Managing Director – Children’s Residential Care
Hybrid – with regular travel to Leeds head quarters.
Extensive experience within children’s residential care is essential
Compass are proud to be retained by an ambitious children’s residential care provider to appoint an exceptional Managing Director, a newly created post. This is a pivotal Board-level appointment, offering the opportunity to shape and scale a high-quality care portfolio during a period of significantexpansion. With an established foundation and ambitious growth plans (both organic and through acquisition), the successful candidate will play a central role in driving operational performance, quality outcomes, and long-term strategic success.
The Role
Reporting directly to the CEO and sitting on the Group Board, you will take full accountability for the performance, growth, and quality of the Children’s Residential division.
You will:
* Define and deliver the divisional strategy aligned to group growth objectives
* Lead all operational activity across a multi-site residential portfolio
* Ensure consistently high standards of care, with a focus on achieving and maintaining strong Ofsted ratings
* Drive occupancy, placement stability, and financial performance across all homes
* Lead the integration of new homes and acquisitions, embedding systems, culture, and governance
* Build and develop a high-performing senior leadership team
* Maintain strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, and regulatory bodies
* Ensure safeguarding and quality of care remain central to all decision-making
About You
You are a proven senior leader within children’s residential care with a track record of delivering both operational excellence and growth.
You will bring:
* Significant leadership experience across multi-site residential services
* A strong track record of improving quality and maintaining high Ofsted standards
* Experience of scaling services, including organic growth and/or M&A integration
* Commercial acumen, with full P&L responsibility and a focus on performance and efficiency
* The ability to operate at Board level while remaining close to frontline service delivery
* A values-led leadership style, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people
Why Apply?
* Board-level influence in a growing organisation with ambitious expansion plans
* Opportunity to shape the future direction of children’s residential care services
* Values-driven culture focused on quality, innovation, and outcomes
* Strong platform for further career progression as the organisation diversifies