Area Manager (5 Care Homes – Dorset (Poole), Hampshire & Isle of Wight)

Buckland Care is looking for an exceptional Area Manager to look after 5 of our Care Homes in Dorset (Poole), Hampshire & Isle of Wight. Supporting Three Residential Homes, One Nursing Home & Commissioning a New Opening Includes Quality Assurance and Nominated Individual responsibilities Are you a motivated and caring leader who thrives on making a difference? At Buckland Care , we’re proud to be a family-run business delivering high-quality, person-centred care to our residents. We’re looking for a passionate Area Manager to join our warm and supportive senior team, overseeing a portfolio of four well-established residential and nursing homes, and an exciting new reopening project. This role also includes key Quality Assurance responsibilities , working alongside our senior management team to continuously improve governance and help shape the future of our care delivery. As Nominated Individual for three of the care homes in the group, you’ll play a vital role in representing the company and upholding our values with external stakeholders and professionals. About the Role As Area Manager, you’ll be the first point of contact for your home managers — offering guidance, visiting homes regularly, and ensuring that each location operates smoothly, safely, and in line with both our values and CQC regulations. You’ll also be instrumental in the commissioning and successful relaunch of a closed care home , creating a strong foundation from day one. This is a varied and hands-on role where no two days are the same. Whether you’re mentoring a Home Manager, supporting a team through a CQC inspection, or getting involved in governance improvements, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of our residents and teams. What You’ll Be Doing Visiting each home weekly to support, audit, and guide the management team Leading quality assurance reviews and supporting governance initiatives Acting as Nominated Individual for three care homes in the group Ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and best practices Supporting managers with anything they require including budget oversight, staffing rotas, safeguarding, and marketing Providing hands-on cover and crisis support where needed Working closely with Directors to shape and implement company-wide strategies Helping to recruit and induct new staff, especially during our new home’s reopening What We’re Looking For Proven Registered Manager experience, with ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ CQC outcomes At least 2-3 years of experience in a similar role involving Quality Assurance and Governance Strong understanding of CQC regulations and governance frameworks Passion for high standards and service user wellbeing Commercial awareness and an eye for sustainable occupancy A self-motivated, flexible and people-focused leader Someone with fresh ideas and innovative thinking Location & Scope Your region will cover Dorset and Hampshire , including the Isle of Wight You must be happy to travel between homes and have your own car (we will reimburse you mileage) You must be open to overnight stays when needed You may need to visit other homes in the group from time to time, for example for meetings with senior management and Quality Assurance meetings, which currently take place monthly in Devon Why Join Buckland Care? We’re not a faceless corporate group — we’re a family business that genuinely cares. We celebrate individuality, foster positive working relationships, and believe in empowering our people. When you join us, you’ll enjoy: A supportive senior management team A collaborative and values-driven culture Opportunities to grow and shape your own role A meaningful contribution to our quality assurance and governance journey We’d love to hear from you. Apply now and become part of the Buckland Care family! #J-18808-Ljbffr