Job Description

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will provide

strategic, operational and regulatory leadership

across a portfolio of children's residential homes specialising in

Learning Disabilities and complex needs

. The post holder will ensure all services are

safe, compliant, high-performing and financially sustainable

, while delivering

consistently good or outstanding outcomes

for children.

The role requires an

experienced Registered Individual (RI)

with a demonstrable history of leading homes to

Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes

, supporting and challenging Registered Managers, and embedding a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory & Quality Assurance

Act as

Registered Individual (RI)

for the organisation in line with

Children's Homes Regulations 2015

Maintain full oversight of regulatory compliance across all homes Lead and prepare services for

Ofsted inspections

, ensuring sustained Good/Outstanding judgements Review and quality-assure: Regulation 44 visits Regulation 45 quality of care reviews Internal audits and action plans Ensure safeguarding systems are robust, effective and continuously reviewed

Operational Leadership

Provide direct leadership and supervision to Registered Managers Support managers to: Deliver therapeutic, person-centred LD care Manage staffing, rotas and budgets effectively Maintain safe staffing levels (1:1, 2:1 and waking nights as required) Lead on new home mobilisation, openings and stabilisation Ensure homes operate in line with their

Statement of Purpose

Performance & Improvement

Drive continuous service improvement using data, audits and feedback Address underperformance promptly through structured support and improvement plans Embed learning from incidents, complaints and inspections Promote reflective practice and trauma-informed approaches

Safeguarding & Risk Management

Provide senior oversight of safeguarding concerns, allegations and investigations Liaise with Local Authorities, LADO, Ofsted and partner agencies Ensure risk assessments and behaviour support plans are robust and reviewed Lead on serious incident management and notifications

People & Culture

Champion a

positive, values-led culture

focused on children's outcomes Support recruitment, retention and development of high-quality staff Ensure supervision, appraisals and training standards are met Mentor Registered Managers and support succession planning

Stakeholder & Partnership Working

Build strong relationships with: Local Authorities and Commissioners Social Workers and MDT professionals Families and advocates Represent the organisation professionally at strategic meetings Support placement stability and occupancy levels

Strategic & Commercial Contribution

Contribute to business growth, service development and commissioning strategy Support tender submissions and service proposals Monitor KPIs, occupancy, staffing costs and financial performance Ensure services remain both

child-centred and commercially viable

Essential Criteria

Significant experience as a Registered Individual (RI)

for children's residential homes

Proven track record of achieving and maintaining Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings

Extensive experience in

children's LD residential care

, including complex needs and behaviours Strong knowledge of: Children's Homes Regulations 2015 Quality Standards Safeguarding legislation and practice Demonstrable leadership of multi-site services Excellent inspection preparation and regulatory engagement skills Strong decision-making, communication and report-writing skills

Desirable Qualifications

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Children & Young People) or equivalent Social Work, Health or Education background Experience supporting new home registrations and Ofsted pre-registration inspections

Personal Attributes

Child-focused and values-driven Resilient, calm and confident under pressure High professional integrity Strategic thinker with strong operational grip Approachable leader who inspires excellence

Why Join Us

Opportunity to shape and grow a specialist LD children's residential group Autonomy and senior influence within the organisation Commitment to quality, not just compliance Supportive leadership team with clear vision and values
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 50,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company pension Flexitime On-site parking Work from home
Work Location: In person