Operations Manager

Operations Manager - Children's Residential Homes 

This job description is for an Operations Manager to oversee the service delivery, quality, compliance, and performance of five Children's Residential Homes specializing in Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD), located across the London and Kent regions.

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Key Information

• Job Title: Operations Manager

• Location: London/Kent (Multi-site)

• Reporting To: Director of Operations/Governance Board

• Direct Reports: Five Registered Managers

• Salary: £60,000 per annum (Basic)

• Bonus: Up to £24,000 per annum (Performance-Related)

• Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time

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Role Summary

The Operations Manager is a pivotal leader responsible for the strategic and operational oversight of the five EBD residential homes. You'll ensure the delivery of high-quality, child-centred care, therapeutic environments, and positive outcomes for young people, while maintaining full regulatory compliance (Ofsted) and achieving excellent operational and financial efficiency.

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Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• Lead, mentor, and line-manage the five Registered Managers, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement across all sites.

• Conduct regular supervision, support, and performance reviews, ensuring all homes operate to the highest professional standards.

• Drive staff development and retention initiatives across the residential teams by identifying training needs and promoting best practice in EBD care.

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Quality, Compliance, and Safeguarding

• Ensure all homes operate in full compliance with Ofsted regulations, the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015), and Quality Standards.

• Routinely audit homes to assess quality of care, record-keeping, and regulatory adherence, developing, implementing, and tracking Quality Improvement Plans (QIPs) where necessary.

• Act as a senior point of escalation for complex safeguarding concerns, ensuring procedures are robustly implemented and adhered to across all homes.

• Maintain positive and professional relationships with external stakeholders, including Ofsted Inspectors, Local Authorities, and commissioning teams.

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Operational and Financial Oversight

• Manage budgets and resources effectively across all five homes, ensuring financial targets are met and operational efficiency is maximised without compromising care quality.

• Oversee referral processes and occupancy rates, working to ensure the stability and sustainability of the services.

• Contribute to the strategic planning for the residential services, identifying opportunities for service enhancement and responsible growth.

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Person Specification

Essential Criteria

• Experience: A minimum of 3+ years of direct experience as a Registered Manager of a Children’s Home, alongside significant experience in a multi-site operational management role within the residential sector (preferably EBD).

• Qualification: Holding a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

• Regulatory Knowledge: Expert, up-to-date knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations (2015), Quality Standards, and the Ofsted inspection framework.

• Leadership Track Record: Proven experience of successfully leading, managing, and motivating Registered Managers and their teams to achieve excellent outcomes, particularly securing 'Good' or 'Outstanding' Ofsted grades.

• Safeguarding: Demonstrable expertise in complex safeguarding practices and high-level decision-making.

 

Desirable Criteria

• Familiarity with the operational and commissioning landscape across the London and Kent regions.

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Rewards and Benefits

• Highly competitive basic salary of £60,000 per annum.

• Substantial performance-related bonus structure of up to £24,000 per annum.

• Generous annual leave entitlement.

• Mileage/travel allowance for multi-site operation.

• Ongoing professional development and excellent career progression opportunities.