50,000 - 65,000 per year (including performance bonus)
Contract:
Full-time, Permanent
Schedule:
Monday to Friday
Be the Driving Force Behind Exceptional Children's Care
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for raising standards and transforming children's residential services? We're seeking an ambitious and experienced Responsible Individual / Operations Manager to shape, influence, and elevate the quality of care across multiple homes in the South East.
This is a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational impact. You'll guide and inspire Registered Managers, lead safeguarding excellence, and ensure services not only meet but exceed regulatory expectations.
Key Responsibilities
Provide operational leadership, professional guidance, and expert consultancy across several residential children's homes.
Ensure services consistently meet and surpass Ofsted standards and the Children's Homes Regulations 2015.
Coach and mentor Registered Managers to deliver exceptional, child-centred care.
Lead safeguarding initiatives and embed robust, accountable practices across all services.
Support homes through Ofsted inspections to achieve 'Good' and 'Outstanding' outcomes.
Foster a culture of learning, professional accountability, and continuous improvement.
Advise on budgets, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure operational sustainability.
Build strong partnerships with local authorities, social workers, and regulatory bodies.
Drive workforce development through effective training, coaching, and performance management.
About You
Minimum 3 years' senior leadership experience within children's residential care.
NVQ Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards it).
Strong understanding of Ofsted inspection frameworks, safeguarding legislation, and Quality Standards.
Excellent communication, leadership, and decision-making skills.
Proven ability to influence practice, drive improvement, and lead with impact.
Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the South East.
A genuine commitment to improving the lives of children and young people.
What We Offer
A meaningful leadership role where your work creates lasting change for children and young people.
The opportunity to join a progressive, child-focused organisation with a strong commitment to best practice.
Unlimited paid holiday and full flexibility over your diary.
Paid mileage and subsidised travel.
Competitive salary package with performance-related bonus.
Comprehensive training, ongoing development, and clear progression opportunities.