Most Deputy Manager roles in residential care feel like glorified shift work - you're drowning in admin, fighting fires, watching good staff leave because there's no real development path. This is different: you'll step into genuine leadership at a well-established home where the Registered Manager actively mentors you, the provider invests in your qualification, and you're genuinely set up to grow into a manager role yourself
Picture your working week: you arrive at 9am to a structured, predictable schedule (Monday to Friday, no nights, no waking duties). You're not exhausted from shift work - you're sharp, present, and actually able to think strategically about the young people in your care. You spend your day supporting the team, shaping culture, knowing every child's story and goals because you're not just a staff member counting down the hours
The home has a genuine development mindset. Your Diploma Level 5 comes free - the provider pays for it completely. That's a £3,000-plus investment in you, in your knowledge, in your future. As the second home launches, your salary rises to £40,000: you're not watching from the sidelines, you're part of building something new. You see the impact immediately: staff feel supported, retention improves, young people thrive in a stable, well-led environment
This is a team that notices you. Hit your attendance targets and you pocket a £50 monthly bonus. Employee of the month schemes, a health cash plan covering dental and opticians (and your children are added free), life insurance at 3x salary, counselling through the employee assistance programme - these aren't tick boxes, they're a workplace saying we value you beyond the job title
What you will be doing
- Work alongside the Registered Manager to lead the home day to day - supporting and supervising staff, building team cohesion, and promoting professional development so people actually want to stay and grow
- Champion a child-centred approach: contribute to care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies that help young people move towards positive futures
- Keep the home compliant and thriving - ensure all Ofsted requirements are met, records are accurate and up to date, and the home maintains its Good or Outstanding rating
- Safeguard and actively promote the welfare of every child and young person in the home, embedding a culture where protection and empowerment go hand in hand
- Liaise with external agencies and families, representing the home professionally and collaborating to get the best outcomes for young people
Why you will love working here
- Starting salary of £36,000, rising to £40,000 when the second home opens - real progression built in from day one
- Your Diploma Level 5 qualification is fully funded by the provider, with no cost to you
- Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm: proper office hours so you can have a real life outside work, plus 4 weeks' holiday pro rata and your birthday off paid
- Death in service life insurance at 3x salary, 24-hour GP support, counselling, health cash plan, cycle to work and technology schemes, plus monthly attendance bonuses and employee of the month recognition
- Genuine career progression: you're not just filling a post, you're being developed to step into registered manager roles as the provider grows
Is this you?
- Are you holding or working towards an NVQ Level 3 in Children and Young People (Level 5 is a real plus)?
- Do you have at least 2 years' solid experience working in a residential childcare setting, where you've seen what good practice looks like?
- Do you have a strong grip on safeguarding, child protection law, and relevant legislation - and do you take it seriously?
- Are you someone with natural leadership instinct, excellent communication skills, and the organisational mind to juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball?
- Can you drive, and do you have a current driving licence?
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.