Head of Care | Children’s Residential Services
Walsall (WS1), with regional travel
£70,000 to £85,000 per year
If you’ve been around residential care long enough, you’ll know the difference between having responsibility and actually having the room to lead.
This role gives you that room; proper space to influence practice, shape teams, and build the kind of consistency that young people genuinely feel.
You’d take the operational and strategic lead across three established homes, with two more steadily working their way through development. It’s a role with reach, but also one with support wrapped around it… which is rare enough to be worth saying out loud.
What you’ll be doing
* Turning strategy into daily practice
* High standards that feel natural
* Governance and safeguarding that build trust
* Coaching and developing Registered Managers and Deputies so succession is steady and intentional
* Workforce planning, rotas and budgets that put young people at the centre
* Registration and mobilisation of new homes
* Strong working relationships with Ofsted, commissioners, health and education partners
What sets this provider apart
* A culture built around relationships, predictability and emotional intelligence
* Supervision and learning spaces that are actually useful
* A senior team who show up, listen and give proper backing
* Infrastructure that lets managers manage
What you’ll bring
* Experience as a Regional Manager, Operations Manager or a Registered Manager with wider strategic responsibilities
* A track record of maintaining Good or Outstanding outcomes
* Confidence holding RI accountability and registering new services
* Strong knowledge of the Children’s Homes Regulations, Quality Standards, SCCIF and Reg 44/45
* Data-confident, grounded decision-making
* Level 5 Leadership & Management (Level 7 welcome)
* Full UK driving licence
* A leadership style that brings people with you; purposeful, curious and grounded
What’s in it for you
* £70,000 to £85,000 per year
* The autonomy to shape culture and direction across multiple homes
* Senior support that understands the sector from the inside
* CPD that’s tailored, not generic “leadership training”
* A strong infrastructure so quality isn’t left to luck
* The chance to leave your mark across a group that’s growing thoughtfully and with genuine intention
How to apply
If this sounds like the kind of leadership role you’ve been waiting for, drop over your CV.
Shortlisted candidates will have a first conversation, then two in-person stages including a short presentation.
Safer recruitment applies (Enhanced DBS and references required).