At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to deliver exceptional care for children in residential settings.
- Company: Wilderness Way, a forward-thinking organisation in therapeutic residential care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture of collaboration, respect, and empathy with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives while advancing your leadership career.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in children's residential care with leadership experience and relevant qualifications.
Do you have the skills to fill this role Read the complete details below, and make your application today.
Are you an experienced leader in children’s residential care ready to take the next step in your career? At Wilderness Way, we’re expanding and looking for an Operations Manager to oversee a cluster of our children’s homes.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who understands the complexities of residential childcare and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for children with challenging behaviours.
What You’ll Do
Lead and Inspire: Support and mentor Registered Managers to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.
Ensure Excellence: Oversee operational performance, compliance, and financial targets across multiple homes.
Collaborate Effectively: Work with commissioning teams, social workers, and external agencies to ensure tailored care plans.
Drive Improvement: Use data and insights to monitor service outcomes and identify areas for development.
Champion Our Values: Embed our mission, vision, and values into every aspect of service delivery.
What We’re Looking For
Essential: Minimum 6 years’ experience in children’s residential care, including 4 years in a leadership role.
Qualified: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services.
Knowledgeable: Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.
Operationally Skilled: Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies, and meet strategic goals.
Inspirational Leader: A collaborative and empowering approach to coaching and mentoring teams.
Flexible & Mobile: Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across services.
Why Join Us?
Salary: Up to £68,120 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Annual Leave: 35 days, with additional days awarded at 2 and 5 years of service
Workweek: 40 hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) with occasional flexibility
Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental, gym discounts
Recognition & Rewards: £1,000 referral bonuses, monthly Wilderness Heroes awards
Financial Security: Pension contributions, life assurance (2x salary)
Perks: High street savings, leisure discounts, and tailored local offers
A Culture of Growth
Career development through coaching, qualifications, and progression pathways
A forward-thinking organisation leading in therapeutic and assessment-based residential care
A workplace built on Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy
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
Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care in Sedgefield employer: WILDERNESS WAY
Wilderness Way is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of both its employees and the children in its care. With a strong commitment to professional growth, generous benefits including 35 days of annual leave and private medical insurance, and a collaborative work culture rooted in respect and empathy, we empower our Operations Managers to lead impactful change in children's residential care. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care in Sedgefield
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at WILDERNESS WAY.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from WILDERNESS WAY!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like WILDERNESS WAY, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at WILDERNESS WAY or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Operations Manager - Childrens Residential Care in Sedgefield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to WILDERNESS WAY:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to WILDERNESS WAY! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WILDERNESS WAY
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
