Children's Regional Operations Manager and Responsible Individual

Job Introduction

Are you an experienced Children's Home Manager looking for your next challenge? We have an exciting new opportunity for a Regional Operations Manager to lead our not-for-profit Children's Homes across the South West. Overseeing six homes across Wimborne and Salisbury, with further growth planned, this role offers the chance to play a key part in the development of Agincare's Children's Services.

The successful candidate will also act as our Responsible Individual, providing strategic oversight and ensuring our homes deliver safe, high-quality care and outstanding outcomes for children and young people.

This is a unique opportunity to join Agincare at the beginning of an exciting journey. As one of our founding leaders within this growing service, you'll have the autonomy to make your mark, shape the future direction of our Children's Homes, influence strategic decision-making, and help build services that enable children and young people across the South West to thrive.

As our new Regional Operations Manager, you will:

• Lead and support a team of Registered Managers across our South West homes.
• Act as the Responsible Individual, ensuring compliance with Children's Homes Regulations, Quality Standards and safeguarding requirements
• Drive high-quality, child-centred care that delivers positive outcomes for children and young people.
• Support homes to achieve and maintain Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
• Monitor performance, quality, occupancy and compliance across the region, implementing improvement plans where required.
• Build strong relationships with Ofsted, local authorities, commissioners and other key stakeholders.
• Support recruitment, retention and workforce development to ensure stable, capable teams.
• Oversee budgets, occupancy levels and operational performance to ensure sustainable service delivery.
• Contribute to the growth and development of Agincare's Children's Services, including future home registrations and expansion projects.

Essential:

• Minimum 3 years' experience as a Registered Manager within a children's residential care setting, or significant senior management experience within children's services. (Or similar environment, eg supported accommodation for young adults).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (England) (or equivalent recognised management qualification).
• Strong working knowledge of Children's Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and safeguarding legislation.
• Demonstrable experience of achieving positive Ofsted outcomes and driving service improvement.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including experience working with commissioners, local authorities and Ofsted.
• Commercial awareness with experience managing budgets and financial performance.
• Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
• Willingness to travel regularly between our homes across the South West region.
• Ability to meet the suitability requirements for the Ofsted Responsible Individual role.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a responsible individual
• Experience managing multiple children's homes or services across a geographical region.
• Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management or equivalent senior leadership qualification
• Experience opening, registering or mobilising new children's homes
• Knowledge of therapeutic care models and trauma-informed practice
• Experience working within a not-for-profit or charitable organisation.

First Stage Interviews will be held Monday 5th October and Tuesday 6th October via Microsoft teams.

We believe in recognising the hard work and dedication of our team. As a valued member of Agincare, you'll benefit from:

• A supportive and inclusive working…