Operations Manager - Children Residential, Loughborough LE11

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager will provide strategic, operational and regulatory leadership across a portfolio of children’s residential homes specialising in Learning Disabilities and complex needs. The post holder will ensure all services are safe, compliant, high-performing and financially sustainable, while delivering consistently good or outstanding outcomes for children.

The role requires an experienced Registered Individual (RI) with a demonstrable history of leading homes to Good or Outstanding Ofsted outcomes, supporting and challenging Registered Managers, and embedding a culture of excellence, accountability and continuous improvement.

Key ResponsibilitiesRegulatory & Quality Assurance

• Act as Registered Individual (RI) for the organisation in line with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
• Maintain full oversight of regulatory compliance across all homes
• Lead and prepare services for Ofsted inspections, ensuring sustained Good/Outstanding judgements
• Review and quality-assure:
• Regulation 44 visits
• Regulation 45 quality of care reviews
• Internal audits and action plans
• Ensure safeguarding systems are robust, effective and continuously reviewed

Operational Leadership

• Provide direct leadership and supervision to Registered Managers
• Support managers to:
• Deliver therapeutic, person-centred LD care
• Manage staffing, rotas and budgets effectively
• Maintain safe staffing levels (1:1, 2:1 and waking nights as required)
• Lead on new home mobilisation, openings and stabilisation
• Ensure homes operate in line with their Statement of Purpose

Performance & Improvement

• Drive continuous service improvement using data, audits and feedback
• Address underperformance promptly through structured support and improvement plans
• Embed learning from incidents, complaints and inspections
• Promote reflective practice and trauma-informed approaches

Safeguarding & Risk Management

• Provide senior oversight of safeguarding concerns, allegations and investigations
• Liaise with Local Authorities, LADO, Ofsted and partner agencies
• Ensure risk assessments and behaviour support plans are robust and reviewed
• Lead on serious incident management and notifications

People & Culture

• Champion a positive, values-led culture focused on children’s outcomes
• Support recruitment, retention and development of high-quality staff
• Ensure supervision, appraisals and training standards are met
• Mentor Registered Managers and support succession planning

Stakeholder & Partnership Working

• Build strong relationships with:
• Local Authorities and Commissioners
• Social Workers and MDT professionals
• Families and advocates
• Represent the organisation professionally at strategic meetings
• Support placement stability and occupancy levels

Strategic & Commercial Contribution

• Contribute to business growth, service development and commissioning strategy
• Support tender submissions and service proposals
• Monitor KPIs, occupancy, staffing costs and financial performance
• Ensure services remain both child-centred and commercially viable

Essential Criteria

• Significant experience as a Registered Individual (RI) for children’s residential homes
• Proven track record of achieving and maintaining Good or Outstanding Ofsted ratings
• Extensive experience in children’s LD residential care, including complex needs and behaviours
• Strong knowledge of:
• Children’s Homes Regulations 2015
• Quality Standards
• Safeguarding legislation and practice
• Demonstrable leadership of multi-site services
• Excellent inspection preparation and regulatory engagement skills
• Strong decision-making, communication and report-writing skills

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Children & Young People) or equivalent
• Social Work, Health or Education background
• Experience supporting new home registrations and Ofsted pre-registration inspections

Personal Attributes

• Child-focused and values-driven
• Resilient, calm and confident under pressure
• High professional integrity
• Strategic thinker with strong operational grip
• Approachable leader who inspires excellence

Why Join Us

• Opportunity to shape and grow a specialist LD children’s residential group
• Autonomy and senior influence within the organisation
• Commitment to quality, not just compliance
• Supportive leadership team with clear vision and values

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £50,000.00-£65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Work Location: In person