Operations Manager - Specialist Children's Residential Services

Compass Associates; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 57,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading children's residential provider is looking for an Operations Manager to oversee the effective running of around 10 homes in the North East. The role involves direct management of Registered Managers, ensuring compliance with care standards, and a focus on children's holistic well-being. Candidates should have a Level 5 Diploma and significant experience in residential childcare, with a salary of up to £68,120.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Gym discounts

Pension contributions

Life assurance

Bonuses for referrals

High street savings

Qualifications

• Experience with complex needs and emotional behavioral difficulties.
• Ability to lead a large, dispersed team.
• Experience in childcare or related fields.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the effective running of around 10 homes.
• Lead and supervise registered managers to ensure quality.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial accountability.
• Ensure compliance with Ofsted standards.

Skills

Leadership

Residential childcare experience

Management track record

Regulatory compliance

Team management

Adaptability

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People)

Job description

Operations Manager – Specialist Children’s Residential Services

Salary: Up to £68,120 per annum (car allowance flexibility available)

Location: North East (with some short-term North West crossover)

Remit

Compass Associates are proud to be partnering with a leading children’s residential provider as they continue significant expansion across the North East. The organisation has opened 9 homes in the region this year, with a target of 17 by March 2026. All services provide solo placements for children with complex needs and trauma, supported by an in‑house clinical and therapeutic team.

The Role

Reporting to the Regional Director, the Operations Manager will be responsible for the effective running of around 10 homes, each offering single‑occupancy placements.

You will directly line manage 5 Registered Managers, each overseeing 2 homes, and provide leadership across a workforce of around 60 staff. The patch spans approximately 1 hour 15 minutes end‑to‑end.

Key Responsibilities

• Acting as Responsible Individual across the services.
• Leading, coaching and supervising Registered Managers to deliver consistent quality.
• Ensuring homes meet Ofsted standards and regulatory compliance.
• Working with the in‑house clinical, wellbeing, education and outdoor teams to ensure holistic care for children.
• Managing budgets and ensuring financial accountability.
• Building positive relationships with children, families, regulators and external agencies.

The Candidate

This role would suit either an experienced Operations Manager, Responsible Individual, or a strong Registered/Service Manager looking to step into a wider operational remit. Candidates with a blended adult/children’s background will be considered, provided they have meaningful children’s sector experience.

Flexibility on geography and package is available, with car allowance offered where travel extends into the North West.

Essential Criteria

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (Children & Young People).
• Significant residential childcare experience, including with complex needs/EBD.
• Strong management track record, with proven Ofsted outcomes.
• Ability to lead multiple services and manage large, dispersed teams.
• Resilient, adaptable, and committed to achieving positive outcomes for children.

Package & Benefits

• Salary up to £68,120 (based on experience and qualifications).
• 35 days annual leave, increasing with continuous service at 2 and 5 years.
• 40‑hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) with occasional flexibility.
• Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts.
• Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary).
• Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral).
• High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.

Location

This is a regional role based across the North East. The patch currently includes 9 homes, with some short‑term crossover into the North West until further services open locally. Regular travel across the region is required, with car allowance flexibility available.

Interview Process

This will be a multi‑stage process, confirmed upon candidate availability.

Contact Details

If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity, please contact Andy Munyimi.