Head of Operations

Contract: Full time – Permanent

Location: Dublin 8

Working Hours: 35 Hours per week

Salary: DOE

The Head of Operations at ALONE leads the delivery of efficient, and compliant operational systems that support the ALONE organisation. This role ensures the effective integration of cross-departmental functions that underpin ALONE’s national service delivery, strategic priorities, and values-driven culture. The Head of Operations plays a key role in maintaining operational excellence across functions such as quality, compliance, volunteer development, and business planning enabling all departments to deliver impact in a sustainable and coordinated way.

Responsibilities

Strategic Operational Leadership

• Provide organization-wide leadership in delivering a structured, accountable, and collaborative approach to operations.
• Translate ALONE’s strategic plan into operational practices and processes that support scale, service consistency, and compliance.
• Act as a key member of the Leadership Team, advising on operational risks, opportunities, and performance improvements.

Departmental Management and Integration

• Lead and coordinate the work of:
  • Quality & Compliance
  • Project & Change Management Office (PMCO)
  • Volunteer Policy & Development
  • Business Operations, Risk & Planning
  • Facilities & Health and Safety
  • Front Office services
  • ICT & CRM Support
• Ensure cross-departmental alignment and that all teams are supported with the systems and infrastructure required for success.

Quality, Compliance and Data Protection

• Ensure all operational practices adhere to high standards, maintaining ALONE’s Quality Management System and compliance with internal and external audit requirements.
• Promote a strong organisational culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and compliance.
• Oversee GDPR adherence, complaints handling, audit schedules, and improvement and corrective actions (ICA) processes.

Project & Change Management

• Oversee ALONE’s Project and Change Management Office, including governance structures such as the Project Control Board (PCB).
• Support department leaders and project managers to scope and deliver cross-functional projects, aligned with organisational goals.
• Maintain frameworks and reporting structures to manage and prioritise change effectively.

Volunteer Programme Development

• Provide strategic and operational oversight of ALONE’s volunteer programme in line with national standards.
• Ensure procedures, systems, and supports are in place for recruitment, training, engagement, and well-being of over 6,000 volunteers nationally.
• Guide ongoing development and quality improvement in volunteer engagement through surveys, data analysis, and programme reviews.

Business Operations and Risk Management

• Support the CEO with cyclical business planning and risk management processes in partnership with the Leadership Team.
• Ensure accurate, up-to-date reporting for the CEO and Board on operational progress, strategic risks, and implementation of key plans.
• Oversee safe and effective facilities management and Health & Safety procedures across ALONE locations.

ICT & CRM

• Oversee the ICT Manager and CRM Team to ensure the operational environment supports ALONE’s digital and ICT related goals.
• Support the implementation of systems, technology, and CRM tools by aligning operational processes, governance, and quality practices with digital initiatives.
• Provide input on operational needs and capacity to national digital care strategies in collaboration with HSE and partners.

Additional duties as assigned

Essential skills & experience

• Minimum 5 years' experience in senior operational leadership, preferably in the non-profit, health, or public sector.
• Proven ability to translate strategic plans into effective operational systems and scalable processes.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing multi-disciplinary teams and driving cross-functional collaboration.
• Expertise in quality management, regulatory compliance (including GDPR), risk, and health & safety frameworks.
• Track record in leading organisation-wide change initiatives and project governance.
• Solid understanding of ICT infrastructure and CRM systems to support digital transformation.
• Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement, and decision-making skills at executive and board level.
• Strong alignment with ALONE’s mission and values, and commitment to continuous improvement and inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to engage effectively with stakeholders both internally & externally
• A collaborative team player who fosters strong internal and external relationships.
• Problem-solver, using innovation to improve service delivery and support independent older person and the people we serve.
• Strong time management and organisational skills to prioritise workload and meet KPIs.

Extra Benefits

• Salary DOE
• 35 Hour week (core hours 9-5) –Full-time employees can enjoy a 35-hour working week.
• Annual Salary Reviews
• Pension Scheme: Access our generous pension scheme after just 6 months service
• Time Off in Lieu
• Mileage Policy in place for applicable roles
• Death in Service - after 6 months’ probation successfully completed.
• Travel Saver Schemes
• Sick Pay Scheme -after 6 months’ probation successfully completed.
• Bike to Work Scheme
• HSF Partnership
• Horizontal Transfer Opportunities
• Comprehensive Training & Development
• Bespoke Induction Programmes
• Progression Opportunities
• Further Education Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme -ALONE provides a 24hour support programme for all our Employees
  • GP telephone Advice
  • Virtual Doctor
  • Private Prescription Service
  • 6 structured Counselling/ Emotional Wellbeing Service
  • Legal Helpline

The closing date for applications is Friday August 1st.

ALONE is an equal opportunities employer.

#SM