Assistant Manager

Assistant Manager

Penrith Full-Time 34500 - 49500 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
WILDERNESS WAY

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to provide exceptional care for children in residential settings.
  • Company: Join Wilderness Way, a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
  • Benefits: Up to £43,000 salary, 33 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and gym discounts.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in residential childcare and a Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce.
  • Other info: Opportunities for professional growth and a culture that values your voice.

The predicted salary is between 34500 - 49500 £ per year.

Join Our Supportive Team as an Assistant Manager and Make a Difference.

We are seeking an experienced Assistant Manager to join our team in residential childcare. This role is ideal for a Deputy Manager, Assistant Manager, or Senior Residential Support Worker looking to take the next step in their career. You will work alongside the Registered Manager to deliver high‑quality care and support for children who have suffered trauma and may struggle to manage their emotions and behaviour in healthy ways. Your leadership will ensure that children’s needs are met and that the team is fully supported in delivering exceptional care.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead and supervise a team of Residential and Senior Residential Support Workers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.
  • Support the Registered Manager in ensuring the care and safety of children across four separate homes.
  • Create a safe space for children to develop, learn, and flourish, working within their placement plans and goals.
  • Collaborate with a multi‑disciplinary team, including therapists, education specialists, and assessment leads.
  • Ensure children\’s care plans are clearly communicated and adhered to by all team members.
  • Provide leadership and guidance to the team, ensuring that safeguarding and regulatory requirements are met.

A Rewarding Package:

  • Salary: Up to £43,000 (discussed based on experience and qualifications).
  • Annual Leave: 33 days, with extra days for continuous service at 2 and 5 years.
  • Flexibility: 40‑hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am‑5pm) with the occasional need for flexibility.
  • Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts.
  • Recognition & Rewards: Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral) and monthly Wilderness Heroes awards.
  • Financial Security: Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary).
  • Discounts: High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.

A Culture of Growth:

  • Opportunities to develop through coaching, industry‑recognised qualifications, and career progression pathways.
  • Be part of an innovative organisation, leading in therapeutic and assessment‑based residential care.
  • A workplace driven by Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy—where your voice matters.

Key Qualities We Look For:

  • Proven experience in residential childcare as an Assistant Manager, Deputy Manager, or Senior Residential Support Worker.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People\’s Workforce (or equivalent).
  • A strong understanding of safeguarding children and relevant legislation.
  • Excellent leadership, communication, and mentoring skills.
  • Passion for supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges.
  • Proficient IT skills with a willingness to learn new tools.
  • Full, valid UK driving licence for manual vehicles.

Join the Wilderness Movement

At Wilderness Way, we’re shaping brighter futures through innovation, care, and collaboration. If you’re ready to be part of a forward‑thinking organisation where every child—and every team member—matters, we want to hear from you.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to register your details or contact us at recruitment@awwltd.com. We’ll guide you through our simple application process.

All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland as we follow safer recruitment processes. Proof of identity will also be required. We are an equal opportunities employer.

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Assistant Manager employer: WILDERNESS WAY

Wilderness Way is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises the well-being of both children and staff. With a focus on professional growth through coaching and recognised qualifications, employees enjoy a rewarding package that includes generous annual leave, private medical insurance, and opportunities for career progression. Join us in making a meaningful impact in residential childcare, where your contributions are valued and celebrated.
WILDERNESS WAY

Contact Detail:

WILDERNESS WAY Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Assistant Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the childcare sector and let them know you're on the lookout for an Assistant Manager role. 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 practising common questions related to leadership and safeguarding. Think about real-life examples from your experience that showcase your skills and passion for supporting children with emotional challenges.

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere—focus on organisations that align with your values, like Wilderness Way. Check out our website for the latest openings and make sure your application stands out by tailoring it to our mission and culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a great opportunity to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for the team.

We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Manager

Leadership Skills
Communication Skills
Mentoring Skills
Understanding of Safeguarding Legislation
Emotional and Behavioural Support
Collaboration Skills
Adaptability
Proficient IT Skills
Team Supervision
Residential Childcare Experience
Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People's Workforce
Problem-Solving Skills
Flexibility
Full UK Driving Licence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in residential childcare. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Assistant Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and mentoring abilities!

Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting children shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to helping children with emotional and behavioural challenges.

Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and qualifications stand out. Use bullet points if it helps to organise your thoughts!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly, and we can’t wait to hear from you!

How to prepare for a job interview at WILDERNESS WAY

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the key responsibilities of the Assistant Manager role. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children who have experienced trauma and how to support them effectively. This will show your potential employer that you’re not just interested in the job, but that you truly understand the impact of your work.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or supported colleagues. Highlight your mentoring abilities and how you’ve fostered a positive environment. This is crucial for demonstrating that you can guide a team in delivering exceptional care.

✨Emphasise Collaboration

Since the role involves working with a multi-disciplinary team, be ready to discuss how you’ve collaborated with other professionals in the past. Share specific instances where teamwork led to better outcomes for children, showcasing your ability to communicate and work effectively with others.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the organisation’s approach to care and the team dynamics. This not only shows your genuine interest in the role but also gives you a chance to assess if the company culture aligns with your values, especially around collaboration, adaptability, respect, and empathy.

Assistant Manager
WILDERNESS WAY
Location: Penrith

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