At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage children's residential homes, ensuring quality care and compliance.
- Company: Leading children's residential provider expanding across the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and gym discounts.
- Other info: Flexible working with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 58000 - 68000 € per year.
Job Description
Operations Manager – Specialist Children’s Residential Services
Salary: Up to £68,120 per annum (car allowance flexibility available)
Location: North East (with some short-term North West crossover)
Full-Time, Permanent
Remit
Compass Associates are proud to be partnering with a leading children’s residential provider as they continue significant expansion across the North East.
The organisation has opened 9 homes in the region this year, with a target of 17 by March 2026. All services provide solo placements for children with complex needs and trauma, supported by an in-house clinical and therapeutic team.
We are seeking a driven and experienced Operations Manager to lead a regional cluster of homes, ensuring compliance, quality, and outstanding outcomes.
The Role
Reporting to the Regional Director, the Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective running of around 10 homes, each offering single-occupancy placements.
You will directly line manage 5 Registered Managers, each overseeing 2 homes, and provide leadership across a workforce of around 60 staff. The patch spans approximately 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes end-to-end.
Key responsibilities include:
- Acting as Responsible Individual across the services.
- Leading, coaching and supervising Registered Managers to deliver consistent quality.
- Ensuring homes meet Ofsted standards and regulatory compliance.
- Working with the in-house clinical, wellbeing, education and outdoor teams to ensure holistic care for children.
- Managing budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
- Building positive relationships with children, families, regulators and external agencies.
Location
This is a regional role based across the North East. The patch currently includes 9 homes, with some short-term crossover into the North West until further services open locally. Regular travel across the region is required, with car allowance flexibility available.
Essential Criteria
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People).
- Significant residential childcare experience, including with complex needs/EBD.
- Strong management track record, with proven Ofsted outcomes.
- Ability to lead multiple services and manage large, dispersed teams.
- Resilient, adaptable, and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children.
The Candidate
This role would suit either an experienced Operations Manager, Responsible Individual, or a strong Registered/Service Manager looking to step into a wider operational remit. Candidates with a blended adult/children’s background will be considered, provided they have meaningful children’s sector experience. Flexibility on geography and package is available, with car allowance offered where travel extends into the North West.
Package & Benefits
- Salary up to £68,120 (based on experience and qualifications).
- 35 days annual leave, increasing with continuous service at 2 and 5 years.
- 40-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) with occasional flexibility.
- Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts.
- Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary).
- Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral).
- High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.
Interview Process
This will be a multi-stage process, confirmed upon candidate availability.
Contact Details
If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please contact Isobel Johnson directly on 0161 507 5060. Alternatively email an updated CV to ijohnson@compassltd.co.uk
Recommendations
Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for a successful recommendation following the completion of probation/rebate.
Compass Associates, established in 2009, is an award-winning, UK specialist Health and Social Care Recruitment Consultancy providing tailored, high quality recruitment solutions for all permanent assignments.
Operations Manager - Children\'s Residential in North East employer: Compass Associates
As a leading children's residential provider, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both our staff and the children in our care. With competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance and gym discounts, we are committed to employee growth and development, offering opportunities for advancement within our expanding network of homes across the North East. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the lives of children with complex needs while enjoying the flexibility and support that comes with being part of our dedicated team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Children\'s Residential in North East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's residential sector. Attend local events or online webinars to meet people who might know about job openings. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the organisation and understand their values and goals. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission to provide outstanding outcomes for children. Show them you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that excite you! Use our website to find positions that match your skills and passion. Tailor your approach to each application, highlighting your relevant experience in managing complex needs.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to reiterate why you’re the best candidate for the job!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Children\'s Residential in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Operations Manager role. Highlight your residential childcare experience and any leadership roles you've held, as we want to see how you can lead our teams effectively.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about working with children and how your background makes you the perfect fit for this position. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on your achievements, especially those related to Ofsted outcomes and compliance. We love to see how you've made a positive impact in previous positions, so don't hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Compass Associates
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities of an Operations Manager in children's residential services, especially around compliance and Ofsted standards. This will show that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about times when you’ve coached or supervised others, particularly in challenging situations. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to manage multiple homes and large teams effectively.
✨Understand the Organisation's Values
Research the company’s mission and values, especially their approach to caring for children with complex needs. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goals, particularly in achieving positive outcomes for children.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about their expansion plans, how they support their staff, or their approach to working with external agencies. Asking questions shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
