Job Description: Assistant Manager
Reporting to: Home Manager/Area Manager
Responsible to: Home Manager/Directors
Job Purpose
· To support both the Area Manager and the Home Manager in the effective leadership and operational management of the nursing home, ensuring the delivery of safe, high-quality, person-centred care.
· To provide clinical and managerial leadership, oversee staff performance, maintain compliance with regulatory requirements, and contribute to the continuous improvement of services.
· To deputise for the Home Manager in their absence, taking full responsibility for operational, staffing, and care quality decisions.
· To contribute to a culture of openness, integrity, and continuous improvement, ensuring the highest standards of care and safety for all residents.
Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Qualifications
Required:
· Registered Nurse (RN) — 1st Level, with a current and valid NMC PIN number.
· Demonstrable experience in a senior nursing or supervisory role within a care home or healthcare setting.
· Sound working knowledge of CQC Fundamental Standards, the Health & Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) and relevant current legislation.
· Experience of, or a genuine commitment to developing, care home management skills including workforce management, quality assurance, and commercial awareness.
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, staff, and external professionals at all levels.
· Genuine passion for delivering person-centred care and supporting staff to perform at their best.
· Satisfactory enhanced DBS check.
Desirable:
· Experience in care of the elderly, dementia, and/or end-of-life care.
· A management qualification such as an NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management for Adult Care or equivalent.
· Registered Manager’s Award or working towards CQC registered manager status.
Main Responsibilities
Leadership and Management:
· Support the Area Manager and Home Manager in the day-to-day management of the nursing home, acting as a trusted operational partner across all areas of Home management.
· Assume full management responsibility for the Home in the Home Manager’s absence, including accountability for all staffing, care delivery, regulatory compliance, and day-to-day operations.
· In the absence of both the Home Manager/Area Manager, assume responsibility for the oversight duties, including cross-site liaison, escalation of operational or regulatory concerns to the Directors, and ensuring continuity of leadership across the Home in line with company standards and expectations.
· Lead and motivate nursing, care, and support staff to deliver outstanding, person-centred care.
· Promote a positive, inclusive, and professional working environment.
· Support the development and implementation of policies, procedures, and service improvements.
· Actively participate in the Home’s on-call rota and be available to respond to emergencies or urgent staffing needs outside of normal working hours.
Clinical Oversight:
· Ensure residents receive high-quality, safe, and person-centred care in accordance with best practice and regulatory standards.
· Monitor care plans, risk assessments, medication management, and clinical documentation.
· Provide clinical support and guidance to staff, acting as a role model for professional practice.
· Promote safeguarding, infection prevention and control, and health and safety standards.
· Adhere to all appropriate NMC guidelines and regulations, maintain and develop professional knowledge through continuing professional development and revalidation, and attend mandatory training as required.
Workforce Management & Staff Development:
· Oversee staff Rota planning and workforce management to ensure safe and adequate staffing levels are maintained at all times, bringing any concerns promptly to the Home Manager’s attention.
· Monitor and record staff attendance, annual leave, and sickness absence in line with company policy, escalating matters to HR as appropriate.
· Ensure new starters receive a comprehensive induction, including all required day-one training, and that competency assessments are completed within company timescales.
· Support the Home Manager in monitoring the completion of staff supervisions, appraisals, and mandatory training, keeping records up to date and liaising with HR as required.
· Adhere to and implement all HR policies and procedures, supporting the Home Manager in managing conduct, capability, and attendance matters in line with company policy and ACAS guidance.
· Mentor and support newly appointed staff, students, and junior team members.
Quality, Compliance & Governance:
· Assist the Area Manager / Home Manager in maintaining compliance with CQC Fundamental Standards, internal audit schedules, and all associated quality assurance processes, ensuring actions and improvements are followed through in a timely manner.
· Support the investigation and resolution of complaints, incidents, and accidents, including obtaining statements, compiling reports, and advising the Home Manager and Directors of outcomes and any required escalations.
· Ensure that safeguarding concerns are identified, reported, and managed promptly and appropriately, supporting the Area Manager and Home Manager in completing investigations and referrals as required.
· Contribute to the development and review of Home policies and procedures in line with current legislation, regulatory requirements, and company standards.
Admissions, Occupancy & Commercial Awareness:
· Support the Home Manager in managing the admissions process, including pre-admission assessments and ensuring all associated documentation is completed accurately and within required timeframes.
· Handle resident and family enquiries in accordance with the Company’s enquiry management process, ensuring a warm, professional response at all times.
· Develop an understanding of the Home’s fee structure, funding streams, and occupancy targets, supporting the Area Manager and Home Manager in sustaining and improving occupancy levels.
Stakeholder & Community Relations:
· Build and maintain positive working relationships with residents, families, GPs, healthcare professionals, Social Services, and all other external stakeholders, representing the Home with professionalism and warmth.
· Actively promote Carey Care within the local community, contributing to a positive profile for the Home.
· Maintain effective communication with residents, relatives, healthcare professionals, and external agencies, ensuring residents and families are involved in care planning and decision-making where appropriate.
Health, Safety & General:
· Understand and support the implementation of the Home’s Health & Safety, Fire, and Emergency policies and procedures. Report any concerns regarding infectious illness, accidents, faulty equipment, or potential hazards to the Home Manager promptly.
· Ensure confidentiality is maintained at all times in relation to residents, staff, and business information.
· Ensure all staff are aware of and adhere to company policies including the Whistleblowing policy, and that all registered staff maintain their professional body registration.
· Carry out any other reasonable tasks as may be assigned by the Home Manager or Directors.
Key Competencies
· Leadership and team development; person-centred care; operational management; quality assurance and compliance; effective communication; problem-solving and decision-making; staff coaching and mentoring; professional accountability; commercial awareness; organisational and time-management skills.
Skills and Personal Qualities
· A proactive, supportive, and solutions-focused approach with a natural ability to work collaboratively and build trust with colleagues at all levels.
· Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards under pressure.
· Genuine enthusiasm for working with older adults and a commitment to person-centred care and the wellbeing of all residents.
· Ambition to progress towards a Registered Manager role, combined with a willingness to embrace new responsibilities and broaden management expertise.
· High levels of personal integrity, discretion, and professionalism, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with care and confidence.
Pay: £52,000.00-£60,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Discounted or free food
- On-site parking
Licence/Certification:
- NMC Pin (required)
- NVQ 5 (or equivalent) Leadership & Management (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
