Children's Residential Homes Manager

We have an opportunity for a Residential Children's Homes Manager to lead and manage our brand-new, multi-building children's home(s) within the borough. As the Residential Children's Homes Manager, you will be responsible for the effective management of the residential homes, and the provision of a professional children and young people centred service, in line with the relevant regulations, legislation, codes of practice, and policy and procedures.

This role will provide the successful Residential Children's Homes Manager with the unique opportunity to further establish the recently opened Children's Homes. They will be able to use their leadership and coaching skills to further develop existing and new members of staff. The successful candidate for this role will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the overall shaping and embedding of the Residential Homes in Wokingham.

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate their experience of being professionally creative, safe and 'solution focussed' in a challenging and fast paced environment. The candidate will also be a strong and steady mentor for not only the growing team, but also for our Children. Wokingham Children's Services are relentlessly focussed on the full rounded picture that Corporate Parenting provides, we are looking for individuals who will advocate for our children, and have them at the heart of every decision made.

Wokingham Borough Council's aim is to enable our most vulnerable children and young people in care to live close to the things they hold dear - close to family, friends, community, and those who care for them most. This service comprises a multi-building children's home including a 4-bedroom Emotional Behaviour Disorder/Difficulties (EBD) home and one smaller (2 bedroom) home.

Candidate requirements:

• Professional qualification in (recognised and current) Level 5 Leadership and Management in Residential Childcare, or equivalent
• Significant experience as a manager in a children's residential setting
• The ability to lead and manage a team to achieve best outcomes for Children in our Care at our Residential Care Home.
• Confidence in managing competing demands in tight timescales.
• Ability to work seamlessly with our multi agency network, and our Wokingham Childrens Services team.

A full job description outlining key responsibilities is attached for reference to this vacancy.

What we can offer you:

• Salary of £59,009 - £64,673 per annum plus benefit
• Supportive management with regular supervision
• Generous annual leave allowance, with additional 5 days with 5 yrs continuous service.
• Local and national discount schemes
• Car salary sacrifice benefit available

Our Area: Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We're home to a range of high performing schools including 69 primary and 21 secondary, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

If you're interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Closing Date: Sunday 12th April 2026 at 11pm

Interview Date: W/C 27th April 2026 (in person, in Wokingham).

Please note: Interviews will be held in person, by a panel with a presentation required (details to be confirmed upon invitation). We will also be following up the Professional panel interview with a Young Person's panel interview.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure.