Operations Manager - Childrens Residential

WILDERNESS WAY; Penrith; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's residential care provider in Penrith is seeking an exceptional Operations Manager to inspire leadership and ensure outstanding care. You will mentor a team of Registered Managers and collaborate with partners while focusing on performance improvement. The ideal candidate has over 6 years of experience working with children in residential settings and holds a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership. This role offers a competitive salary and strong benefits including health insurance and annual leave.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Annual leave of 35 days

Bonuses for referrals

Pension contributions

Gym discounts

Qualifications

• At least 6 years working with children with challenging behaviours in residential settings.
• 4 years of leadership experience.
• Strong knowledge of Ofsted, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.

Responsibilities

• Mentor and support your team of Registered Managers.
• Ensure outstanding care is provided while meeting financial and operational goals.
• Collaborate with partners and agencies to tailor care to each child's needs.

Skills

Leadership

Collaboration

Child-focused approach

Behavior management

Problem-solving

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services

Job description

Operations Manager – Lead with Purpose

At Wilderness Way, we’re growing and evolving, and we’re on the hunt for an exceptional Operations Manager to join our team. If you’re a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering outstanding care and empowering teams, this is your opportunity to shape the future of children’s residential care.

What You’ll Do

• Inspire Leadership: Mentor and support your team of Registered Managers, driving exceptional care and positive outcomes for children.
• Deliver Excellence: Ensure outstanding care is consistently provided while meeting financial and operational goals.
• Collaborate: Work directly with our Commissioning and Placements Partners and external agencies to tailor care to each child’s needs.
• Empower Teams: Promote our Mission, Vision and Values, coaching managers to achieve their best while maintaining a child-first focus.
• Drive Performance: Use data to monitor and report on service success, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.

Why Join Us

• Salary: Up to £68,120 (discussed based on experience and qualifications).
• Annual Leave: 35 days, with extra days for continuous service at 2 and 5 years.
• Flexibility: 40‑hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am‑5pm) with the occasional need for flexibility.
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts.
• Recognition & Rewards: Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral) and monthly Wilderness Heroes awards.
• Financial Security: Pension contributions and life assurance (2× salary).
• Discounts: High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.

A Culture of Growth

• Opportunities to develop through coaching, industry‑recognised qualifications, and career progression pathways.
• Be part of an innovative organisation, leading in therapeutic and assessment‑based residential care.
• A workplace driven by Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy—where your voice matters.

What We’re looking for

• Experience: At least 6 years working with children with challenging behaviours in residential settings, and 4 years in leadership.
• Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services.
• Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of Ofsted, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.
• Operational Excellence: Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies, and meet organisational goals.
• Leadership Skills: A collaborative, inspiring approach to coaching and mentoring your team.
• Commitment to Children: Passionate about making a difference, with a child‑focused, problem‑solving mindset.
• Flexibility & Mobility: A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across our services.

Click ‘Apply Now’ to register your details or contact us at [e-mail]. We’ll guide you through our simple application process.

All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland as we follow safer recruitment processes. Proof of identity will also be required. We are an equal opportunities employer.