Skills Requirement Essential Criteria Minimum Level 8 Degree in Social Care, Nursing, Psychology, or a related Health/Social discipline. Minimum of 10 years' experience in health or social care, including at least 5 years in a management position with oversight of multiple services. Proven track record in leading multidisciplinary teams, delivering quality outcomes, and managing large-scale operations. Budget management within a healthcare setting. Desirable Management qualification in Healthcare, Business, or a related field. Experience in a senior Operations role within disability, mental health, or similar regulated environments. Experience engaging with regulators such as HIQA or the Mental Health Commission. Demonstrated experience in strategic planning and change leadership. Lean six sigma black belt or working towards it. Other Requirements Flexibility to travel within Ireland as required. Participation in Nua Healthcare's on-call escalation process. Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. Full, clean driving licence. Hours of Work Full-time 39 hours per week. This is a leadership role requiring flexibility across a 24-hour, 7-day operational environment. The post holder will be expected to work flexibly to meet operational and organisational needs. Informal enquires can be made to Shane Kenny, Chief Operating Officer via email : To be considered for this role you will be redirected to and must complete the application process on our careers page. To start the process click the Apply button below to Login/Register.