Job Description

About us

At Nations Care Services, we provide more than just care -- we offer a compassionate, therapeutic community where children and young people can heal, grow, and thrive. We are now seeking a passionate, experienced, and values-driven Registered Manager to lead one of our homes. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting difference in young people's lives while helping shape and develop a high-performing care service.

What you'll do:

As the Registered Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, management, and operation of the home. You'll ensure the highest standards of care and compliance, while providing inspiration and guidance to your team.

Main Responsibilities:

Ensure the home operates in full compliance with the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and OFSTED's Quality Standards*.
Provide clear, consistent leadership to all staff, fostering a culture of professionalism, accountability, and compassion. Oversee all aspects of day-to-day operations, including staffing levels, rotas, budgets, health and safety, and maintenance. Ensure care planning and practice are tailored to each young person's individual needs and aspirations. Build and maintain positive, effective relationships with children, families, social workers, local authorities, and partner agencies. Monitor and evaluate performance through audits, supervision, and team meetings to continuously improve practice. Lead and prepare for OFSTED inspections, ensuring readiness and evidence of continuous improvement. Manage recruitment, induction, and ongoing professional development of staff. Maintain accurate, detailed, and compliant records in line with legislation and organisational policy. Take part in an on-call management rota to provide leadership support outside normal hours.

What we're looking for:

We're looking for an emotionally intelligent leader who is passionate about providing outstanding care and helping children rebuild trust and confidence.

Essential Qualifications & Experience:

QCF Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards with significant progress made). Minimum 5 years' experience in a residential childcare setting. At least 2 years in a supervisory or management role. Strong working knowledge of safeguarding, children's legislation, and OFSTED requirements. Proven ability to lead, motivate, and inspire a diverse team. Experience working with children and young people with SEMH, EBD, or complex trauma.

Desirable:

Experience as a Deputy or Registered Manager within a Good or OutstandingOFSTED-rated home. Knowledge of therapeutic or trauma-informed care models. Familiarity with behaviour management approaches such as PACE or TCI.

Personal Qualities:

Passionate advocate for children's rights and welfare. Resilient and calm under pressure. Empathetic communicator and strong problem-solver. Organised, detail-oriented, and proactive. A reflective leader committed to continuous improvement.

Why join us:

We believe our staff are our greatest strength. In return for your dedication, we offer:

Competitive salary and annual performance-related bonus. 28 days annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service. Comprehensive induction, training, and professional development support. Fully funded qualifications and leadership development programmes. Access to employee assistance and well-being support. Career progression opportunities within a growing organisation. Supportive, inclusive working environment with strong values at its core. Company pension scheme.

Ready to lead with purpose?

This is more than just a management role -- it's an opportunity to be part of something meaningful. You'll lead a passionate, professional team and play a key role in shaping the lives of children who deserve stability, compassion, and opportunity.

Your voice, leadership, and expertise will directly influence the culture and success of the home. We'll give you the tools, autonomy, and support you need to succeed.

Nations Care Services is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff to share this commitment. All posts are subject to enhanced DBS checks and satisfactory references.

Job Type: Full-time

Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:

residential children's home : 5 years (required) supervisory level: 2 years (required) Deputy Manager level or above in a children's home: 2 years (required) managing residential EBD, SEMH, or complex care homes: 2 years (required) CSE/CCE, Autism, and other mental health conditions: 2 years (required) managing GOOD or OUTSTANDING homes : 2 years (required)
Language:

English (required)
Licence/Certification:

Full, clean driving licence (required)
Work Location: In person