At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to provide trauma-responsive care for children in need.
- Company: Wilderness Way, a values-led organisation focused on high-impact services.
- Benefits: Up to £58,344 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, and 33 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while leading a dedicated team.
- Qualifications: 12 months' experience managing a children's home and Level 5 Diploma.
- Other info: Flexible hours, career progression opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
The predicted salary is between 46000 - 70000 £ per year.
This Role is based in Cumbria. At Wilderness Way, the children we support are the heart of every decision we make. As our services continue to evolve, we’re re-registering our homes to build on that strong foundation and ensure we keep raising the bar. We are now seeking experienced managers to lead our solo homes for up to 2 children, supporting one child at a time with 2:1 care. This is not your average management role. This is leadership where it counts where trauma responsive care meets real purpose, and where your decisions change lives, fast.
What You’ll Do:
- Run two solo occupancy homes, shaping safe, structured spaces for children who need time to heal
- Lead from the front - recruit, develop and inspire an exceptional team
- Build homes that exceed Ofsted expectations and meet every child’s unique needs
- Drive collaboration with external professionals to achieve outstanding outcomes
- Embed therapeutic care, high standards and stability from day one
What’s In It For You:
- £5,000 Welcome Bonus (paid in instalments – terms and conditions apply)
- Salary: Up to £58,344 (based on experience & qualifications)
- 33 Days Holiday + loyalty days at 2 & 5 years
- Relocation package available of up to £8,000 (terms and conditions apply)
- Monday–Friday, 9–5 with flexibility when needed
- Private Medical Insurance, 24/7 GP, Medicash, gym discounts, dental/optical cashback
- £1,000 Referral Bonuses + monthly Hero Awards
- Career Progression: Coaching, qualifications & pathways in a growing, values-led organisation
- Pension & Life Assurance (2x salary)
- Exclusive Retail & Lifestyle Discounts
What You’ll Bring:
- Minimum 12 months’ experience managing a children’s home
- Proven ability to lead, motivate and develop a team
- Solid knowledge of SCCIF, Children’s Homes Regs & Quality Standards
- Level 5 Diploma (or working towards)
- Full UK driving licence and access to transport
- Resilient, trauma-informed leadership style with genuine heart
Why Wilderness Way? Because we do things differently. Our services are small, specialist, and high-impact. We believe in relationships over routines, and in giving our leaders the tools and freedom to create real change. We live by our values: Collaboration. Adaptability. Respect. Empathy. And we back it up with investment in people, homes, and the future.
Ready to take the lead? Click ‘Apply Now’ or email sarah.melrose@awwltd.com for an informal chat to ensure we are the right fit for you. All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.
Registered Service Manager in Dumfries employer: WILDERNESS WAY
Contact Detail:
WILDERNESS WAY Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Registered Service Manager in Dumfries
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities that might not even be advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Wilderness Way and understanding their values. Think about how your experience aligns with their mission of providing trauma-responsive care. Show them you’re not just a fit on paper but also in spirit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share specific examples of how you've led teams and made impactful decisions in previous roles. This will help you stand out as someone who can truly lead from the front.
✨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, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Wilderness Way family.
We think you need these skills to ace Registered Service Manager in Dumfries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for supporting children shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in their lives and how your values align with ours at Wilderness Way.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience managing children's homes. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and trauma-informed approach, so don’t hold back on the details!
Be Authentic: We value authenticity, so be yourself in your application. Share your unique perspective and experiences that have shaped your approach to care and leadership. This is your chance to stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role. Let’s make a difference together!
How to prepare for a job interview at WILDERNESS WAY
✨Know the Company Inside Out
Before your interview, take some time to research Wilderness Way. Understand their values, mission, and the specific needs of the children they support. This will help you align your answers with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
As a Registered Service Manager, your leadership approach is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your trauma-informed leadership style and provide examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in the past. Highlighting your ability to inspire others will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities in challenging situations. Think of specific examples from your experience where you’ve successfully managed crises or implemented therapeutic care strategies. This will demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to collaboration with external professionals or how they measure success in their homes. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.