Most management roles in residential care feel like you're firefighting: understaffed, unsupported, watching potential slip away. This is different. You're being invited to lead from the ground up - to build a new home, shape its culture, and prove what's possible when a manager has genuine backing, clear progression, and a team that actually has capacity to deliver
Imagine walking into a role where you're not inheriting someone else's problems - you're creating something new. You'll lead the team build from day one, induct staff who share your values, and embed a child-centred approach before habits harden. The young people you'll support have learning disabilities and complex needs; they deserve consistency, skilled advocates, and someone who believes in their potential. That someone is you
Here's what real support looks like: you won't be alone. Behind you sits a whole infrastructure - HR, Quality Assurance, Psychology, Education, Finance - plus a network of experienced Registered Managers who've been through registration and service setup before. You'll get tailored induction, funded qualifications through the organisation's own training centre, and ongoing leadership development. Growth isn't abandoned talk; it's mapped: progression into senior management and multi-site leadership roles exists because the organisation is expanding strategically
This is leadership with autonomy and teeth. You'll lead Ofsted registration, develop and review care plans, supervise and appraise your team, and drive performance standards that exceed expectations. You'll work across multi-agency frameworks, advocate relentlessly for your young people, and challenge where standards slip. Your voice matters. Your decisions shape outcomes. Your team's wellbeing and professional growth become your daily work - and the organisation backs you to do it well
What you will be doing
- Lead your team to deliver a safe, structured, nurturing environment where young people with learning disabilities and complex needs can thrive and build life skills
- Take the lead on Ofsted registration and the initial setup of the service, embedding strong systems and a child-centred culture from the outset
- Develop, review, and oversee care plans; supervise, appraise, and develop your staff team; ensure compliance with all relevant legislation and Ofsted requirements
- Recruit, induct, and build a capable team aligned to the organisation's values; manage performance and drive high-quality standards across all aspects of care
- Work within multi-agency frameworks to advocate for young people and champion outcomes that exceed expected standards
Why you will love working here
- Competitive salary structured to reflect your experience and impact as a senior leader, with performance recognition built in
- Clear progression pathways into senior management and multi-site leadership roles as the organisation grows - this is genuine career trajectory, not promises
- Fully funded qualifications through the organisation's Nationally Accredited Training Centre, plus tailored leadership development, ongoing CPD, and structured induction designed for your success
- Real autonomy and strategic influence: you lead your service, shape team culture, drive continuous improvement, and your voice is heard across the wider organisation
- Robust organisational support, visible leadership, and wellbeing resources to help you manage the genuine demands of senior leadership effectively
Is this you?
- You hold (or are ready to work towards) a Level 3 Diploma in Children's Care and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, with commitment to the Level 5 within two years if not yet complete
- You've spent at least two years working in a residential childcare setting and have strong, hands-on knowledge of legislation, Ofsted standards, and regulations
- You have proven experience supporting children with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs - and you understand how to champion their potential
- You're a leader who can motivate and develop teams, communicate clearly, think flexibly, and stay focused on real outcomes for young people
- You have experience (or readiness) in opening and establishing new services, completing risk assessments, producing clear reports, and working confidently across internal and external partnerships
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.