OPERATIONS MANAGER – CHILDREN’S RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

Location: East Midlands (Derbyshire-based, with regional travel)
Salary: £60,000–£65,000 per annum + performance-based bonus
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent

REQUIREMENTS

• Significant leadership experience in children’s residential care.
• NVQ Level 5 in Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
• Proven ability to drive quality improvements and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• A supportive, values-led leadership style aligned with therapeutic approaches.
• Full UK driving licence and enhanced DBS clearance.

ABOUT THE ROLE

An established children’s care provider is seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to oversee a growing portfolio of Ofsted-regulated children’s homes. This pivotal role involves leading multiple teams to ensure the delivery of outstanding therapeutic care to children and young people with emotional, behavioural, and complex needs.
With multiple new homes opening in 2025 and beyond, the role offers clear progression toward taking on the Responsible Individual (RI) designation, making it ideal for candidates ready to take the next step in senior leadership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and support Registered Managers to ensure high standards of care, safeguarding, and compliance.
• Oversee daily operations across several children’s homes, ensuring alignment with Ofsted and internal quality standards.
• Implement and monitor improvement plans to drive service excellence.
• Collaborate with the senior team on new service development and strategic planning.
• Ensure homes are adequately staffed, trained, and resourced.
• Provide supervision, development, and mentoring for home managers.
• Manage performance targets, KPIs, and regulatory inspections effectively.