Most Deputy Manager roles in residential care feel like you're treading water, stuck between staff issues and paperwork with no real say in how things run. This is different. We're looking for someone ready to step into genuine leadership of a home where you'll shape the therapeutic approach, develop your team, and have the backing of a growing national organisation to actually make change happen
Picture yourself arriving at a children's home where your voice genuinely matters. You're not just managing rotas and budgets (though you'll do both well) - you're an active member of a regional leadership team across 8 homes, contributing to how care is delivered and mentoring staff who want to grow. When a child makes progress, you see the direct result of the culture you've helped build
The home runs on a therapeutic model developed by the organisation itself, focused on language that cares and reducing restraint. As Deputy Manager, you'll be at the heart of this work - supporting your team to deliver it consistently, and shaping how it evolves. You won't be reinventing the wheel; you'll be perfecting something that already works
This role is designed for someone ready to step up. You'll be supported to gain your Level 5 qualification while you work, creating a clear path to Registered Manager and beyond. The organisation genuinely invests in people: paid training, funded QCFs, regular supervisions that actually support you, and a team that wants you to thrive because they know when you do, so do the young people
What you will be doing
- Lead and support a team of support workers, providing regular supervision, appraisals and clear direction on delivering the home's therapeutic approach
- Manage rotas, budgets and day-to-day operations, ensuring the home runs smoothly and efficiently while meeting Ofsted regulations and safeguarding standards
- Step up to manage the home when the manager is absent, making key decisions and maintaining the quality of care
- Be part of the regional leadership team, contributing ideas and input into how the service develops across the wider group of homes
Why you will love working here
- Salary from £35,308 rising to £37,605 per annum depending on qualifications, plus additional sleep-in payments
- Full-time role working long day shifts with occasional sleep-ins - a pattern that gives you stability and predictability
- We fund and support your Level 5 qualification while you work, opening the door to Registered Manager roles and higher pay
- 28 days of annual leave including Bank Holidays, enhanced maternity and paternity pay, pension scheme through NEST, and access to wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
- Refer a friend and split a £500 referral bonus. Access to amazing discount schemes via the Hapi App and Blue Light Card, plus a comprehensive induction programme that sets you up to succeed from day one
Is this you?
- You've spent at least 2 years working in a residential children's home, either as a Senior or at Deputy level, and you know what good looks like
- You hold NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People - or you have the equivalent experience and are ready to formalise it
- You're confident with budgets and rotas, and you understand Ofsted regulations and safeguarding procedures inside out
- You have a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle - it's essential for this role
Applications close on 12 October 2026. Great roles like this are filled quickly, so the sooner you apply the better.
Safeguarding: We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.