Deputy Manager Childrens Home

Oxford Natural Healthcare Professionals; Hitchin; On-site; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's residential care provider in Hitchin seeks a compassionate Deputy Manager to support a care team and enhance the lives of young people. Responsibilities include ensuring compliance with care plans, managing daily operations, and fostering a nurturing environment. Applicants should hold a Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare and have over 2 years of relevant experience. This full-time, permanent position offers a salary of £33,000–£36,000 and numerous employee benefits including career progression and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Genuine career progression & funded qualifications

Wellbeing and recognition schemes

Extra days annual leave

Free meals while on shift

Free enhanced DBS check

Staff discounts

Gym membership contribution

BUPA counselling support

Casual dress code

On-site parking

Qualifications

• 2+ years experience in a children’s residential setting.
• Supervisory or senior experience in a related field.
• Solid understanding of safeguarding and Ofsted frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a passionate care team.
• Ensure compliance with care plans.
• Manage daily operations and inspections.

Skills

Empathy

Leadership

Resilience

Education

Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare

Level 5 in Leadership & Management (or motivation to achieve it)

Job description

Deputy Manager

Where Leadership Meets Heart

Location: Hitchin (SG5 1LA)

Salary: £33,000–£36,000 (depending on experience & qualifications)

Hours: Full-time, Monday-Friday, 9am–5pm (with shared on-call duties)

Contract: Permanent

Who We Are

We’re not just a children's residential home. We’re a place where care feels genuine, where consistency builds trust, and where every small step forward for a young person matters deeply.

Our home has a strong reputation for providing stability, warmth, and structure for children and young people with emotional and behavioural needs. We’re proud to be consistently rated Good by Ofsted but we never stop striving for Outstanding.

The Opportunity

This isn’t a job for someone who wants to coast. It’s for someone who cares, leads by example, and believes that every young person deserves a chance to rewrite their story.

As our Deputy Manager you’ll work hand‑in‑hand with the Registered Manager to shape the culture of the home, inspire the team, and ensure that our care meets and exceeds Ofsted standards. You’ll have a voice, real responsibility, and the chance to make lasting change for staff and for the young people we support.

What You’ll Do

• Lead and support a passionate care team to deliver exceptional outcomes
• Ensure every child’s care plan is lived, not just written
• Keep the home compliant, safe, and always ready for inspection
• Help manage rotas, budgets, and the smooth running of daily life
• Step in on shifts when needed, because great leaders stay connected
• Build trusted relationships with young people, families, and professionals
• Champion independence, resilience, and emotional growth

What You’ll Bring

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent) – essential
• Level 5 in Leadership & Management or the motivation to achieve it
• 2+ years experience in a children’s residential setting
• Supervisory or senior experience that’s built your confidence as a leader
• A solid understanding of safeguarding, child protection & Ofsted frameworks
• Full UK driving licence – essential
• Above all, empathy, resilience, and a belief in potential

Why Join Us

• Competitive salary £33,000–£36,000
• Genuine career progression & funded qualifications
• Wellbeing and recognition schemes
• Extra days annual leave for each year of service (up to 5)
• Free meals while on shift
• Free enhanced DBS check
• Staff discounts, gym membership contribution & BUPA counselling support
• Casual dress code, because comfort counts
• On‑site parking and a warm, welcoming environment

Ready to Lead with Purpose?

If you’re ready to bring compassion and consistency to a team that changes lives every day, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and let’s build something remarkable together.