Business Operations Manager - Childrens Residential

A wilderness Way; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated childcare organization in Newton Aycliffe is seeking a Business Operations Manager to drive the mobilisation of new services. The successful candidate will lead a team in ensuring exceptional care for children, meet financial and operational goals, and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. This role offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a supportive work environment focused on teamwork and continuous improvement.

Benefits

£5,000 car allowance

35 days annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Referral bonuses

Monthly awards

Pension contributions

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to leadership.
• Compassionate leader inspiring teams for outstanding care.
• Experience in children's residential care with knowledge of regulatory frameworks.
• Collaborative mindset working with various teams.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and learning.

Responsibilities

• Lead mobilisation of new services meeting deadlines.
• Drive quality improvements through insightful reporting.
• Manage and mentor team to deliver exceptional care.
• Act as Responsible Individual ensuring compliance.
• Build relationships with stakeholders like Ofsted and local authorities.
• Champion company values in service delivery.

Job description

Driving Excellence in Residential Childcare.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of children? Do you thrive in a dynamic, purpose-driven environment where leadership, collaboration, and innovation are at the heart of everything you do?

At A Wilderness Way, we’re on a mission to provide outstanding care and support to children with complex needs. We’re looking for a Business Operations Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in mobilising and embedding new service developments across our region.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Leading the mobilisation of new services, ensuring deadlines are met and progress is tracked effectively.
• Driving quality improvements through insightful reporting on service outcomes.
• Managing and mentoring your team to deliver exceptional care and meet financial and operational goals.
• Acting as Responsible Individual for services when required, ensuring full compliance with statutory and regulatory standards.
• Building strong relationships with external stakeholders including Ofsted, social workers, and local authorities.
• Championing our values and embedding our vision and purpose into every aspect of service delivery.

What We’re Looking For:

• A strategic thinker with a hands-on approach to leadership and service development.
• A compassionate leader who inspires teams to deliver outstanding care.
• Experience in children’s residential care and a deep understanding of regulatory frameworks.
• A collaborative mindset, working closely with clinical, education, and outdoor teams to ensure holistic care.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, learning, and development.

Why Join Us?

• Salary: £65,000 per annum, plus a £5,000 car allowance
• Annual Leave: 35 days, with additional days awarded at 2 and 5 years of continuous service
• Flexibility: 40-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm) with occasional flexibility required
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical and dental treatments, and gym discounts
• Recognition & Rewards: £1,000 referral bonuses and monthly Wilderness Heroes awards
• Financial Security: Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary)
• Discounts: High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts

All roles at Wilderness Way are subject to Safer Recruitment checks, including references, an enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening for successful candidates. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all individuals, regardless of background, experience, or protected characteristics.