Operations Manager

Pioneer Talent; Winchester; On-site; GBP 46,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's services provider in the UK seeks an Operations Manager to oversee multiple sites ensuring quality care for children and young people. The role involves supporting service leaders, maintaining regulatory standards, and improving service quality. The ideal candidate will have experience in multi-site management and hold a relevant leadership qualification. This position offers a salary of up to £55,000 plus benefits.

Benefits

Professional development support

Opportunity for growth

Values-driven workplace

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Operations Manager or Registered Manager with multi-site leadership.
• Experience supporting children with learning disabilities and complex mental health needs.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support Registered Managers across multiple services.
• Ensure services meet Ofsted regulatory standards.
• Use performance data and KPIs to drive quality improvement.

Skills

Leadership

Service quality improvement

Understanding of Ofsted frameworks

Team development

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children & Young People’s Services

Job description

Operations Manager - Children & Young People (Multi-Site)

Location: Hampshire / Wiltshire Region (regional travel required). Salary: Up to £55,000 + benefits. Employment Type: Full Time, Permanent.

About the Role

Pioneer is pleased to be supporting a well‑established, ethical and values‑led provider of Children & Young People’s services to recruit a Operations Manager to oversee a portfolio of residential and community‑based services across the region.

This role is suited to an experienced Operations Manager or a Registered Manager with multi‑site responsibility who is looking to progress their career into a senior regional leadership position.

The focus of this role is ensuring outstanding quality of care, supporting and developing service leaders, building strong relationships with commissioners and stakeholders, and leading continuous improvement in line with regulatory standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support Registered Managers across multiple services for Children & Young People with complex needs, autism, learning disabilities and mental health needs.
• Ensure services meet Ofsted regulatory standards and deliver positive, person‑centred outcomes.
• Use service performance data and KPIs to drive quality improvement and best practice.
• Champion a culture of safe, least‑restrictive, trauma‑informed and positive behaviour support.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external partners, including commissioners and multi‑disciplinary teams.
• Support sustainable growth, onboarding new services and ensuring high standards from day one.
• Lead, coach and develop managers to build high‑performing, engaged and skilled teams.

Requirements

Essential:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Children & Young People’s Services (or equivalent).
• Proven experience working as an Operations Manager or a Registered Manager with multi‑site leadership.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding requirements and regulation.
• Experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities, autism and/or complex mental health needs.
• Evidence of leading teams, improving service quality and embedding high standards of care.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regionally.

Desirable:

• Experience in service commissioning, transitions, PBS, trauma‑informed practice, or restraint reduction initiatives.

What's on Offer

• Salary up to £55,000 plus benefits.
• Opportunity to work within a values‑driven, supportive and forward‑thinking organisation.
• A role with strategic influence, scope to shape services, and the chance to make a measurable difference to children and young people’s lives.
• Excellent professional development support and the chance to progress further.