Regional Operations Manager – Children’s Residential Care in DL5 6AH

Energy Jobline CVL; Newton Aycliffe; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare organization based in Newton Aycliffe is seeking an experienced Regional Operations Manager to lead the mobilization of new residential services and drive quality improvements. Candidates should have a strong background in children's residential care, excellent leadership skills, and a comprehensive understanding of Ofsted regulations. The role offers competitive compensation, including a salary of £65,000 per annum plus additional benefits.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Annual Leave: 35 days

Pension contributions

Referral bonuses

Qualifications

• Significant experience in children's residential care, ideally in a leadership or service development role.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and statutory frameworks.
• Experience working alongside clinical, education, and therapeutic teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the mobilisation of new residential homes and ensure timelines and quality standards are met.
• Drive continuous improvement through data-led reporting and service evaluation.
• Manage and mentor operational teams to deliver exceptional care.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Knowledge of Ofsted regulations

Collaboration

Data analysis

Job description

Driving Excellence in Residential Childcare

Are you an experienced leader in children’s residential care looking to make a meaningful impact? Do you thrive in a dynamic, purpose‑driven environment where leadership, collaboration, and innovation are key? At Wilderness Way, we provide outstanding care and support to children with complex needs. We’re seeking a Regional Operations Manager with proven experience in residential childcare to lead the mobilisation of new services and drive quality improvements across our region.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Leading the mobilisation of new residential homes, ensuring timelines and quality standards are met.
• Driving continuous improvement through data‑led reporting and service evaluation.
• Managing and mentoring operational teams to deliver exceptional care and meet financial and regulatory goals.
• Acting as Responsible Individual when required, ensuring full compliance with Ofsted and other statutory regulations.
• Building strong relationships with external stakeholders including Ofsted, social workers, and commissioning teams.
• Embedding our values and vision into every aspect of service delivery.

What We’re Looking For

• Essential: Significant experience in children’s residential care, ideally in a leadership or service development role.
• Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and statutory frameworks.
• A strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach to leadership and operational delivery.
• A compassionate and collaborative leader who inspires teams to deliver outstanding care.
• Experience working alongside clinical, education, and therapeutic teams to ensure holistic support for children.

Why Join Us?

• Salary: £65,000 per annum + £5,000 car allowance
• Annual Leave: 35 days, with additional days awarded at 2 and 5 years of service
• Workweek: 40 hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) with occasional flexibility
• Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental, gym discounts
• Recognition & Rewards: £1,000 referral bonuses, monthly Wilderness Heroes awards
• Financial Security: Pension contributions, life assurance (2x salary)
• Perks: High street savings, leisure discounts, and tailored local offers

All roles are subject to Safer Recruitment checks including references, enhanced DBS, and online/social media screening. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expect all staff to share this commitment.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and protected characteristics.

If you are interested in applying for this job please press the Apply Button and follow the application process. Energy Jobline wishes you the very best of luck in your next career move.