Job Title: Home Manager – Children’s Residential Home (Ages 12–18) Location: Stoke-on-Trent (Training in Northampton) Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 (OFSTED Registered) | Second Home £51,000 | Third Home £75,000 Are you an experienced, dynamic, and compassionate leader looking for your next challenge in children’s residential care? Our client is preparing to launch its foundation of homes in Stoke-on-Trent, building on an extensive and highly successful portfolio in Northampton. This is a unique opportunity to lead a new home while benefiting from the expertise and outstanding practice of existing services, ensuring your professional development and training are maximised. We are seeking an exceptionally skilled Home Manager to oversee a residential home for young people aged 12–18 years. Each home will start with one service user, with potential to increase to two, allowing a focus on quality care. Administrative responsibilities will be supported and shared with a qualified consultant, reducing your workload by 50% so you can focus on leadership, development, and excellent care delivery. We are taking applications from candidates based in Staffordshire or within a reasonable commuting distance to Stoke-on-Trent. Qualifications: * Level 3 in Health & Social Care or Children & Young People’s Services (essential) * Level 5 in Leadership for Health and Social Care or willingness to undertake Level 5 from receipt of the offer of employment Why join us? * Lead a home with 1–2 service users, providing highly personalised care. * Receive training and preparation at our Northampton homes, rated outstanding, before the Stoke-on-Trent home goes live. * Work alongside a qualified consultant and night manager, with two deputy managers per home, providing strong support. * Be part of a forward-thinking organisation expanding its services, with opportunities for career growth and development. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage day-to-day operations of the home, ensuring high standards of care, safety, and well-being. * Develop, implement, and review care plans, risk assessments, and individual support plans tailored to each young person. * Manage and support staff teams, including deputies, night managers, and other key roles. * Liaise with social workers, education providers, and multi-agency professionals to ensure holistic care. * Ensure the home is compliant with Children’s Home Regulations 2015, Ofsted requirements, and safeguarding standards. * Contribute to the ongoing growth and development of the service, including potential expansion to additional homes. We are looking for candidates who: * Have previous experience managing children’s residential homes. * Are qualified and experienced in leadership within social care. * Have excellent communication, organisational, and decision-making skills. * Are committed to providing outstanding care and making a difference in children’s lives. * Are enthusiastic about professional development, training, and mentoring. Additional Opportunities: We are also accepting applications for Deputy Managers. If you or someone you know might be interested, please share this opportunity and get in touch. About Optima Plus Recruitment: Optima Plus Recruitment is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equality. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including people with disabilities, members of the Armed Forces community, and those from diverse cultural and social backgrounds. We pride ourselves on providing opportunities for all individuals to develop their careers and achieve their potential