We are seeking a highly motivated, creative, and experienced Service Manager to join our established leadership team within Kirklees Children’s Residential Services.
This is a key strategic leadership role, working alongside an existing Service Manager, to lead and shape high-quality residential provision that delivers exceptional care and outcomes for children and young people.
ABOUT THE SERVICE
Kirklees currently provides a diverse and expanding residential offer, including:
- Six children’s homes, comprising:
- Four long‑term homes supporting up to 4 children aged 9–18
- Two specialist homes for children with disabilities and complex health needs:
- One long‑term home for up to 6 young people aged 11–18
- One short‑breaks home supporting children living with families or carers through planned stays
- Ongoing development plans to expand provision, including small group living homes supporting up to 2 children
ABOUT THE ROLE
As a Service Manager, you will:
- Provide strong, values‑driven leadership to Registered Managers and their teams, embedding a positive, trauma‑informed and child‑centred culture
- Take strategic oversight of service delivery to ensure excellent standards of care, safeguarding and practice
- Lead on the recruitment, supervision, performance management and development of managers and emerging leaders
- Build and sustain effective multi‑agency partnerships with local authorities, social workers, health professionals, families and other stakeholders
- Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015, Quality Standards, and Ofsted expectations
- Hold responsibility for budget management, ensuring services operate effectively within allocated resources
- Drive continuous improvement and service development, embedding best practice and innovation across all homes
ABOUT YOU
You will:
- Have substantial management experience within children’s residential care or a closely related setting
- Demonstrate a strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding, and regulatory requirements
- Hold a Social Work Qualification or Level 7 Diploma in Leadership and Management or equivalent (or be willing to achieve this)
- Have excellent leadership and people management skills, with the ability to inspire and develop high‑performing teams
- Be resilient, adaptable, and committed to working in a challenging yet highly rewarding environment
- Possess strong communication, organisational, and partnership‑working skills
- Hold a full UK driving licence
BENEFITS
In return, we will make sure you are rewarded with a great range of staff benefits to support you in and out of work. Our employees are at the heart of everything we do. In return, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:
- Competitive salary and local government pension scheme
- Ongoing professional development and leadership support
- Access to a range of health and wellbeing initiatives
- Flexible working opportunities where possible
- Generous annual leave entitlement
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