Operations Manager – Lead with Purpose Ready to make a real impact? At Wilderness Way, we’re growing and evolving, and we’re on the hunt for an exceptional Operations Manager to join our team. If you’re a dynamic leader with a passion for delivering outstanding care and empowering teams, this is your opportunity to shape the future of children’s residential care.
As an Operations Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in overseeing our cluster of children’s homes, working closely with our Regional Director and leading a team of Registered Service Managers. You’ll be joining a pioneering provider that’s the first in England to operate under the innovative multi-building children’s home model—a chance to lead in a ground-breaking way.
Inspire Leadership: Mentor and support your team of Registered Managers, driving exceptional care and positive outcomes for children.
Deliver Excellence: Ensure outstanding care is consistently provided while meeting financial and operational goals.
Collaborate: Work directly with our Commissioning and Placements Partners and external agencies to tailor care to each child’s needs.
Empower Teams: Promote our Mission, Vision and Values, coaching managers to achieve their best while maintaining a child-first focus.
Drive Performance: Use data to monitor and report on service success, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
Annual Leave: 35 days, with extra days for continuous service at 2 and 5 years. Flexibility: 40-hour workweek (Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm) with the occasional need for flexibility. Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental treatments, and gym discounts. Bonuses for referrals (£1,000 per successful referral) and monthly Wilderness Heroes awards. Financial Security: Pension contributions and life assurance (2x salary). Discounts: High street savings, leisure perks, and tailored local discounts.
Opportunities to develop through coaching, industry-recognised qualifications, and career progression pathways.
Experience: At least 6 years working with children with challenging behaviours in residential settings, and 4 years in leadership.
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services.
Regulatory Expertise: Strong knowledge of Ofsted, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.
Operational Excellence: Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies, and meet organisational goals.
A collaborative, inspiring approach to coaching and mentoring your team.
Commitment to Children: Passionate about making a difference, with a child-focused, problem-solving mindset.
A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel across our services.
If you’re ready to be part of a forward-thinking organisation where every child—and every team member—matters, we want to hear from you.