Team Manager - Children'S Placements

Birmingham Children's Trust; Wolverhampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local children's services organization in Wolverhampton is seeking a Team Manager. The role involves leading a large team of Placement Officers, focusing on improving outcomes for children in need. Responsibilities include managing provider relationships, overseeing placements, and ensuring compliance with regulations. This impactful role offers a hybrid working model, generous leave, and employee benefits. Ideal candidates will possess strong leadership, problem-solving, and organizational skills, significantly influencing policy and operational excellence.

Benefits

30 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Free on-site parking

Employee benefits scheme

Flexible working policy

Qualifications

• Experience in managing complex teams within children's services.
• Proven track record in outcomes for children's placements.
• Familiar with relevant regulations in fostering and children's care.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a large team within the Birmingham Children's Trust.
• Manage contracts and provider relationships in children's placements.
• Ensure high quality and suitability in placement searches.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Knowledge of regulations for children's homes

Job description

Application Process

We’d love to understand what makes you a great fit for this role, and how your skills and experiences align with the person specification. Please include a cover letter; applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Submit early to avoid disappointment.
Interview date: 5th January 2026, held face‑to‑face at One Avenue Road, Birmingham.
We are not a recruitment agency and do not support sponsorship.

About the Role

Due to the retirement of the current postholder, we are seeking a Team Manager to continue the momentum and drive within the service. You will report to the Head of Service, lead a large team of Senior Placement Officers and Placement Officers, and focus on placement sourcing for children in need. You will work closely with the Placements Commissioning Team Manager on quality assurance and market engagement. This high‑impact role will influence policy, manage budgets, and lead operational excellence and financial efficiency. The position is hybrid, based in Birmingham; applicants must reside in the UK and hold the correct right‑to‑work documents. We do not support sponsorship.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a large and complex team within the Birmingham Children’s Trust.
• Maintain a strong track record in children’s placements, applying innovative approaches to support outcomes.
• Apply knowledge of regulations for children’s homes, supported accommodation and foster care; manage contracts and provider relationships.
• Provide overall oversight of placement searches, ensuring high quality and suitability for the children.
• Demonstrate excellent organisational skills, managing competing priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Be flexible and responsive to changing demands, working well under pressure.
• Inspire and lead change, with strong negotiation and problem‑solving skills to secure best value for children.
• Build and nurture new, positive relationships with providers to position the Trust as the first choice.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave: 30 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 33 days after 5 years and 35 days after 10 years of service.
• Free on‑site parking at One Avenue Road (Aston) and Lifford House (Stirchley), plus free onsite electric‑car charging.
• Full access to an employee benefits scheme: occupational health, rewards schemes, benefits discounts (including the Blue Light Card), health & fitness and personal wellbeing support.
• Flexible and hybrid working policy, supporting a positive work/life balance.

Why Join Us?

• Impactful work – be part of a team that changes vulnerable children’s lives.
• Supportive environment – a collaborative culture that values your contributions.
• Career development – tailored development programs, supportive supervision and learning opportunities.
• Generous benefits – competitive leave, local government pension scheme and additional rewards.