Job Description

Children's Home Manager - Lead with Impact, Transform Young Lives

Location:

Weymouth/Dorchester, Dorset

Setting:

3-bed residential home for children and young people aged 9-17

Contract:

Permanent

Hours:

39 hours per week

Salary:

45,000 - 60,000 (depending on qualifications and experience)

Shape Futures. Lead with Purpose.

At Lily Residential Services, we believe that small, therapeutic homes can make a big difference. We create nurturing spaces where young people feel seen, safe, and supported--and now, we're looking for an experienced, passionate leader to take the helm of one of our children's homes in Weymouth.

This is a rare opportunity to step into a senior role with real autonomy, influence, and purpose--leading a dedicated team and shaping the lives of children who need it most.

Your Role as Home Manager

As the Registered Manager, you'll lead from the front--championing therapeutic practice, supporting a skilled team, and driving excellence in care. You'll be the key figure in setting the tone, culture, and direction of the home, ensuring it remains a stable, empowering environment for children and young people overcoming adversity.

What You'll Be Responsible For

Leading a team to provide consistent, child-centred, trauma-informed care Overseeing safeguarding, risk management, and robust compliance procedures Managing care planning, reviews, and transitions tailored to each young person Ensuring the home meets or exceeds Ofsted's Quality Standards Creating a culture of aspiration, warmth, and high expectation Building strong working relationships with external professionals, families, and carers Driving continuous improvement across all aspects of service delivery
We're looking for someone who has already made a mark in residential childcare--someone who's committed, driven, and ready to lead a home to a 'Good' or 'Outstanding' Ofsted rating (or maintain that success if it's already there).

Who We're Looking For

Level 5 Diploma

in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)

Minimum 3 years' experience

in a management role within children's residential care Demonstrated success in

achieving Ofsted compliance and positive outcomes

Excellent working knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and relevant legislation Strong leadership, team development, and organisational skills Confident communicator with solid IT and report-writing abilities

Full UK driving licence

and access to a vehicle The

right to work in the UK

and a five-year checkable work history
Flexibility is key--you'll need to contribute to the on-call rota, and be prepared to support occasional weekend or overnight responsibilities as part of your leadership role.

Why Join Lily Residential Services?

This is more than just a management role--it's a chance to lead with heart, build a high-performing culture, and be the consistent, steady presence in a home that genuinely puts children first.

What We Offer

Competitive salary from 45,000-60,000

Birthday off

(after probation)

28 days holiday

rising to 32 with length of service

Holiday bonuses and rewards

at 3, 5, 10, 15, and 20 years Monthly rewards and recognition programme via

Reward Panda

Bupa Health Cash Plan

(after probation)--including dental, optical, prescriptions, and more Access to

six annual therapy sessions

(in-person or online)

Private healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme

(post-probation) Paid

flu, COVID, and Hep B vaccinations

Free eye tests

for screen users

Enhanced parental leave

for maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy

Company sick pay

(after probation)

Complimentary meals and drinks

during shifts

Paid Blue Light Card

and staff referral bonus

Two team-building days per year

Ongoing leadership development and training tailored to your goals

Who We Are

Lily Residential Services provides small, therapeutic homes where young people feel heard, held, and hopeful. Our work is trauma-informed, person-centred, and built around consistent, high-quality relationships. We're proud to be

Investors in People accredited

, recognising our commitment to staff development, wellbeing, and long-term success.

Application Essentials

You must already have the

right to work in the UK

- we are unable to sponsor A

full 5-year checkable employment history

is required The role is subject to a

satisfactory enhanced DBS check

We're committed to

equality, diversity, and inclusion

in everything we do

Ready to lead a home where children come first--and careers are built on purpose? Apply today and take the next bold step in your journey.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 45,000.00-60,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Casual dress Company pension Discounted or free food Enhanced maternity leave Enhanced paternity leave Free flu jabs Health & wellbeing programme Referral programme Sick pay
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday Night shift Weekend availability
Experience:

Residential Childcare : 2 years (required) Management experience within a Residential Childcare Setting : 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:

UK Driving License (required) level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare (required) Level 5 in Residential Childcare (preferred)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person