Fostering Team Manager (Bradford)

Portman Recruitment Ltd; Bradford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An independent fostering agency in Bradford seeks a passionate Fostering Team Manager to lead a team of Supervising Social Workers. The ideal candidate will have experience in social work management or be ready to step into leadership. This role focuses on supporting children and young people, ensuring high-quality practice, and fostering partnerships. The position offers clear career development, a competitive salary, and additional benefits such as structured pay grades and wellbeing support.

Benefits

Car allowance (£100 per month)

Ongoing professional support

Generous annual leave starting at 25 days

Qualifications

• Experience as a Social Work Manager or readiness to move into leadership.
• Strong understanding of regulatory and legal requirements.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support a team of social care practitioners.
• Ensure compliance with legal and policy requirements.
• Build relationships with local authority partners.

Skills

Leadership

Team management

Child safeguarding

Social work practice

Education

Recognised social work qualification and registration

Job description

Location: Bradford, West Yorkshire, Yorkshire, UK

Fostering Team Manager

About the Role

A progressive and forward-thinking independent fostering agency is looking for a passionate and motivated Fostering Team Manager. If you're committed to making a positive and lasting impact on children and young people, and you're either an experienced Social Work Manager or a practitioner ready to step up into leadership, this could be an excellent next move for you. You'll be leading a team of experienced Supervising Social Workers who pride themselves on reflective, creative practice and high-quality outcomes. The focus is on partnership working, strong leadership, and ensuring every child and young person is supported to reach their full potential. The role is based in the Bradford region, with some regional and occasional national travel. A car and valid driving licence are essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the agency's wider strategic aims within the fostering service.
• Work closely with senior management to maintain operational excellence, drive continuous improvement, and support strong financial performance while safeguarding children and young people.
• Lead, motivate and support a team of social care practitioners, embedding high-quality practice, strong safeguarding culture, and evidence‑based decision-making.
• Ensure practice aligns fully with all legal, regulatory and internal policy requirements.
• Support and drive growth targets, including placement stability and carer recruitment/retention, ensuring all placements meet the needs of children, young people and carers.
• Provide day‑to‑day operational oversight and guidance to your team, helping build a skilled, well‑trained and motivated workforce.
• Support the Registered Manager in monitoring Schedule 6 / 7 matters and, where required, take delegated responsibility for liaising with the regulator.
• Build strong relationships with local authority partners through clear communication and effective engagement.
• Hold a recognised social work qualification and registration with Social Work England (or equivalent).

Benefits

• Clear career development pathways with ongoing professional support.
• Competitive salary based on experience and structured pay grades.
• Car allowance (£100 per month) to support flexible working across locations.
• Access to wellbeing and therapeutic support sessions.
• Long‑service rewards (£200 at 2 years, £400 at 5 years, £600 at 10 years) plus up to £500 for exceptional performance.
• Medical cashback platform supporting optical, dental and other appointments.
• Monthly recognition awards worth up to £150 in vouchers.
• Life assurance (3 annual salary) after probation.
• Generous annual leave: starting at 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 28 days after four years. Additional leave for your birthday, wellbeing, and a festive half‑day.

If you're a reflective and motivated Manager who wants to work with a supportive and experienced team, we'd love to hear from you.