Most deputy manager roles in children's care feel like you're firefighting: managing rotas, chasing paperwork, and barely getting to do the work you actually came into this sector to do. This is different. We're looking for someone ready to lead a real team, mentor staff who want to grow, and shape the day-to-day culture of a home where young people actually thrive. If you've got the experience and the drive, this is your stepping stone into senior leadership
This is a home that's part of something bigger. Over 25 years, this provider has built a reputation for knowing how to do children's residential care properly: safe, compliant, genuinely nurturing. Right now they're expanding, and that means they're creating real progression pathways for leaders like you. You won't be standing still here
Your day is varied and purposeful. You're working alongside the Registered Manager, but you're not shadowing. You're mentoring staff through supervisions, building their confidence and capability. You're planning rotas that actually work for the team and the young people. You're conducting risk assessments, writing reports that matter, and making sure the home runs the way it should. Some days you'll do sleep-ins and long shifts yourself so you understand what your team is managing
The real pull? You're developing young people with complex needs while actively developing your own team. You see staff grow because you invested time in them. You see young people hit milestones because the care culture you helped build made it possible. And the organisation is actively funding your next step: a Level 5 qualification, leadership training tailored to where you are, and a clear route to Registered Manager when you're ready
What you will be doing
- Lead alongside the Registered Manager to create a safe, compliant, and genuinely homely environment where young people can succeed
- Mentor and guide staff through supervisions and day-to-day leadership, helping them maintain high standards of care and develop their capabilities
- Plan and manage staff rotas effectively, and contribute to recruitment and training of new team members
- Conduct risk assessments, write reports, and ensure the home meets Ofsted requirements and all relevant legislation
- Work flexibly across shifts, including sleep-ins and long days, so you're embedded in the reality of what your team is delivering
- Shape team culture and decision-making, bringing a child-centred approach to everything the home does
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary that reflects your experience and leadership responsibility, backed by a structured pay framework
- Fully funded Level 5 qualification and ongoing leadership training designed to move you towards a Registered Manager role as the organisation grows
- Real influence and responsibility: you shape team culture, support staff development, and directly impact young people's outcomes, not just manage from a desk
- Strong leadership support and wellbeing initiatives to keep you resilient and effective, plus a collaborative, values-driven culture where your contribution is genuinely valued
- Clear progression pathways into senior roles and beyond, within an organisation that's actively expanding and investing in its leaders
Is this you?
- You hold a Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care (or equivalent), and you're ready or willing to work towards a Level 5
- You've got a minimum two years' experience in social care, ideally in a residential or leadership setting
- You've completed risk assessments and reports before, and you know your way around Ofsted requirements and relevant legislation
- You've led and developed a team before, and you genuinely believe good mentoring makes the difference
- You're passionate about supporting young people with complex needs, and you have the resilience, communication skills, and decision-making ability to lead in a pressured environment
- You're right to work in the UK and willing to undergo an Enhanced DBS check
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.