Job Operations Manager - Children's Residential Care, Newton Aycliffe

Operations Manager - Children's Residential Care
Up to £68,000 + £5,000 Welcome Bonus + Car Allowance + Private Medical Cover

Newton Aycliffe
Full-Time | Permanent

Are you an experienced leader in children's residential care ready to step up to regional responsibility?

Can you inspire Registered Managers, drive compliance, and deliver outstanding outcomes for young people?

Do you want to join a growing, values-driven organisation where your leadership makes a tangible impact?

Then this could be for you.

This is an exciting opportunity to become an Operations Manager within a therapeutic provider that's expanding its children's residential services across the Northeast. You'll oversee a cluster of homes, lead Registered Managers, and act as the Responsible Individual (RI) ensuring services are safe, compliant, and consistently delivering high standards of care.

What's in it for you?

• Salary up to £68,000 (depending on experience & qualifications)
• £5,000 Welcome Bonus (T&Cs apply)
• 35 days annual leave (plus loyalty days after 2 & 5 years)
• Car allowance + paid mileage
• Private medical insurance, 24/7 GP access, Medicash plan
• Gym discounts + cashback on dental/optical treatments
• £1,000 referral bonuses + monthly staff recognition awards
• Pension contributions + life assurance (2x salary)
• High street, lifestyle & leisure discounts
• Ongoing coaching, leadership training & career progression pathways

About the Organisation

• National provider of specialist therapeutic and assessment-based care for children with complex trauma and challenging behaviours
• Services are primarily solo placements and short-term assessments, designed to provide safety, stability, and positive transitions
• Strong values-led culture: Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy
• Heavy investment in staff wellbeing, training, and development with over 70% of leaders promoted internally
• Expanding across the Northeast and Northwest, creating excellent progression opportunities

About the Role

• Oversee multiple children's homes (predominantly solo/short-term placements)
• Line manage Registered Managers and lead approx. 50 staff across your cluster
• Act as the Responsible Individual (RI), ensuring Ofsted compliance and safeguarding at all times
• Drive operational excellence, quality, compliance, budgets, and occupancy
• Mentor and develop managers, embedding a child-centred, trauma-informed approach
• Work closely with local authorities, commissioners, and external partners
• Monitor performance data and deliver reports to the Regional Director
• Contribute to organisational growth and new service openings

Requirements

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People's Services (or equivalent)
• Minimum 6 years' recent residential childcare experience, including 4+ years in leadership
• Proven multi-site leadership or significant management experience
• Strong understanding of Ofsted, safeguarding, and compliance frameworks
• Commercial awareness and budget management experience
• Confident, collaborative leader with excellent people skills
• Full UK driving licence + flexibility to travel between sites

Interested?

If you're ready to lead a new service with autonomy, support, and meaningful progression, I'd love to hear from you.

Apply now or send your CV referencing the job title and location to:

Premier Recruitment Solutions Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. We are an equal opportunities employer, and all applications will be assessed solely on merit.

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