Assistant Operations Manager – Residential Children’s Services South Staffordshire

Assistant Operations Manager – Residential Children’s Services South Staffordshire

We have an amazing opportunity for experienced Registered managers/Responsible Individuals looking for their next challenge.

Our organisation have Children’s Services across Staffordshire including Rugeley and Cannock.

Your role as Assistant Operations Manager  will be to work alongside the Organisations Operations Manager to ensure all homes achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory standards and positive Ofsted inspection outcomes and many other duties You will be given full support from the OM and directors. Experience working with children and young people with: SEMH EBD Learning Disabilities and proven experience of line managing Registered Managers within children’s residential servicesincluding Ofsted inspections and achieving  positive outcomes are essential.   Salary: Competitive (dependent on experience)  

Job Purpose of Assistant Operations Manager

The Operations Manager is responsible for the effective leadership, oversight, and development of multiple residential children’s homes. This role ensures all services are safe, compliant, and deliver high-quality care in line with statutory requirements, including the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and associated Quality Standards.

The post holder will provide strong operational leadership, ensure safeguarding excellence, and support the Registered Managers to deliver positive outcomes for children and young people with SEMH (Social, Emotional and Mental Health needs), EBD (Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties), and Learning Disabilities. Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership & Management

• Provide direct line management and supervision to Registered Managers across multiple homes.
• Support, challenge, and develop managers to ensure high standards of care and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor home performance through audits, and quality assurance systems.
• Lead on service improvement plans and drive continuous development across all homes.

 

Regulatory Compliance & Quality Standards

• Ensure all homes operate in full compliance with:Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015
• Ofsted Inspection Framework
• The Quality Standards (including Leadership & Management, Safeguarding, and Positive Relationships)                    
• Oversee preparation for Ofsted inspections and support managers in achieving
• “Good” or “Outstanding” ratings.
• Ensure Regulation 44 and Regulation 45 processes are robust, effective, and lead to service improvements.
•  Maintain accurate oversight of notifications, incidents, and reporting requirements.

Safeguarding & Child Protection

•  Act as (or support) the Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) across the organisation.
• Ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are fully implemented and regularly reviewed.
• Liaise with the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) on allegations against staff and ensure appropriate action is taken.
• Oversee safeguarding incidents, ensuring timely reporting, investigation, and learning outcomes.
• Promote a strong safeguarding culture across all homes.
• On-Call Responsibilities
• Participate in the senior management on-call rota, providing 24/7 support for emergencies and incidents.
• Offer guidance to managers during serious incidents, safeguarding concerns, and placement disruptions.
• Ensure all incidents are managed in line with policy and statutory requirements.

Policies, Procedures & Governance

• Develop, review, and implement organisational policies and procedures in line with legislation and best practice.
• Ensure all staff are trained, competent, and compliant with policies.
• Monitor adherence to key policies such as safeguarding, behaviour management, physical intervention, and complaints.
• Lead internal audits and ensure governance frameworks are effective.

Quality Assurance & Improvement

• Conduct regular audits and visits to homes to assess quality of care and compliance.
• Analyse trends, incidents, and outcomes to inform service improvements.
• Ensure children’s voices are central to service development.
• Oversee action plans following inspections, audits, and incidents.

Partnership Working

• Build and maintain effective relationships with:
• Local Authorities
• Ofsted
• Safeguarding Boards
• External professionals and stakeholders
• Represent the organisation in professional meetings and reviews.

Person Specification of Assistant Operations Manager Essential Qualifications of Assistant Operations Manager

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Minimum 2 years’ experience managing within children’s residential care
• UK driving licence

Essential Experience of Assistant Operations Manager

• Proven experience of line managing Registered Managers within children’s residential services
• Strong knowledge of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Experience working with children and young people with: SEMH EBD Learning Disabilities
• Demonstrable experience in safeguarding, including managing allegations and liaising with LADO
• Experience of Ofsted inspections and achieving positive outcomes
• Experience in developing and implementing policies and procedures

Skills & Competencies of Assistant Operations Manager

• Strong leadership and people management skills
• Excellent knowledge of safeguarding and child protection practices
• Ability to analyse data and drive service improvement
• Effective communication and relationship-building skills
• Resilient, organised, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Sound decision-making under pressure, particularly during on-call situations

Additional Requirements of Assistant Operations Manager

• Enhanced DBS check
• Commitment to ongoing professional development
• Willingness to travel between services as required

Key Outcomes of Assistant Operations Manager

•  All homes achieve and maintain compliance with regulatory standards·       
• Positive Ofsted inspection outcomes
• High-quality care and improved outcomes for children and young people
• Strong safeguarding culture across the organisation
• Effective leadership and development of Registered Managers

For more information on this Operations Assistant Manager role in Staffordshire  Contact Mick Hull Fieldview Care Recruitment Solutions [phone removed] or send your cv to [email removed] www.fieldviewcare.co.uk