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- Tasks: Lead and support residential services for children and young people across the UK.
- Company: Join Young Foundations, a values-driven organisation dedicated to high-quality care.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in the lives of vulnerable individuals every day.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership experience in children's residential care and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on positive outcomes and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 90000 ÂŁ per year.
Location: Hybrid – Central Office (Denbighshire, North Wales) residential services and home-based working
Hours: Full Time, 40 hours, Permanent
Salary: £85,000 – £90,000
Reports to: Director of Operations
Young Foundations is seeking a strategic and values‑driven Assistant Director of Operations to support the leadership and performance of our residential services for children, young people and adults across England, Wales and Scotland. This is a senior operational leadership role, supporting the Director of Operations in delivering high‑quality, compliant and person‑centred services. You will play a vital part in shaping organisational strategy, maintaining regulatory excellence and ensuring strong outcomes for those we support.
Young Foundations is a specialist organisation dedicated to providing high‑quality residential care and specialist education for children, young people and adults with complex needs—including autism, learning disabilities, and mental health conditions. With services across England, Scotland, and Wales, we create supportive, therapeutic environments where every individual is valued and empowered to achieve positive outcomes.
If you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people and want to be part of a team that prioritises compassion, excellence, and personal growth, we would love to hear from you.
The Role
- Deputising for the Director of Operations as required
- Providing leadership and line management for Registered Managers and multidisciplinary teams
- Acting as Responsible / Nominated Individual for allocated services
- Supporting regulatory compliance with Ofsted, Care Inspectorate Wales, Care Quality Commission and Care Inspectorate Scotland
- Driving continuous improvement, quality assurance and safeguarding excellence
- Positively contributing to business growth by maintaining stable staff teams enabling more placements where appropriate
- Contributing to performance improvement while ensuring services remain values‑driven and person‑centred
About You
- You will be a senior leader with proven experience within children’s residential care and extensive experience in health and social care, with a strong background supporting individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism
- A recognised leadership qualification (Level 5 or equivalent) and commitment to continuing professional development
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, regulation and statutory frameworks
- Proven experience of leading change, improving performance and developing services
- Excellent communication skills and skilled in relationship‑building at a variety of levels with key stakeholders
- Strong evidence‑based decision‑making skills in line with Young Foundations values and policies
- Experience in developing robust and stable staff teams
- Opportunity to influence and shape high‑quality services
- Values‑led organisation focused on positive outcomes
- Supportive senior leadership team
- Career development within a growing organisation
Benefits of working with us
- A rewarding role where your work has real impact
- Internal progression opportunities
- Cycle to work scheme
- Retail savings through the Blue Light Card Scheme
- Enhanced annual leave
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave
- Wellbeing support – Employee assistance programme
- Free eye care vouchers
Closing date: 22nd April 2026
Interview date: TBC
Young Foundations is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all genders and backgrounds and are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace.
Safeguarding
Young Foundations is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. The safety, protection and wellbeing of those in our care is our highest priority, and we expect all staff, volunteers and partners to share this unwavering commitment. We operate a robust safer recruitment process in line with statutory guidance across England, Scotland & Wales as applicable. All appointments are subject to thorough pre‑employment checks, including enhanced DBS/PVG checks with barred list checks, a minimum of 3 satisfactory and verifiable employment references, full employment history and verification of any qualifications or professional registrations. We are committed to creating a culture of vigilance, transparency and accountability where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of vulnerable people in our care will be taken seriously and responded to in line with our safeguarding and child protection procedures.
Assistant Director Of Operations employer: Young Foundations Limited
Contact Detail:
Young Foundations Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director Of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and its values. Understand what makes Young Foundations tick, and be ready to share how your experience aligns with their mission of providing high-quality care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be clear about your leadership style and how you've driven change in previous roles. This is your chance to shine and show how you can contribute to the team at Young Foundations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to make a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director Of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Assistant Director of Operations role. Highlight your experience in children's residential care and how it aligns with our values at Young Foundations. We want to see how you can make a meaningful difference!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your leadership experience. Share specific examples of how you've led teams, improved performance, and driven change in previous roles. We love seeing evidence-based decision-making that reflects our commitment to quality services.
Be Person-Centred: Remember, we’re all about person-centred services! In your application, emphasise your understanding of safeguarding and how you’ve supported individuals with complex needs. Show us your passion for creating supportive environments where everyone can thrive.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Young Foundations Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Young Foundations and their mission. Familiarise yourself with their values, the services they provide, and the regulatory frameworks they operate under. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director of Operations, your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples that highlight your ability to lead teams, manage change, and improve performance. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them while keeping a person-centred approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills and ability to handle complex situations. Practice articulating your thought process and how you would apply evidence-based decisions in line with the organisation's values. This will demonstrate your strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions that reflect your understanding of the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to continuous improvement and how they support staff development. This shows you’re not just interested in the position, but also in contributing to the organisation’s growth.