Lead with Purpose. Deliver with Impact.
Are you an experienced leader in children’s residential care ready to take the next step in your career? At Wilderness Way, we’re expanding and looking for an Operations Manager to oversee a cluster of our children’s homes.
This is a strategic leadership role for someone who understands the complexities of residential childcare and is passionate about delivering exceptional outcomes for children with challenging behaviours.
What You’ll Do
Lead and Inspire: Support and mentor Registered Managers to deliver high-quality, child-centred care.
Ensure Excellence: Oversee operational performance, compliance, and financial targets across multiple homes.
Collaborate Effectively: Work with commissioning teams, social workers, and external agencies to ensure tailored care plans.
Drive Improvement: Use data and insights to monitor service outcomes and identify areas for development.
Champion Our Values: Embed our mission, vision, and values into every aspect of service delivery.
What We’re Looking For
Essential: Minimum 6 years’ experience in children’s residential care, including 4 years in a leadership role.
Qualified: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care and Children & Young People’s Services.
Knowledgeable: Strong understanding of Ofsted regulations, safeguarding, and child protection legislation.
Operationally Skilled: Proven ability to manage budgets, implement policies, and meet strategic goals.
Inspirational Leader: A collaborative and empowering approach to coaching and mentoring teams.
Flexible & Mobile: Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across services.
Why Join Us?
Salary: Up to £68,120 (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Annual Leave: 35 days, with additional days awarded at 2 and 5 years of service
Workweek: 40 hours (Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm) with occasional flexibility
Health & Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Medicash plan, 24/7 GP access, cashback on optical/dental, gym discounts
Recognition & Rewards: £1,000 referral bonuses, monthly Wilderness Heroes awards
Financial Security: Pension contributions, life assurance (2x salary)
Perks: High street savings, leisure discounts, and tailored local offers
A Culture of Growth
* Career development through coaching, qualifications, and progression pathways
* A forward-thinking organisation leading in therapeutic and assessment-based residential care
* A workplace built on Collaboration, Adaptability, Respect, and Empathy
All roles will be subject to a successful disclosure at an appropriate level from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), Access NI or Disclosure Scotland as we follow safer recruitment processes. Proof of identity will also be required. We are an equal opportunities employer.