Job Description
Join Our Team as an Operations Director!
Location: Bournemouth
Contract: Full-time permanent - 40 hours per week
Salary: £70,000 - £75,000 per annum, depending on experience
Why Work With Us?
At Budwood, we believe in making a real difference in the lives of young people. We provide high-quality Registered Children's Homes and Supported Living Homes for those with complex needs across Dorset and Hampshire. Our approach is rooted in therapeutic, nurturing, family-style care, ensuring every young person experiences safety, stability, and the opportunity to thrive.
As part of the Polaris Community, one of the UK's leading networks of children's service providers, we are committed to excellence. Our community includes independent fostering and adoption agencies, education, residential, and bespoke children's services, all working together to support the best outcomes for every child in our care.
What We Are Looking For
We are expanding and striving for Outstanding Ofsted ratings! We need an enthusiastic and driven Operations Director to support our Managing Director in delivering exceptional services. If you are a passionate leader dedicated to transforming the lives of young people, we want to hear from you!
Your Role and Responsibilities
As our Operations Director, you will be a vital part of our leadership team, ensuring our homes run effectively and deliver exceptional support. Your presence will be felt throughout the organization as you coach staff, champion high standards, and drive continuous improvement.
* Oversee the effective running of all homes to ensure high-quality, therapeutic support is consistently delivered.
* Lead, supervise, and develop Area Managers, fostering strong and motivated teams.
* Ensure regulatory compliance and drive towards achieving Good and Outstanding Ofsted outcomes.
* Maintain occupancy levels above 90%.
* Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, and induction, reducing reliance on agency staff.
* Support the delivery of trauma-informed practice alongside clinical teams, therapists, and psychologists.
* Manage budgets, rotas, and operational processes in line with legislation and company policies.
* Lead multi-agency liaison, chair meetings and reviews, ensuring safeguarding is upheld to the highest standard.
* Build strong relationships with internal teams, stakeholders, and commissioning authorities.
About You
* Minimum of Level 5 qualification in residential childcare.
* Proactive, enthusiastic, and committed to achieving the best outcomes for children.
* Experience managing complex social care/LAC services and trauma-informed practice.
* Excellent understanding of safeguarding, Children's Homes Regulations, and relevant legislation.
* Confident leadership skills with robust decision-making and strong communication abilities.
* Adept at managing budgets, overseeing rotas, and delivering projects effectively.
* A proactive, solution-focused approach.
* Commitment to personal development.
* Full UK driving licence.
What We Offer
We value our team and offer a range of benefits to support your well-being and professional growth:
* Discretionary bonus of up to 10% per annum
* Car allowance
* 25 days' annual leave plus Bank Holidays
* Company Pension
* Life Assurance
* Employee Discount Scheme
We are an Equal Opportunities employer and are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. The successful applicant will be subject to a DBS check.
Join us at Budwood and be part of a community that is ambitious for our children, young people, families, and staff. Together, we can create brighter futures!