Deputy Manager

Keystone Care; Loughborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Keystone Care is looking for a Deputy Manager to support the day‑to‑day running of a Leicestershire care home, ensuring safe, person‑centred care. You will act as a key decision‑maker in the absence of the Registered Manager, providing clear leadership and direction to the staff team.

You will focus on improving care quality, strengthening compliance, and embedding best practice across all aspects of the service, while supporting rota planning and family liaison.

Qualifications

• NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care (Adults) - essential.
• Working towards NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Leadership for Health & Social Care - desirable.
• Up‑to‑date mandatory training: Moving & Handling, Medication, Safeguarding, First Aid - essential.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to adult social care - desirable.

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in overseeing daily operations of the home, ensuring high standards of care.
• Provide visible leadership on shift, supervising and guiding staff to deliver person‑centred care.
• Lead by example in promoting a positive, open culture focused on dignity, respect, and independence for all residents.
• Monitor and review care plans, risk assessments, and documentation to ensure accuracy and regulatory compliance.
• Drive improvements following the CQC rating by implementing action plans and monitoring progress.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Decision making

Communication

Regulatory knowledge

Care for disabilities

Education

NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care (Adults)

NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Leadership for Health & Social Care (desirable)

Tools

Basic IT systems

Job description

Step into a pivotal leadership role where you'll help shape the future of a care home supporting adults with learning disabilities and physical disabilities in Leicestershire. This is a hands‑on opportunity to work closely with the Registered Manager to drive quality, improve standards, and play a key part in turning around a recent CQC “Requires Improvement” rating. You'll be joining a committed team and will be rewarded with an hourly rate of £17.60 for your expertise and dedication.

About the Role

As Deputy Manager, you will support the day-to-day running of the home, ensuring safe, person‑centred care is consistently delivered. You will act as a key decision‑maker in the absence of the Registered Manager, providing clear leadership and direction to the staff team. Your focus will be on improving care quality, strengthening compliance, and embedding best practice across all aspects of the service.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager in overseeing daily operations of the home, ensuring high standards of care and support are maintained.
• Provide visible leadership on shift, supervising and guiding staff to deliver person‑centred care for adults with learning and physical disabilities.
• Lead by example in promoting a positive, open culture focused on dignity, respect, and independence for all residents.
• Monitor and review care plans, risk assessments, and documentation to ensure they are accurate, up to date, and compliant with regulatory requirements.
• Drive improvements following the recent CQC “Requires Improvement” rating by implementing action plans and monitoring progress against key quality indicators.
• Manage staff performance on shift, including delegation of duties, supervision, and supporting training and development.
• Contribute to rota planning, ensuring safe staffing levels and effective deployment of the team.
• Liaise with families, external professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure effective communication and continuity of care.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior role within a care home or supported living environment, ideally as a Senior Carer, Team Leader, or Deputy Manager.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate, support, and challenge staff appropriately.
• Confident decision‑maker with the ability to prioritise, manage risk, and remain calm under pressure.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to engage effectively with residents, families, staff, and professionals.
• Demonstrable experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities and physical disabilities.
• Solid understanding of CQC regulations, safeguarding, person‑centred care, and best practice in adult social care.
• Experience in performance management, including conducting supervisions, appraisals, and managing performance concerns.
• Competent in maintaining accurate records, care documentation, and using basic IT systems.

Desirable Skills

• Experience contributing to service improvement plans following regulatory inspections.
• Background in turnaround or quality improvement within care services.
• Knowledge of positive behaviour support approaches.
• Previous involvement in staff training, coaching, or mentoring.

Qualifications

• NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Health & Social Care (Adults) or equivalent - essential.
• Working towards or willingness to undertake NVQ/QCF Level 5 in Leadership for Health & Social Care - desirable.
• Up‑to‑date mandatory training in areas such as Moving & Handling, Medication, Safeguarding, and First Aid - essential.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development relevant to adult social care - desirable.

If you are a proactive, hands‑on leader ready to make a measurable impact on care quality and outcomes, this Deputy Manager role offers the ideal platform to progress your career—