Job Title - Care Director Location - Walsall/Aldridge (Preference will be discussed and confirmed during the interview) Contract Type - Full Time/Permanent (40hours/per week) Salary - £85,000 per annum Delphi Care Solutions Ltd is supporting one its clients seeking an exceptional and experienced Care Director to join her senior leadership team. This pivotal role comes at a time of growth and expansion for the organisation, with the successful candidate responsible not only for overseeing our existing services but also playing a strategic role in developing and opening new provisions across the West Midlands and beyond. As Care Director, you will report directly to the Board of Directors and the Head of Safeguarding, ensuring that the organisation delivers consistently high-quality, safe, and child-centred services. You will provide professional leadership to the Registered and Home Managers, hold accountability for regulatory compliance, and drive forward a culture of excellence, safeguarding, and continuous improvement. Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategic Development * Lead and inspire Registered/Home Managers, creating a culture of accountability, innovation, and excellence in care. * Oversee the strategic planning and delivery of residential services to ensure sustainable growth. Support the design, development, and registration of new services, ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements.Translate organisational strategy into clear, measurable objectives for the care division. * Act as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team, contributing to organisational development and long-term planning. Quality & Compliance * Ensure all homes consistently achieve a minimum OfSTED rating of Good, with a clear focus on achieving Outstanding. * Develop, monitor, and evaluate quality assurance frameworks and performance management systems. Lead on governance, including oversight of safeguarding audits, inspections, and incident management. * Ensure compliance with OfSTED, safeguarding boards, and all statutory regulations. Oversee risk management strategies, ensuring proactive identification, escalation, and resolution of issues. Operational Oversight * Supervise and mentor Registered/Home Managers through regular supervisions, appraisals, and professional development plans. * Lead on succession planning, talent development, and management training across the organisation. Ensure effective resource allocation, budget management, and workforce planning. * Chair key internal meetings, including safeguarding strategy discussions, service reviews, and performance boards. Support with action plans arising from audits, inspections, and investigations. Safeguarding & Governance * Work closely with the Head of Safeguarding to ensure children and young people are protected and that safeguarding policies are robustly implemented. * Provide senior oversight of investigations, complaints, and disciplinary matters. Ensure organisational learning from incidents is embedded into practice and policy. * Represent the organisation at external safeguarding boards and multi-agency meetings. Stakeholder Engagement * Build and maintain strong partnerships with local authorities, commissioners, and regulators. * Oversee referral processes, ensuring that placement decisions are appropriate and aligned with organisational capacity. Act as a key representative of the organisation at regional and national forums. * Promote the organisation’s values, reputation, and services across professional networks. Business & Service Development * Identify opportunities for growth, innovation, and diversification of services. * Contribute to financial planning, ensuring services are sustainable and cost-effective. Provide strategic insight on sector trends, regulatory changes, and best practice. * Lead initiatives that enhance the organisation’s profile and market position Requirements Qualifications * Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (or equivalent in Social Care) – Level 7 (Desirable) Evidence of continuous professional development in leadership, safeguarding, and quality management. Experience * Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior Registered Manager or Operations role within residential children’s services (adult services may be considered with transferable skills). Proven track record of leading multiple services to achieve at least Good OfSTED ratings. * Experience in service development, including opening new provisions. * Strong knowledge of safeguarding frameworks, regulatory requirements, and quality standards. Experience of working with local authorities, commissioners, and external regulators. Skills & Attributes * Strategic thinker with strong commercial and operational acumen. * Exceptional leadership and people management skills. * Ability to analyse complex data and implement effective improvement plans. Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills. * Resilient, adaptable, and passionate about improving outcomes for children and young people. Other Requirements * Full UK driving licence and use of own vehicle. * Willingness to travel across services and to external meetings