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- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional care for children in residential settings.
- Company: Wilderness Way, a passionate organisation dedicated to children's welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Join us to create positive change in the lives of children with challenging behaviours.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in children's residential care with leadership experience required.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and impact in a supportive environment.
Lead with Purpose. Deliver with Impact.
Please read the information in this job post thoroughly to understand exactly what is expected of potential candidates.
Are you an experienced leader in children\’s residential care ready to take the next step in your career? At Wilderness Way, we\’re expanding and looking for an Operations Manager to oversee a cluster of our children\’s homes.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who understands the complexities of residential childcare and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for children with challenging behaviours.
What You\’ll Do
Lead and Inspire: Support and mentor Registered Managers to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.
Ensure Excellence: Oversee operational performance, compliance, and financial targets across multiple homes.
Collaborate Effectively: Work with commissioning teams, social workers, and external agencies to ensure tailored care plans.
Drive Improvement: Use data and insights to monitor service outcomes and identify areas for development.
Champion Our Values: Embed our mission, vision, and values into every aspect of service delivery.
What We\’re Looking For
Essential: Minimum 6 years\’ experience in children\’s residential care, including 4 years in a leadership role.
Qualified: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People\’s Services.
Knowledgeable: Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.
Operationally Skilled: Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies, and meet strategic goals.
Inspirational Leader: A collaborative and empowering approach to coaching and mentoring teams.
Flexible & Mobile: Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across services.
Why Join Us?
Salary: Up to £68,120 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Annual Leave: 35 days, with additional days awarded at 2 and 5 years of service
Workweek: 40 hours (Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm) with occasional flexibility
Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental, gym discounts
Recognition & Rewards: £1,000 referral bonuses, monthly Wilderness Heroes awards
Financial Security: Pension contributions, life assurance (2x salary)
Perks: High street savings, leisure discounts, and tailored local offers
A Culture of Growth Career development through coaching, qualifications, and progression pathways
A forward-thinking organisation leading in therapeutic and assessment-based residential care
A workplace built on Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy
All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland as we follow safer recruitment processes. Proof of identity will also be required. We are an equal opportunities employer.
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Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care employer: A Wilderness Way Ltd
Contact Detail:
A Wilderness Way Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's residential care sector. Attend industry events or join relevant online groups to meet people who can help you land that Operations Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific examples of how you've inspired and mentored teams in the past. This will highlight your ability to lead with purpose.
✨Tip Number 3
Be data-savvy! Prepare to discuss how you've used data to drive improvements in previous roles. Employers love candidates who can demonstrate a results-driven approach, especially in a complex field like children's residential care.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application directly. It shows you're genuinely interested in joining our mission to deliver exceptional outcomes for children. Plus, it makes it easier for us to connect with you!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for children's residential care shine through. We want to see how your experiences have shaped your commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for children.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for someone who understands the complexities of residential childcare, so connect your past roles to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and focus on what makes you a great fit for the Operations Manager role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at A Wilderness Way Ltd
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the complexities of children's residential care. Brush up on relevant legislation, best practices, and the specific challenges faced in this field. This will not only show your expertise but also your passion for delivering exceptional outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how you’ve successfully mentored others in the past. Think of specific examples where you’ve inspired teams or improved service delivery. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can lead and inspire Registered Managers.
✨Data is Your Friend
Be ready to talk about how you’ve used data to drive improvements in previous roles. Have examples at hand that illustrate how you monitored service outcomes and identified areas for development. This will highlight your strategic thinking and commitment to excellence.
✨Align with Their Values
Familiarise yourself with Wilderness Way’s mission, vision, and values. During the interview, weave these into your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture. This alignment can set you apart from other candidates.