Meet the Team Aimee Clayton

Meet the Team – Aimee Clayton 

Operations Managers are key to the success of our Adlington Retirement Living communities. They recruit, train, and support the teams that run our communities, ensuring we provide the highest standard of service for our homeowners. We spoke with Aimee Clayton to learn more about her role as Operations Manager and what makes it so rewarding. 

What are the main responsibilities of your role?  

My role is all about supporting our General Managers, who oversee each of our retirement communities.  

At the head office level, I’m responsible for recruiting and training new General Managers, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to excel in their roles. Once they’re in place, I provide ongoing guidance and mentorship to help them deliver the best experience for homeowners.  

Currently, I support eight of our communities, and next year that will grow to nine. I work closely with Sharon, our other Operations Manager, to ensure that every community runs smoothly. This can involve anything from compliance – arranging servicing and overseeing health and safety checks – to supporting the General Managers with staff recruitment, training, or resolving homeowner concerns.  

I also visit our communities regularly to provide support and help train staff on-site. For example, we recently completed training on the use of fire evacuation chairs across our communities. No two days are ever the same – it’s such a varied role, and that’s what makes it exciting. 

What do you enjoy most about your role?  

The people, without a doubt. I love working with our General Managers and seeing them grow in confidence and ability. It’s rewarding to know that the support I provide has a ripple effect – when our managers feel empowered, they create vibrant, welcoming communities where homeowners can truly enjoy life.  

“I also enjoy meeting our homeowners. It’s heart-warming to see homeowners taking part in activities and forming friendships,” she says. “There’s a real buzz in the building when events bring people together. It’s those moments that remind me why we do what we do.”

How did you get into the role?  

My background is in care, which led me to the role of General Manager at The Cottons, one of our communities in Ramsbottom. Before that, I worked in domiciliary care, so I’ve always been passionate about providing exceptional care and support.  

I was the General Manager at The Cottons for two years before going on maternity leave. When I returned, I was looking for the next step in my career. This role stood out as a fantastic opportunity to support other General Managers and contribute to Adlington Retirement Living on a broader scale. 

What attracted you to this role?  

I loved being a General Manager, and this role allows me to support others doing the same. It’s varied and exciting, and because I’ve dealt with similar challenges myself, I can guide and assist other managers effectively.  

What really attracted me to Adlington Retirement Living as a company was its ethos. The whole team is committed to delivering exceptional service and ensuring that homeowners have a positive experience. I wanted to be part of a company where I could make a meaningful difference—and this role has given me that opportunity. 

What are the most significant challenges in your field of work?  

As Operations Manager, I’m involved in everything – from compliance and recruitment to staff training. It’s a lot to juggle, and sometimes it can feel like I’m wearing many different hats.  

When we’re recruiting, another challenge is to make sure that we find people who not only have the right skills but also share our passion for delivering exceptional service. We look for individuals who will fit well with our team and our homeowners. Customer-facing experience, such as working in hospitality or care, can be valuable, but ultimately, it’s about the person and how they approach the role. 

How do you overcome those challenges?  

I’m lucky to have great support from my fellow managers and the leadership team at head office. It’s a collaborative environment, and if I need help, I know it’s always available.  

Communication and teamwork are key to overcoming challenges. I also make sure I’m approachable and available for our General Managers. Whether they need advice, additional training, or someone to bounce ideas off, I’m here to help them navigate any issues they face. Together, we ensure that every community is running smoothly and meeting the needs of our homeowners. 

What gives you the most satisfaction from all of this?  

It’s seeing the difference we make. When I visit a community and see happy homeowners enjoying their retirement, it’s incredibly rewarding.

At the same time, it’s satisfying to see our General Managers succeed and thrive in their roles. Knowing that I’ve contributed to both is what makes this job so fulfilling. It’s also wonderful to be part of a company where people enjoy working. Everyone here is passionate about what they do, and that creates a positive and supportive environment. It’s challenging at times, but it’s also a joy to work in such a rewarding field. 

What’s the most important thing you’ve learned in your career so far, and how have you made use of it?  

I’ve learned that how you treat people is everything. Building positive relationships with staff, contractors, and homeowners is essential to creating a supportive and collaborative environment. For me, it’s about treating everyone with kindness and fairness. This approach has helped me throughout my career, and it’s something I bring to my role every day.

“At Adlington, we always put our homeowners first, and that focus shapes everything we do.”

With Aimee and the wider team at the heart of our communities, homeowners can feel confident that they’re part of something truly special, a place where friendships flourish, and support is always at hand. 

Find a community near you or read more about how buying an Adlington retirement apartment can benefit your well-being.

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