Operations Director – Children's Services in Cambridge

Operations Director – Children's Services Salary: Circa £90,000 + 30% Bonus + Benefits Cambridgeshire | Significant Growth Opportunity This is not just another children's care start-up. Our client is a highly respected and established provider of specialist adult care services, supporting individuals with some of the most complex mental health needs in the UK. With an outstanding reputation, strong infrastructure, proven operational expertise, and established local authority relationships, they are now launching a specialist children's division in response to growing demand for highly bespoke services. Starting in Cambridgeshire, the organisation will develop a number of specialist solo residential homes supporting children and young people with highly complex mental health needs, trauma, self-harming behaviours, emotional dysregulation, and significant risks that require intensive, therapeutic, and highly individualised support. This is a rare opportunity for an experienced Operations Director to lead the mobilisation, development, and long-term growth of a new children's service backed by an established and financially secure provider. The Opportunity As Operations Director, you will be the strategic and operational lead for the mobilisation of the children's division, working closely with the executive team to shape the service model, establish operational frameworks, support registrations, build high-performing teams, and ensure the delivery of exceptional outcomes for children and young people. Whilst the initial focus will be on the development of specialist solo homes within the Cambridgeshire region, the long-term vision is to replicate this model across other regions where there is an identified need. This is an opportunity to build something meaningful from the ground up whilst benefiting from the support, resources, credibility, and expertise of an already successful care group. Key Responsibilities * Lead the mobilisation and operational development of specialist children's services. * Develop and implement operational strategies, policies, and frameworks. * Work closely with local authorities, commissioners, regulators, and stakeholders. * Oversee Ofsted registration processes and ensure ongoing compliance. * Recruit, develop, and mentor Registered Managers and senior leadership teams. * Establish a strong culture focused on therapeutic practice, positive outcomes, and high-quality care. * Drive occupancy, service performance, and sustainable growth. * Provide strategic leadership as the organisation expands into additional regions. * Report directly to the executive leadership team, contributing to the wider growth strategy of the business. About You We are seeking an experienced senior leader who combines strategic vision with operational excellence. You will have: * A proven track record at Operations Director, Regional Director, Head of Operations, or equivalent level within children's residential care. * Extensive experience supporting children with highly complex mental health needs, trauma, self-harming behaviours, and significant emotional and behavioural challenges. * Experience opening, mobilising, and developing children's services. * Strong knowledge of Ofsted regulations, quality standards, and safeguarding requirements. * Exceptional leadership skills with the ability to build and inspire high-performing teams. * Experience managing relationships with local authorities and commissioners. * A passion for developing innovative services that achieve exceptional outcomes for children and young people. * The ambition and capability to grow with the organisation as the children's division expands nationally. What's on Offer? * Salary circa £90,000. * Performance bonus of up to 30%. * The opportunity to lead a genuinely unique and specialist service model. * Strong executive support from an established and successful care group. * Significant influence over the future direction of the business. * Long-term career progression as services expand across multiple regions. * The opportunity to make a lasting difference to some of the most vulnerable children and young people in the country. For a confidential discussion and further information, please get in touch