Area Manager

JCO Healthcare; Preston; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme

Annual leave 24 days

Career progression

Leadership development

Referral bonuses

Culture

Job summary

JCO Healthcare in Preston is seeking a Responsible Individual/Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of children's residential homes across Lancashire and the North West. You will provide strategic leadership, drive quality, and support Registered Managers to deliver outstanding outcomes for children.

The role requires a Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification, extensive multi-site experience, a full UK driving licence, and a track record of ensuring Ofsted compliance and safeguarding.

Qualifications

• Experience as RI/Area Manager in children's residential care.
• Experience overseeing multiple services.
• Full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Oversight of up to five children's residential homes.
• Supporting and developing Registered Managers.
• Monitoring quality, safeguarding, incidents, complaints and service performance.
• Conducting audits, quality assurance visits and service reviews.
• Ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations and Quality Standards.
• Implementing service improvement plans.
• Working closely with senior leadership to support growth and development.
• Providing out-of-hours leadership support when required.

Skills

Strategic leadership

People management

Regulatory compliance

Education

Level 5 Leadership & Management

Job description

Responsible Individual / Area Manager | Children's Residential Care

Preston & Surrounding Areas

Up to £70,000 + Bonus Scheme

JCO Healthcare is delighted to be supporting an ambitious and growing children's care provider in the appointment of a Responsible Individual / Area Manager to oversee a portfolio of residential children's homes across Lancashire and the North West.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced senior leader to play a key role in driving quality, supporting Registered Managers, and contributing to the continued growth of a well-established organisation committed to positive outcomes for children and young people.

The Opportunity

You will provide strategic oversight across multiple services, ensuring high standards of care, compliance, safeguarding, and operational performance are consistently delivered.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversight of up to five children's residential homes
• Supporting and developing Registered Managers
• Monitoring quality, safeguarding, incidents, complaints and service performance
• Conducting audits, quality assurance visits and service reviews
• Ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations and Quality Standards
• Implementing service improvement plans
• Working closely with senior leadership to support growth and development
• Providing out-of-hours leadership support when required

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Responsible Individual and/or Area Manager within children's residential care
• Experience overseeing multiple services
• Level 5 Leadership & Management qualification
• Strong knowledge of children's home regulations, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements
• Proven ability to support, challenge and develop Registered Managers
• Full UK driving licence

Package

• Up to £70,000 salary plus performance related bonuses
• 24 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Career progression opportunities
• Leadership development support
• Referral and loyalty bonus schemes
• Positive, values-led culture