Job Description:

About Us:

We are a growing, forward-thinking children’s residential care organisation with homes across the Southwest, London, and a unique multi-home provision in Lanchester, County Durham.

Set within beautiful, tranquil countryside, our Lanchester provision comprises three modern, individual barn conversions, each providing a single-occupancy home, situated alongside one another. We are seeking an exceptional Multisite Registered Manager to build and develop this service from scratch, with a single Ofsted registration spanning all three homes, taking the provision from the ground up and shaping it into an exceptional place for children to live, feel safe, and thrive.

You’ll work with children aged 7–17 who have experienced loss, instability, or trauma, supporting them to rebuild trust, confidence, and hope through trauma-informed, PACE-based practice. This is a unique opportunity to establish a new service in a peaceful, nurturing environment, lead with purpose, and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.

Why Join Us?

• Annual leave: 31 days including bank holidays, plus a bonus day off to celebrate your birthday.
• Bonuses: Performance-related bonuses are available for strong Ofsted outcomes, with additional incentives linked to occupancy levels.
• Career progression: Senior RM, Area Manager, or Responsible Individual roles available.
• Enhanced pay: On-call payment.
• Professional development: Fully funded qualifications.
• Wellbeing support: Wellness allowance and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Well-resourced homes: Budgets for training, activities, property maintenance, and holidays.
• Travel & meals: Mileage, company vehicle when required, and meals on shift.
• Perks: Referral bonuses, Blue Light Card discounts, company socials, and donation match scheme.

What You’ll Do:

• Build and lead the service from the ground up, successfully registering with Ofsted and ensuring full regulatory compliance.
• Lead day-to-day operations, including staffing, recruitment, training, safeguarding, budgeting, health & safety, and quality assurance.
• Report to and work closely with our experienced Responsible Individual and Director, providing strong management oversight and supporting the strategic development of the service.
• Create a positive team culture and provide strong leadership, coaching, supervision, and development to deliver outstanding care.
• Champion child-centred, trauma-informed, PACE-based practice, overseeing admissions, care planning, transitions, education, wellbeing, and independence.
• Maintain accurate records and care plans using ClearCare, build strong multi-agency relationships, drive continuous improvement, and participate in the on-call rota.

About You:

Essential Experience:

• 5+ years working with children in residential care, including 2+ years in a management role.
• Experience in LD (Learning Disabilities) or EDB (Emotional, Developmental, or Behavioural) settings.
• Proven track record of achieving at least a ‘Good’ Ofsted rating as a Registered Manager or senior leadership team member.

Essential Qualifications & Knowledge:

• Minimum Level 5 qualification in Children’s Residential Care (or equivalent, fully recognised).
• Full UK Driving Licence.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted requirements, Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and other relevant guidance and legislations.

Safeguarding:

• Commitment to safeguarding and knowledge of multiagency working when managing a complex caseload of young people; all applicants will undergo enhanced DBS checks, reference verification, and pre-employment screening.

Please Note:

• This job advert is not exhaustive and outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post. These may be subject to change in consultation with the post holder and management team. In undertaking the role, you will be expected to comply with all policies and procedures issued by the organisation.