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- Tasks: Lead and manage high-quality residential child care services for young people.
- Company: ACAD, part of the CareTech Family, dedicated to innovative care solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, flexible hours, and continuous leadership development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to exceptional, child-centred care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people and their families.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in residential child care with leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 62000 - 62000 £ per year.
Ensure all your application information is up to date and in order before applying for this opportunity.
About Us
ACAD, a part of the CareTech Family, is a refreshingly innovative organisation specialising in delivering bespoke care and support to young people and their families to provide the best level of service during complex and difficult times in their lives. We offer quality residential child care to local authorities for young people aged 8-18 years with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, complex needs such as autism, learning difficulties and problematic sexualised behaviour. ACAD have adopted a pedagogical approach to care and education, striving to combine both to provide a holistic solution to the needs of young people. We also provide for all of the training requirements of our staff and an SQA accredited centre recognised to deliver SVQ and HNC.
Our service offer includes an Outreach Support Initiative which is a flexible, open-ended programme of care and support to children and young people aged 5 and upwards. This initiative is effective in the areas of crisis management and prevention and keeping families together.
About the Role
To lead and manage the operational delivery of high-quality residential child care services across multiple homes, ensuring compliance with Scottish regulatory frameworks, safeguarding standards, and the principles of The Promise. The Operations Manager will support Registered Managers, promote trauma-informed care, and drive continuous improvement in outcomes for children and young people.
What We Offer
- £62,000 per annum DOE & car allowance.
- Annual quality and commercial bonus.
- Hours: Full-time, 37–40 hours per week, with flexibility including on-call duties.
- As a member of the CareTech leadership team you will participate in a Management Incentive Plan that will enable you to share in the long term success of the Company.
- Continuous development from our in-house Leadership Academy.
Additional Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, and a range of benefits including:
- Employee Assistance Service
- Wellbeing Programme
- Recommend a Friend scheme
- Team Rewards with discounted restaurants and family days out
- Long Service Awards
This role involves managing budgets and resources, leading service improvement aligned with The Promise and GIRFEC, and building strong partnerships with families, professionals, and external agencies. This is a key role for someone passionate about delivering exceptional, child-centred care.
Experience needed
- SVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Social Services and Healthcare or Leadership and Management.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in residential child care, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of Scottish child protection legislation, The Promise, and trauma-informed practice.
- Experience of managing multiple sites.
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and deliver high-quality care.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
The CareTech family is a Disability Confident Employer and an Equal Opportunities Employer. We value the wisdom that comes from life experience and are committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of all in our care. All applicants must undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide at least two references covering the past two years. Applicants must also provide information for all positions related to working with children and the vulnerable and details of employment going back to full time education.
If you are ready to make a difference and meet the needs of children in a nurturing environment, apply now and join our dedicated team.
Operations Manager in Lockerbie employer: Caretech
Contact Detail:
Caretech Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager in Lockerbie
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand their approach to care and support, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially those related to leadership and managing teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your achievements effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager in Lockerbie
Some tips for your application 🫡
Keep It Relevant: Make sure your CV and cover letter highlight your experience in residential child care and leadership. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Operations Manager, so tailor your application to showcase your relevant skills and experiences.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for child-centred care shine through! We’re looking for someone who’s genuinely passionate about making a difference in young people's lives, so don’t be shy about sharing your motivations and values in your application.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received properly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Caretech
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you’re well-versed in ACAD’s mission and values. Familiarise yourself with The Promise and GIRFEC principles, as well as the specific challenges faced in residential child care. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your leadership abilities, especially in managing teams and driving service improvements. Be ready to discuss how you've implemented trauma-informed practices and supported staff development in previous roles.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about ACAD’s approach to care and how they measure success in their services. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think through potential challenges you might encounter in the role and how you would address them, particularly in relation to safeguarding and compliance.