Most deputy manager roles in children's homes feel like you're treading water: understaffed, unsupported, stuck in the same place. This one is different. You'll step into a leadership role where your growth is actively invested in, your ideas shape how the home runs, and you're being groomed to step up to Registered Manager
Imagine walking into work knowing you're part of a nurturing, warm team supporting just three vulnerable young people through real transformation. As Deputy Manager, you won't be drowning in admin or fighting fires alone. You'll work alongside a knowledgeable leadership team who actually have your back, with access to specialist clinical advisors who help you crack the toughest situations and deliver outcomes that matter
Here's what sets this place apart: they've built their own therapeutic model called Keys Connect, and as part of the regional management team, you'll actively shape how it evolves. Your voice gets heard in regular team meetings where your ideas influence the service. That's not corporate speak; that's real influence over real change
The organisation invests seriously in your future. You'll be supported to gain Level 5 qualifications, mentored to grow into leadership, and given the confidence to step up and manage the home when needed. This is a clear pathway to Registered Manager, not a dead end. When you thrive, the young people thrive. That's the culture here
What you will be doing
- Lead and support the residential team in delivering high-quality, child-centred care to three young people working through trauma and preparing for independence
- Work a rota of 39 hours mixing long days and admin days, plus occasional sleep-ins, taking charge when the Manager is off duty
- Shape and evolve the home's therapeutic approach, collaborating with specialist clinical advisors to achieve positive outcomes
- Manage budgets and rotas, ensuring the home runs efficiently and compliantly
- Contribute your ideas in regional management meetings, helping shape the direction of the service alongside peers
Why you will love working here
- Salary from £35,308 rising to £37,605 per annum, plus £62.64 per sleep-in night on top
- 28 days annual leave including bank holidays, because burnout doesn't help anyone
- Fully funded Level 5 qualifications and paid sector-leading training to accelerate your journey to Registered Manager
- Real support: regular supervisions, appraisals, an Employee Assistance Programme, and access to specialist clinical advisors who have your back
- Genuine perks: enhanced maternity and paternity pay, NEST pension, Blue Light Card and Hapi App discounts, free enhanced DBS, plus a staff referral scheme where you can pocket £500 for bringing someone brilliant to the team
Is this you?
- You have at least 2 years' experience as a Senior or Deputy in a residential children's home and know Ofsted regulations and safeguarding inside out
- You hold NVQ Level 3 or 4 in Children and Young People (or equivalent)
- You're comfortable with budgets, rotas and the paperwork side of leadership, and you have genuine experience using these tools
- You hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle, as this role requires it
- You're ready to grow. You want clear pathways, proper support and the chance to step up to Registered Manager, not just tread water
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.