At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to provide exceptional care for children in a nurturing environment.
- Company: Join Nottingham City Council, a progressive workplace committed to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous leave, and a supportive pension scheme.
- Other info: Hybrid working options available with a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 46142 - 49282 £ per year.
Contract Type: Fixed term until 31.3.27
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Worker Type: Hybrid Worker
Salary: Starting Salary is £46,142 (Level one) - £49,282 (Level four) - In addition you will receive on call payments
Location: A location within the city boundary
We’ve got an exciting opportunity available for talented individuals to join our workforce. Working for Nottingham City Council has great benefits, including competitive pay, great leave entitlement, and access to a generous pension scheme. We strive to create an innovative, inclusive, and progressive work culture where everyone is supported to do and be their very best.
About the Role:
Are you ready to lead with compassion, resilience, and purpose? Do you believe that every child—no matter their start in life—deserves safety, love, and a future full of possibility? We’re looking for a Children’s Home Manager to take the reins of two small, nurturing 2-bedded homes supporting children and young people with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (EBD).
What We Offer:
- The rare chance to shape two beautiful homes from the inside out—building not just teams and routines, but culture and belonging.
- A leadership role where your emotional intelligence is your greatest asset—a chance to lead by example, inspire your staff, and help young people navigate their most important years.
- Ongoing support from a values-driven leadership team who put child-centred practice above all else.
- Tailored training, clinical input, and development pathways—because we want to grow our leaders as much as we grow our children.
What We’re Looking For:
- A leader who knows that behaviour is communication, and who can listen beyond the noise.
- Diploma three in Residential Child Care.
- Experience in residential childcare, ideally with a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (or working towards it).
- A calm, confident presence—someone who can hold the space when emotions run high and bring structure without losing humanity.
- A commitment to trauma-informed practice and safeguarding.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and motivating a team to provide the best care and support for children and young people in our service, with assistance of two assistant managers.
- Ensuring that all safeguarding, regulatory, and service standards are met to the highest level.
- Building strong, supportive relationships with children and young people to help them achieve their full potential.
- Working collaboratively with multi-agency teams to develop tailored support plans.
- Managing resources efficiently to deliver a safe, nurturing environment.
You will be part of a very experienced, supportive, and dynamic team of managers within our Children's residential service, whose homes are consistently either Good or Outstanding.
About You:
- Management or supervisory experience.
- Experience in a position relevant to children’s residential/supported accommodation within the last 5 years.
- Experience of handling conflict and managing sensitive issues to achieve positive outcomes.
- The ability to lead a team celebrating success and challenge and improve poor performance.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation and the DFE Supported Accommodation standards and regulation.
Why This Role Matters:
In a world that often misunderstands or overlooks them, our young people need advocates, champions, and role models. They need you. These homes are small by design, because real relationships happen one moment at a time. And in your role, you’ll create an environment where those moments matter—every single day.
Ready to lead a home, and change a life? Apply now, and take the next bold step in your care journey.
This post is covered by the statutory duty under Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) (English Language Requirement for public sector workers) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for the role.
A DBS enhanced check for a regulated activity is required for this post.
The role requires you to participate in the on-call rota.
Closing Date: 31.5.26. Please note there may be occasions where we close the advert before the closing date and we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. Interviews will be held: To be confirmed.
Unit Manager in Nottingham employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Contact Detail:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Unit Manager in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the field, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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 organisation and its values. Understand their mission and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experiences and how they relate to the role of Unit Manager. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Unit Manager in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for making a difference shine through. We want to see how committed you are to supporting children and young people, so share your experiences that highlight this dedication.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Unit Manager role. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand what we’re looking for and how you fit the bill.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of a Unit Manager and the specific needs of children with Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and the DFE Supported Accommodation standards. This will show your commitment and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach and how you motivate and support your team. Share examples of how you've handled conflict or sensitive issues in the past, highlighting your emotional intelligence and ability to create a nurturing environment.
✨Connect with the Values
Research Nottingham City Council's values and mission. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs, especially regarding child-centred practice and trauma-informed care. This connection can set you apart as a candidate who truly understands the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare insightful questions about the homes you'll be managing, the team dynamics, and the support available for staff. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Remember, interviews are a two-way street!