Deputy Manager - Children's Activity Centre

Keys; Stafford; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Meals provided

Live-in role

4 days on / 7 off

Job summary

Keys is seeking a Deputy Manager for a Children's Activity Centre in Maer. The role combines leadership, care, and adventure within a specialist residential setting, with on-site accommodation and meals provided.

You will support and lead a small team to help young people aged 8-18 build confidence and resilience through activity-led care. Ideal candidates have experience in children's residential care (senior/deputy), strong leadership, and a willingness to work a live-in pattern (4 on/7 off),

Qualifications

• Full UK Driving Licence is required.
• Aged 21+ is a condition of eligibility.
• Experience in children's residential care (Senior/Deputy level preferred).
• Ability and confidence to take part in outdoor activities.
• Strong leadership skills with a calm, consistent approach.
• Willingness to work a live-in shift pattern (4 on / 7 off).
• Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards Level 5).

Responsibilities

• Support the Registered Manager with day-to-day running of the home.
• Act as Deputy Manager and lead shifts when required.
• Supervise, support, and guide staff daily.
• Assist with recruitment, inductions, training, and staff development.
• Contribute to care plans and attend reviews and meetings.
• Ensure care plans and records are up to date and accurate.
• Oversee daily records, rotas, and basic admin tasks.
• Ensure operations comply with legislation, safeguarding, and policies.
• Promote a safe, supportive environment for young people and staff.
• Participate in outdoor and adventure activities.
• Attend team meetings and supervision for continuous improvement.

Skills

Full UK Driving Licence

Outdoor activities

Leadership skills

Aged 21+

Live-in shift pattern

Education

Level 3/4 in Residential Childcare

Job description

Deputy Manager - Children's Activity Centre

Deputy Manager – Adventure & Activities (Children's Residential)

Location: Maer, ST5 (Full UK Driving Licence required due to remote setting)
Salary: £37,355 - £39,850 per year + £6,000 - £8,000 from sleep-ins
Hours: 39 per week - expectations to work on shift where required.

Lead From the Front - Indoors and Out

This isn't your typical Deputy Manager role.

It's an opportunity to combine leadership, care, and adventure in a specialist residential setting where the outdoors plays a key role in therapeutic support.

You'll live on-site during your working days (accommodation and meals provided), supporting and leading a small, dedicated team while helping young people aged 8-18 move on from challenging circumstances and build confidence, resilience, and independence.

From climbing and kayaking to hiking and cycling, you'll support delivery of an activity-led care model - while also stepping into a leadership role that shapes culture, practice, and outcomes.

What You'll Be Doing

• Support the Registered Manager with the day-to-day running of the home
• Act as Deputy Manager and step in to lead shifts when required
• Supervise, support, and guide staff on a daily basis
• Help with recruitment, inductions, training, and staff development
• Contribute to and follow care plans, attending reviews and meetings as needed
• Ensure care plans and records are kept up to date and accurate
• Complete and oversee daily records, rotas, and basic administrative tasks
• Ensure the home operates in line with legislation, safeguarding, and company policies
• Promote a safe, supportive, and positive environment for young people and staff
• Take part in and support outdoor and adventure activities
• Attend team meetings, training, and supervision to support continuous improvement

What We're Looking For

• Full UK Driving Licence
• Aged 21+
• Previous experience in children's residential care (Senior / Deputy level preferred)
• Ability and confidence to take part in outdoor activities
• Strong leadership skills with a calm, consistent approach
• Ability to work a live-in shift pattern (4 on / 7 off)
• Level 3 or 4 in Residential Childcare (or willingness to work towards Level 5)

Why Join Keys Group?

• 5.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of 8 public holidays)
• Excellent work-life balance - 4 days on, then 7 days off
• Live-in role - accommodation & meals provided
• Work outdoors as part of your leadership role
• Free Enhanced DBS check
• Fully funded qualifications & clear progression to Registered Manager
• Real Living Wage employer
• Enhanced pay based on experience & qualifications
• Blue Light Card
• Pension scheme (matched up to 3%)
• Long service awards
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive senior leadership & regular supervision
• Team culture where your voice is heard
• Enhanced maternity & paternity pay

About Us

Keys Care provides safe, supportive homes for adults and children, offering tailored services and specialist support to help people thrive. Through our Connected Support approach, we empower individuals to build stability, resilience, and a strong sense of belonging

We're proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are also committed to supporting the Armed Forces community through our Armed Forces Covenant.

Eligible candidates from military backgrounds are guaranteed an interview - please include details of your service on your CV.

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Deputy Manager - Children's Activity Centre

• Salary £37,355 - £39,850* dependant on experience & qualifications