Location: Wimborne (initially)
Salary: Up to £65,000
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent or Contract (minimum 6–9 months)

The Opportunity

Joneshouse Recruitment is proud to be working with a forward-thinking provider seeking an experienced Registered Children’s Care Home Manager to lead a brand-new residential service for children and young people with learning disabilities and complex needs.

This role offers a clear and exciting career pathway:

• Phase 1: Registered Manager – Wimborne-based children’s residential home

• Phase 2: Dual Registered Manager – oversee an additional service as the organisation grows

• Phase 3: Operations Manager – step into a senior leadership role with enhanced pay and responsibility as a third home opens

This is a rare opportunity to shape services from the ground up, inspire and develop teams, and make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day management of the home, ensuring full compliance with Ofsted regulations and The Children’s Homes Regulations & Quality Standards

• Safeguard and support the wellbeing of children and young people as a corporate parent

• Manage, mentor, and motivate a team of Support Workers and Seniors through coaching, supervision, and professional development

• Create and oversee staff rotas to ensure the home is consistently well-staffed

• Build effective working relationships with children, families, social workers, and external professionals

• Oversee budgets, reporting, and inspection readiness

• Drive continuous improvement and maintain high standards of care and quality assurance

Candidate Profile

Essential:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Care (or working towards)

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Registered Manager, or 5 years as a Deputy Manager in a children’s residential setting

• Strong track record of leading and developing staff teams

• Excellent knowledge of The Children’s Homes Regulations and Quality Standards

• Experience supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and complex behaviours

• Current UK driving licence

Desirable:

• Experience in setting up a new registered children’s home

• Wider leadership experience beyond residential care

• Understanding of therapeutic approaches and positive behaviour support

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary up to £65,000 (contractors considered with minimum 6–9 months commitment)

• A structured career pathway with promotion opportunities as new homes open

• The opportunity to shape and influence services from inception

• Supportive senior leadership and investment in your professional development

Apply Now

If you are a resilient, compassionate, and ambitious leader ready to develop high-quality services and progress to an Operations Manager role, we would love to hear from you.

Apply today with your CV and a short covering note outlining your experience.