Operations Manager and Responsible Individual in Barnstaple

Operations Manager and Responsible Individual in Barnstaple

Barnstaple Full-Time 65000 - 75000 £ / year (est.) On-site
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead and manage children's residential homes, creating safe and supportive environments.
  • Company: SW Education & Care, dedicated to supporting young people in North Devon.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work, 25 days leave, and ongoing professional development.
  • Other info: Join a growing organisation with genuine autonomy and influence.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children and lead passionate teams.
  • Qualifications: Extensive leadership experience in children's residential care and strong communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.

Lead children’s residential homes across North Devon and help create safe, supportive places where young people and teams can thrive.

SW Education & Care are looking for a dedicated individual to join us as our RI & Operations Manager to support our residential children’s homes in North Devon. At SW Education & Care, we believe that every young person deserves a place where they feel safe, valued and supported as they navigate the journey of childhood. Our homes and teams provide a setting to support children and young people who have experienced trauma and difficult circumstances to discover their strengths and passions. We‘re committed to creating a culture of respect and inclusion for both our young people and teams.

The Role

The ideal candidate will have extensive strategic and managerial experience, having worked within children’s services in a residential setting and/or education specialising in SEMHD and/or challenging behaviours. You will be an inspirational and mature leader with the ability to positively manage change, improving provision thus improving outcomes for children in care. This is a central role to the organisation and provides a career pathway where you will:

  • Take on a strategic leadership role within a residential care organisation, with responsibility for all aspects of the day-to-day operations of the homes.
  • Recruit and manage home managers, oversee the homes’ financial accuracy and ensure the quality of services meets expected standards.
  • Take responsibility for the overall effectiveness of provision, including safeguarding and education, and ensure KPIs are reported appropriately to the Managing Director.
  • Provide energetic and stable leadership in line with the organisation’s ethos of integrity and transparency.
  • Enable staff and the children and young people we support to develop, grow and flourish in all aspects of their lives.

The Ideal Candidate

You’ll be a confident and credible leader with significant experience in children’s residential care and a proven ability to improve services and support high-performing teams.

Essential

  • Extensive leadership experience in children’s residential care, including experience as a Registered Manager, Operations Manager, Regional Manager, Head of Service, Responsible Individual or Director.
  • A strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding and inspection frameworks, alongside experience in compliance, governance and quality assurance.
  • A demonstrable track record of service improvement and the ability to positively manage change.
  • Outstanding communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to offer both support and professional challenge.
  • A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel nationally.

Desirable

  • Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare and multi-site operational leadership experience.
  • Experience opening and registering children’s homes or supporting services from Inadequate or Requires Improvement to Good or Outstanding.
  • Consultancy, business development or commercial experience.

Benefits

A sector competitive salary of £65,000–£75,000 per year and 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays. Flexible home-based work, an Employee Assistance Programme, and excellent training and support. Ongoing professional development within a culture of collaboration and mutual encouragement. Genuine autonomy and influence within a growing organisation, with the opportunity to shape a specialist division.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in joining SW Education & Care, please apply today. Once you’ve applied, keep an eye on your inbox for an email asking you to tell us more about your experience and provide any supporting information. We take the safety of our children seriously and follow stringent safer recruitment checks. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and will require a full enhanced DBS and references.

Operations Manager and Responsible Individual in Barnstaple employer: SW Education & Care Careers

SW Education & Care is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating safe and supportive environments for young people in North Devon. With a competitive salary, flexible home-based work options, and a strong commitment to employee development, we foster a culture of respect and inclusion that empowers both our staff and the children we support. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying genuine autonomy and opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team.

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Contact Details:

SW Education & Care Careers Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Operations Manager and Responsible Individual in Barnstaple

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We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager and Responsible Individual in Barnstaple

Leadership Experience
Children's Residential Care
Registered Manager
Operations Management
Ofsted Regulations
Safeguarding
Compliance

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at SW Education & Care Careers. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to SW Education & Care Careers and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at SW Education & Care Careers. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to SW Education & Care Careers's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at SW Education & Care Careers

✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices

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A full-time HR role at SW Education & Care Careers will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

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Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact SW Education & Care Careers and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.