Most management jobs in children's care feel like box-ticking exercises where the paperwork matters more than the kids. This isn't one of them. We're looking for a leader who genuinely believes every young person deserves a joyful, aspirational home, and who's ready to shape the future of an established children's home where that belief actually drives everything we do
You'll be leading a team of skilled Deputy Managers, Senior staff and Care & Support Workers who are united around one thing: making sure the children and young people in your care thrive. These aren't kids with simple needs. Many live with epilepsy, learning disabilities, autism and complex health needs. They've often had rough starts. Your job is to create a place where they feel safe enough to grow, confident enough to dream, and supported enough to get there
The scale of what you're managing is real. You'll own a budget over £1 million, drive Ofsted compliance and quality assurance, and work alongside education, therapy, nursing and estates teams to deliver integrated support that actually works. You'll be part of a Residential Leadership Team with genuine influence over how practice develops across the service. This is leadership that matters, not just leadership that looks good in a report
The setting itself is rare: 60 acres of beautiful Hertfordshire countryside, part of a charity that's been delivering specialist care and education for over 120 years. That kind of stability and heritage attracts good people and builds strong culture. You'll be developing teams, shaping safeguarding practice, and building relationships with families, local authorities and commissioners who respect what you're building
What you will be doing
- Lead an Ofsted-registered children's home, setting the tone for quality, safeguarding and child-centred care that promotes real independence and wellbeing
- Manage and develop a team of Deputy Managers, Senior staff and Care & Support Workers, giving them the leadership and support they need to do their best work
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, staying alert and sharp to every child's safety and welfare
- Drive Ofsted compliance, quality assurance and continuous improvement, turning inspection findings into genuine practice change
- Manage an operational budget exceeding £1 million, making smart decisions about resources and staffing
- Build strong relationships with families, local authorities, commissioners and safeguarding partners, becoming the voice and advocate for your home
Why you will love working here
- £54,705 - £57,554 salary upon successful registration, plus a £5,000 joining bonus (£2,500 at the start and another £2,500 after 12 months)
- 27 days' holiday plus bank holidays, 50% uplift for weekend overtime, and free on-site parking
- Real investment in your development: we'll support you to complete a Level 5 Leadership qualification if you need it
- Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing platform to look after your own health while you're looking after others
- Work in a values-driven organisation with genuine history and impact, where leadership means something because it changes children's lives
Is this you?
- Are you an experienced Registered Manager who has already led an Ofsted-registered children's home and proven you can do this well?
- Do you have a Level 3 Diploma in the provider (and ideally a Level 5 Leadership qualification, or are you willing to complete one)?
- Do you understand the home Regulations and Quality Standards deeply, not just in theory but in how they shape everyday practice?
- Are you a confident, compassionate leader who thrives in values-driven environments and knows what outstanding actually looks like in children's lives?
- Can you lead through change, inspire high-performing teams, and communicate clearly with children, families, staff and external partners?
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.