Registered Manager – New Children’s Home Provision

Lanchester, County Durham (DH7) | £55,000–£65,000 + performance bonuses | Permanent, full-time

Build something exceptional from the ground up

Are you an experienced Registered Manager looking for the rare opportunity to create—not inherit—an exceptional children’s residential service?

Leaders in Care is recruiting for a confident, compassionate and ambitious Registered Manager to lead a brand-new children’s residential provision in Lanchester, County Durham.

This is a genuinely exciting opportunity to shape a service from day one. You’ll build your team, establish the culture, develop outstanding practice and create a home where children feel safe, secure and able to thrive.

The provision

Set in peaceful countryside, this unique provision comprises three individual, modern barn-conversion homes, each providing a single-occupancy home for a young person. The three homes will operate under one Ofsted registration.

You’ll support children and young people aged 7–17 who may have experienced loss, instability or trauma. The organisation’s approach is trauma-informed and PACE-based, helping children rebuild trust, confidence and hope.

Working closely with an experienced Responsible Individual and Director, you’ll have real influence over the direction, standards and long-term success of the provision.

Why this is different

This is not simply another Registered Manager vacancy. It is a chance to:

• Lead a new, purpose-built provision through registration and beyond.
• Build and develop a high-performing team around your values.
• Set the culture, standards and practice across three homes.
• Shape a warm, stable and therapeutic environment for children.
• Make a meaningful contribution to the organisation’s growth.
• Progress into future Senior Registered Manager, Area Manager or Responsible Individual opportunities.

Salary and benefits

• £55,000–£65,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
• Performance-related bonuses, including rewards for strong Ofsted outcomes and successful occupancy.
• 31 days’ annual leave, including bank holidays, plus an extra day off for your birthday.
• Paid on-call allowance.
• Fully funded qualifications and ongoing professional development.
• Wellness allowance and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company vehicle where required, plus mileage expenses.
• Meals provided when working on shift.
• Blue Light Card and access to a range of employee discounts.
• Employee referral bonus.
• Company social events.
• Donate Match scheme—support a charity of your choice with company contribution matching.
• Genuine long-term career progression in a growing organisation.

The role

As Registered Manager, you’ll have overall responsibility for the development, leadership and day-to-day management of the provision.

You will:

• Lead the provision through Ofsted registration and maintain ongoing regulatory compliance.
• Recruit, coach, develop and retain an exceptional staff team.
• Create a positive, consistent and child-centred culture across all three homes.
• Act as a safeguarding leader, promoting the welfare and best interests of every child.
• Oversee admissions, transitions, care planning, risk management and record-keeping.
• Support children’s education, wellbeing, independence and positive outcomes.
• Build strong partnerships with families, local authorities, schools and multi-agency professionals.
• Manage staffing, training, budgets, health and safety and quality assurance.
• Ensure care plans and records are accurate, meaningful and maintained to a high standard.
• Champion trauma-informed and PACE-based practice.
• Use ClearCare to maintain effective oversight, compliance and recording.
• Work closely with the Responsible Individual and Director on the strategic development of the service.
• Participate in the on-call rota.

About you

We’re looking for a resilient, values-led and experienced children’s residential care leader who is ready to take ownership of a new service.

You’ll need:

• At least five years’ experience working with children in residential care.
• At least two years’ management experience.
• Experience within Learning Disabilities (LD) and/or Emotional, Developmental or Behavioural (EDB) children’s services.
• Experience as a Registered Manager or senior leader within a children’s residential setting.
• A proven track record of achieving, or contributing to, at least a Good Ofsted outcome.
• A Level 5 qualification in Children’s Residential Care, or an equivalent recognised qualification.
• A full UK driving licence.
• Strong working knowledge of Ofsted requirements, the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, and relevant legislation and guidance.
• The leadership presence to build trust, set high standards and make good practice the norm.

Safeguarding

Safeguarding is central to everything this organisation does. You’ll need a strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and multi-agency working when supporting children with complex needs.

All appointments are subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, pre-employment screening and safer-recruitment checks.

Ready to build something exceptional?

If you want to lead a distinctive new provision, develop an outstanding team and make a long-term difference to children’s lives, apply today.

Location: Lanchester, County Durham, DH7
Salary: £55,000–£65,000 per year + performance bonuses
Contract: Permanent, full-time