Service Manager

Overview

In this role you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of children’s residential homes, driving quality, safeguarding and regulatory compliance. You will support and develop Registered Managers, promoting a child-centred culture and outstanding outcomes for young people. You’ll lead continuous improvement, collaborate with local authorities and stakeholders, and shape service development across the group in a therapeutic, trauma-informed context. This is a senior, multi-site leadership position within a high-performing, Ofsted-tracked organization.

Pay / Benefits

• Competitive salary up to 60,000 (DOE & qualifications)
• Professional development opportunities
• Enhanced annual leave
• Life insurance
• Wellbeing support

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple children’s residential homes
• Ensure full compliance with The Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted requirements
• Oversee service performance, maintaining and exceeding strong Ofsted history
• Implement and lead robust quality assurance processes, including audits, inspections, and improvement plans
• Support, coach, and develop Registered Managers to drive high performance and strong leadership
• Promote a positive, child-centred culture focused on achieving the best outcomes for young people
• Lead safeguarding, ensuring best practice is embedded across all services
• Drive service development, innovation, and continuous improvement across the portfolio
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and external stakeholders
• Work collaboratively with senior leadership to support organisational growth and strategic objectives

Key requirements

• Proven experience in a senior or multi-site management role within children’s residential care
• Strong understanding of Ofsted requirements, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and the Quality Standards
• Track record of achieving and maintaining “Good” or “Outstanding” Ofsted ratings
• Experience managing, coaching, and developing Registered Managers or senior staff
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• A confident, strategic, and inspirational leader with excellent communication and organisational skills
• Passion for delivering high-quality, child-centred care and improving outcomes for young people

• leadership
• excellent communication
• organizational skills
• Ofsted requirements and regulatory knowledge
• Quality assurance processes (audits, inspections, improvement plans)
• Safeguarding leadership and best practices

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