Operations Manager

Here’s a tailored job description for an Operations Manager – Children’s Home (EBD), specifically focused on services supporting children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).

Reports to: Responsible Individual / Director

Location: (Specify Location)

Salary: (Insert Range)

Hours: Full Time (typically 37–40 hours per week, with on-call responsibilities)

Purpose of the Role

The Operations Manager is responsible for the strategic and operational leadership of one or more EBD children’s homes, ensuring each home provides high-quality, trauma-informed care that meets the individual needs of children and young people. The post-holder will oversee compliance with Ofsted regulations, support and supervise Registered Managers, and drive continuous improvement in practice, outcomes, and safeguarding.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership and Management
  • Provide strong, visible leadership across multiple EBD homes, promoting a culture of child-centred, therapeutic practice.
  • Support and develop Registered Managers, ensuring they maintain compliance and achieve "Good" or "Outstanding" Ofsted ratings.
  • Ensure consistent implementation of policies, procedures, and operational standards across all homes.
  • Monitor staff performance, staffing levels, and workforce stability to maintain a safe and nurturing environment.
• Quality Assurance and Compliance
  • Ensure all homes comply with the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards.
  • Conduct regular quality audits, reviews, and monitoring visits; produce written reports and improvement plans.
  • Analyse performance data, incidents, and feedback to identify trends and areas for development.
  • Lead on the implementation of Ofsted inspection recommendations and internal action plans.
• Safeguarding and Risk Management
  • Act as a senior safeguarding lead, ensuring that all safeguarding concerns are managed effectively and in line with legislation and local safeguarding procedures.
  • Oversee risk assessments, placement impact assessments, and behaviour management plans to ensure they are robust and regularly reviewed.
  • Champion a culture of safety, openness, and learning from incidents.
• Therapeutic and Behavioural Practice
  • Promote trauma-informed, attachment-aware approaches throughout the homes.
  • Support Registered Managers and staff to develop consistent, positive behaviour management strategies that focus on emotional regulation and relationship-based care.
  • Work with therapeutic professionals to integrate psychological support and care planning effectively.
• Financial and Resource Management
  • Manage operational budgets and ensure homes operate within agreed financial parameters.
  • Monitor occupancy levels, referral activity, and fee negotiations with commissioning authorities.
  • Contribute to strategic planning, service development, and growth opportunities.
• Partnership and Communication
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with local authorities, commissioners, regulators, and external agencies.
  • Represent the organisation professionally in meetings, inspections, and partnership forums.
  • Ensure open and effective communication across all teams and services.
• Staff Development and Supervision
  • Support the professional development and supervision of Registered Managers and senior staff.
  • Ensure all staff have access to appropriate training, including safeguarding, trauma-informed care, and behaviour management.
  • Promote reflective practice, professional curiosity, and continuous improvement across the workforce.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Substantial experience in managing or overseeing EBD children’s homes & Ofsted Supported Accommodation.
• In-depth knowledge of trauma-informed practice and positive behaviour support.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).
• Strong understanding of the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Ofsted inspection framework.
• Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent organisational, communication, and decision-making skills.
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a Registered Manager or Registered Service Manager.
• Experience of therapeutic or clinical input within residential care settings.
• Budget management and service development experience.
• Full UK driving licence.

Core Competencies

• Child-Centred Leadership: Ensures all decisions prioritise the best interests of the child.
• Trauma-Informed Practice: Understands and applies trauma theory to daily operations and behaviour management.
• Resilience and Integrity: Handles complex challenges calmly and professionally.
• Continuous Improvement: Seeks innovation and best practice to raise standards.
• Collaboration: Builds strong, trusting relationships across internal and external stakeholders.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent, Fixed term contract

Contract length: 12 months

Pay: From £50,000.00 per year

Benefits: Free parking, On-site parking, Work from home

Work Location: In person