Deputy Manager - Children's Home
6 days ago
Welling
The Opportunity This is a key leadership appointment within a new children’s home, renovated to a very high standard. Following the appointment of a newly developing Registered Manager, we are seeking a strong, experienced Deputy Manager to help build a high-performing, stable, and compliant service, while also positioning themselves as a future Registered Manager as the organisation grows. This role is ideal for someone who: • Is already operating at a strong Deputy or acting-up Manager level, • Wants to play a central role in shaping a home from early stages, • Is confident supporting and strengthening a developing Registered Manager, • Sees themselves stepping into a Registered Manager position in the near future Context of the Role The home is: • At pre-registration / inspection stage with Ofsted, • Led by a Registered Manager stepping into the role for the first time, • Providing experience, stability, and day-to-day leadership strength, • Acting as a trusted number two, with the confidence to challenge and support, • Stepping in to lead the home operationally when required Key Responsibilities Operational Leadership • Support the Registered Manager in the day-to-day running of the home, • Take the lead in the RM’s absence, ensuring continuity of safe and effective operations, • Maintain high standards of care, staffing, and home environment Safeguarding & Quality • Lead by example in safeguarding practice and decision-making, • Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, • Support preparation for and response to Ofsted inspections, • Support recruitment, supervision, and development of staff, • Act as a strong role model for trauma-informed and child-centred care, • Help stabilise and embed the home’s structure, routines, and culture, • Contribute to the development of policies, procedures, and systems, • Take on increasing responsibility as the service grows, • Be prepared to step into a Registered Manager role in the future (within this or another home), • Engage with leadership development and succession planning Operating Expectations This is not a passive Deputy role. You will be expected to: • Be a hands-on leader, visible within the home and team, • Provide confidence and experience to support a developing Registered Manager, • Operate with a high level of accountability and ownership, • Balance support and constructive challenge in leadership dynamics, • Thrive in a growing organisation where structure is still being built Person Specification Essential • Minimum 3–5 years’ experience in children’s residential care, • At least 2 years in a senior / deputy leadership role, • Strong working knowledge of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards, • Proven ability to lead shifts, manage staff, and maintain standards, • Experience supporting children with trauma, behavioural needs, or complex backgrounds, • Level 3 Diploma in Children and Young People’s Workforce (or equivalent), • Experience in home openings or pre-registration environments, • Experience supporting or mentoring less experienced managers, • Confidence in engaging with Ofsted processes and inspections, • Ambition to progress into a Registered Manager role What We’re Really Looking For We are looking for someone who: • Brings experience where it matters, • Is confident enough to lead when needed, without ego, • Can support and strengthen—not undermine—the Registered Manager, • Understands the balance between compliance, care quality, and team culture, • Wants to grow with the organisation, not just take a job What’s on Offer • Competitive salary (aligned to experience), • Performance-related incentives, • Clear progression pathway to Registered Manager and beyond, • Opportunity to be part of a founding leadership team, • Support from an experienced Responsible Individual and wider group