Area Manager (Durham)

The Oaklea Trust; North East; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

A charitable organization is seeking an experienced Area Manager to ensure high-quality personal care services across multiple locations in the North East. The ideal candidate will have leadership experience in a regulated setting and hold a Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management. Responsibilities include managing a team, ensuring compliance with standards, and supporting both clients and staff. This role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options.

Benefits

25 days holiday increasing with long service

Flexible working hours and patterns

Training and development opportunities

Private Health Care scheme

Access to 24/7 employee assistance programme

Discounts for leisure and lifestyle activities

Opportunities for qualifications and bespoke training

Qualifications

• Experience working in a regulated service like CQC.
• Demonstrated leadership skills with a focus on support and empathy.
• Effective IT skills for reporting and documentation.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Team Managers within the area.
• Ensure high-quality personal care services.
• Capture evidence of compliance with regulatory duties.
• Support the well-being of the team.
• Travel to various locations within the area.
• Collaborate with other Area Managers.

Skills

Experience of working in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) or similar regulated service

Level 5 or higher qualification in Leadership and Management

Innovative and strong leader

Supportive and empathetic

Competent with IT software

Willing to learn and mentor colleagues

Education

Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management

Job description

Location

Durham, County Durham, North East, UK. Area Manager Location: Positions available in North West + North East.

Position Details

• Salary: £36,812 per annum
• Contract: Full Time, Permanent
• Hours: 35 hours per week
• Advertising End Date: 01st December 2025 (subject to withdrawal if sufficient candidates)
• Interview dates: 8th December and/or 15th December (two‑stage process possible)

Benefits

• 25 days holiday (excluding bank holidays) increasing with long service
• Flexible approach to location, hours and work patterns, including hybrid working
• Training and development opportunities
• Private Health Care scheme funded by Oaklea
• Free access to 24/7 employee assistance programme for advice and support
• Discounts for leisure and lifestyle activities
• Opportunities to undertake qualifications and bespoke training and development

About Oaklea Trust

The Oaklea Trust is a charitable organisation providing care, support, education and employment training for children and adults with disabilities, older adults and people who are disadvantaged. The organisation is based in Cumbria but works across the North of England. Oaklea has office bases in Kendal, Cumbria and Consett Co. Durham. In these roles you can expect to work regularly from one or more of our offices and on occasions from your own home and other sites, including our customers' homes.

Role Overview

As an Area Manager, you will ensure the services within your area deliver excellent care and support and are future‑focused. You will be responsible for capturing and collating evidence of compliance with regulatory duties and contract requirements, safeguarding and caring for the well‑being of the team, and leading a team of Team Managers across a defined location.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage Team Managers within the area.
• Ensure high‑quality personal care services for customers, including daily living tasks, travel, medication administration and community‑based activities.
• Capture and collate evidence of compliance with regulatory duties and contract requirements.
• Safeguard and support the well‑being of the team.
• Travel to various locations within the designated area.
• Collaborate with other Area Managers and the wider team to ensure holiday coverage and operational needs.
• Drive change and share best practice across the organisation.

Qualifications & Skills

• Experience of working in a Care Quality Commission (CQC) or similar regulated service.
• Held a Level 5 or higher qualification in Leadership and Management.
• Innovative, strong leader, supportive, empathetic and organised.
• Competent with IT software.
• Willing to learn and mentor colleagues.
• Interest in becoming a CQC Registered Manager in due course.

Application Process

To apply, forward a recent copy of your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4, typed). An Enhanced DBS will be required for each successful candidate (paid for by Oaklea, T&C apply).

No agencies please.