Job Description:

Job title: Residential Manager

Location: Gravesend and Gillingham, Kent

Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum, based on experience

Scope: Registered Manager responsible for two children's residential homes

Reports to: Responsible Individual / Director

Role overview

We are seeking an experienced and dedicated Residential Manager to lead and oversee the day to day running of two children's residential homes. The postholder will hold registration with Ofsted and take full accountability for the quality of care, safeguarding, regulatory compliance and operational performance across both homes. This is a senior leadership role suited to a candidate with a strong track record in children's residential care and the ability to manage provision across multiple sites.

Key responsibilities

• Provide effective leadership and management across two children's residential homes, ensuring consistently high standards of care.
• Hold and maintain Ofsted registration as Registered Manager and ensure both homes meet the Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards.
• Take lead responsibility for safeguarding and child protection, promoting the welfare and best interests of every child.
• Oversee the assessment, admission and care planning process, ensuring each child receives individualised, outcome focused support.
• Manage, supervise, develop and support the staff teams across both homes, including recruitment, induction, training and performance management.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and effective rota management across the two sites.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare for and respond to Ofsted inspections and regulatory visits.
• Manage budgets, occupancy and resources effectively across both homes.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local authorities, commissioners, families and external professionals.
• Promote a positive, nurturing and therapeutic environment that supports children to thrive.

Qualifications and experience

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent), or a willingness to work towards it.
• Significant experience working within children's residential care, including at a senior or management level.
• Experience of managing or overseeing more than one home is desirable.
• Knowledge and experience of Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) as they apply to children is preferred.
• Sound understanding of relevant legislation, regulations and the Ofsted inspection framework.
• Proven leadership, organisational and communication skills.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between both homes.

Additional information

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. The successful candidate will be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.