Service Manager Residential Children's Homes

We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and experienced Service Manager to join our established leadership team within Kirklees Children’s Residential Services.

This is a key strategic leadership role, working alongside an existing Service Manager, to lead and shape high-quality residential provision that delivers exceptional care and outcomes for children and young people.

Kirklees currently provides a diverse and expanding residential offer, including:

• Six children’s homes, comprising:
  • Four long‑term homes supporting up to 4 children aged 9–18
  • Two specialist homes for children with disabilities and complex health needs:
    • One long‑term home for up to 6 young people aged 11–18
    • One short‑breaks home supporting children living with families or carers through planned stays
  • Ongoing development plans to expand provision, including small group living homes supporting up to 2 children

As a Service Manager, you will:

• Provide strong, values‑driven leadership to Registered Managers and their teams, embedding a positive, trauma‑informed and child‑centred culture
• Take strategic oversight of service delivery to ensure excellent standards of care, safeguarding and practice
• Lead on the recruitment, supervision, performance management and development of managers and emerging leaders
• Build and sustain effective multi‑agency partnerships with local authorities, social workers, health professionals, families and other stakeholders
• Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations
• Hold responsibility for budget management, ensuring services operate effectively within allocated resources
• Drive continuous improvement and service development, embedding best practice and innovation across all homes

You will:

• Have substantial management experience within children’s residential care or a closely related setting
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
• Hold a Social Work Qualification or Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent (or be willing to achieve this)
• Have excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high‑performing teams
• Be resilient, adaptable, and committed to working in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment
• Possess strong communication, organisational, and partnership‑working skills
• Hold a full UK driving licence

In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive salary and local government pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development and leadership support
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives
• Flexible working opportunities where possible
• Generous annual leave entitlement