At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the opening of a new children's home, ensuring safety and nurturing care.
- Company: Ambitious new residential care provider focused on improving children's lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression opportunities, and a chance to shape care delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while building something impactful from scratch.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a supportive team led by experienced sector leaders with a shared vision.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 £ per year.
Ensure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.
Location: Dudley
Salary: Circa £55,000–£65,000 (open to negotiation for the right person)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Young People need better alternatives to unregulated provision. We’re recruiting a Registered Manager to open the first home of a newly launching residential care provider, created to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: the growing reliance on unregulated provision for children and young people with complex needs.
Founded by a care experienced entrepreneur and led by experienced children’s services leaders, this organisation brings together system leadership, frontline practice and lived experience. Its purpose is clear, to offer local authorities a credible, regulated alternative that moves beyond containment-based care. The model is built around safety, strong relationships and progression, giving children stability and managers the space to lead, shape culture and do things properly.
The role
You’ll be responsible for opening and leading a new solo children’s provision in Dudley, creating a safe, stable and nurturing home from day one.
You will:
- Act as the Registered Manager with Ofsted, meeting all fitness and registration requirements
- Lead the setup, registration and opening of the home
- Create a child-centred, trauma-informed culture where care is consistent, purposeful and emotionally safe
- Build, recruit and retain a strong, values-led staff team
- Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards
- Be the lead safeguarding professional, setting the tone for robust, confident practice
- Develop high-quality care planning that genuinely improves outcomes for the child
- Work closely with local authorities, social workers and partner professionals
- Maintain a home that is inspection-ready at all times, not just when Ofsted are due
This role is underpinned by clear accountability, structure and measurable outcomes, while still allowing strong professional judgement and autonomy.
Who this role is for
This opportunity will suit an experienced children’s care leader who:
- Is values-led, calm and child-focused
- Has experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma and attachment needs
- Is confident leading a solo provision
- Enjoys building something from the ground up
- Is comfortable owning decisions, solving problems, and setting standards
- Wants to be part of a provider with long-term ambition, not short-term fixes
Essential requirements
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent (or willingness to complete within required timescales)
- Significant experience in residential childcare (or equivalent, e.g. CAMHS inpatient settings)
- Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge
- Sound understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
Desirable (but not essential)
- Experience opening or registering a new children’s home
- Therapeutic or trauma-informed practice experience
Why this role stands out
- First home of an ambitious new provider — real influence, not token input
- Backed by experienced sector leaders who understand operational realities
- A chance to help shape a new way of delivering care, without cutting corners
- Salary open to discussion for the right person
- Clear progression as the organisation grows
If you’re looking for a role where you can build something different from the ground up, this is it.
Registered Manager - Children\'s Residential in Dudley employer: Elite Search Associates Limited
Contact Detail:
Elite Search Associates Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Manager - Children\'s Residential in Dudley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the children's care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Follow organisations and leaders in the children's residential care space on platforms like LinkedIn. Engage with their posts and share your insights; it’s a great way to get noticed and show your passion for the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions specific to the role of a Registered Manager. Think about how you’d create a child-centred culture and tackle challenges in residential care. We want you to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission to improve care for children.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Manager - Children\'s Residential in Dudley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, make sure to read through the job description thoroughly. We want to see that you understand what we're looking for in a Registered Manager and how your experience aligns with our mission.
Showcase Your Experience: When writing your application, highlight your relevant experience in residential childcare. We’re keen on seeing how your background fits with our values and the specific challenges we aim to tackle in this role.
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your passion for working with children and how you plan to create a nurturing environment.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to help shape a new way of delivering care.
How to prepare for a job interview at Elite Search Associates Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards. Brush up on your knowledge of trauma-informed care and how it applies to the role. This will show that you’re not just interested in the position, but that you understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Think about times when you’ve built a strong, values-led team or created a nurturing environment for children. This will demonstrate your capability to lead the new home effectively.
✨Be Child-Centred
During the interview, emphasise your commitment to creating a child-centred culture. Share specific strategies you would implement to ensure the home is emotionally safe and supportive for the children. This will resonate with the organisation's mission and values.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation’s vision and how they plan to tackle the challenges in the sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career goals.