Head Of Operations – Children’s Residential Care

Company: Austin Dean Healthcare Recruitment
Apply for the Head Of Operations – Children's Residential Care
Location: London
Job Description:

Head of Operations – Children’s Residential CareLocation: London (Travel Required)Job Type: Full-Time | PermanentSalary: Competitive (Dependent on Experience)Lead. Inspire. Strategise. Transform Lives.Our client is seeking an exceptional Head of Operations to lead and oversee a growing portfolio of Children’s Residential Homes. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader with a passion for delivering outstanding care, driving operational excellence and achieving exceptional outcomes for children and young people.Reporting to the Executive Leadership Team, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple services, directly line managing Registered Managers while ensuring the highest standards of safeguarding, compliance, quality and performance.This role requires an ambitious leader who can develop both short and long-term operational strategies, build strong relationships with Local Authority Commissioners and Brokerage Teams, and support the continued growth of the organisation. This role will Promote a culture of safeguarding, accountability, continuous improvement and excellence across all services.Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple Children’s Residential Homes.Directly line manage, mentor and develop Registered Managers to achieve outstanding service delivery.Develop and implement short, medium and long-term operational and business strategies.Ensure compliance with the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, Ofsted requirements and safeguarding legislation.Drive continuous improvement through audits, KPIs, quality assurance and governance frameworks.Lead services through Ofsted inspections and implement improvement plans where required.Manage operational budgets, financial performance, occupancy levels and business efficiencies.Oversee referrals and placement matching to maximise occupancy and achieve positive outcomes for children.Build and maintain excellent relationships with Local Authority Commissioners, Brokerage Teams, Social Workers, Independent Reviewing Officers (IROs), Ofsted and other stakeholders.Work collaboratively with Commissioners and Brokerage Teams to secure placements, increase occupancy and support organisational growth.Support the mobilisation, registration and opening of new Children’s Residential Homes.Essential Requirements

Minimum 5 years’ experience as a Head of Operations, Director of Operations, Regional Manager, Operations Manager or equivalent senior leadership role within Children’s Residential Care.Proven experience managing multiple Children’s Residential Homes and directly line managing Registered Managers.Extensive experience working with Local Authority Commissioners, Brokerage Teams and Placing Authorities to develop relationships and secure placements.Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, safeguarding legislation and Ofsted inspection frameworks.Demonstrable experience developing and delivering strategic operational plans, managing budgets, KPIs and organisational growth.Proven ability to improve service performance, achieve positive Ofsted outcomes and deliver high-quality care.Excellent leadership, communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel between services.Desirable Qualifications

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent).Degree in Social Work, Health & Social Care, Business Management or a related discipline.Experience opening and registering new Children’s Residential Homes.Knowledge of therapeutic and trauma-informed care models.What’s on Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package.Performance-related bonus.Excellent career progression opportunities.A supportive Executive Leadership Team.The opportunity to shape the future of a growing organisation and make a lasting difference to the lives of children and young people.Apply Today

If you have the experience, strategic vision and leadership skills to drive operational excellence across Children’s Residential Services, we would love to hear from you. Join a forward-thinking organisation where your leadership will influence service quality, organisational growth and, most importantly, the lives of vulnerable children and young people.

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Posted: July 12th, 2026