Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home

Deputy Manager – Children’s Residential Home

Location : Medway, South East England | Salary : £44,000 – £50,000

Driving License and access to own transportation is essential.

Optima Plus Recruitment is seeking an exceptional Deputy Manager for a highly regarded children’s residential home in Medway, rated “Good in all areas.” The home provides a nurturing, safe, and supportive environment for up to 5 children aged 11–17, where staff are committed to ensuring every child can thrive, grow, and achieve their potential.

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to provide strategic leadership, inspire a skilled team, and ensure the delivery of outstanding care for children with complex emotional and behavioural needs. This is an exciting opportunity for a passionate, experienced professional who thrives in a dynamic, child-focused environment.

Key Responsibilities :

Support the Registered Manager in leading the home and maintaining the highest standards of care, ensuring compliance with statutory regulations and best practice frameworks.

Supervise, mentor, and develop a motivated staff team, promoting continuous professional growth and excellence in practice.

Oversee care planning, risk assessments, and behaviour management strategies tailored to each child’s needs, ensuring safety, wellbeing, and positive outcomes.

Manage operational aspects of the home, including staff rotas, resources, and budgets, ensuring smooth day-to-day running.

Build effective partnerships with families, social workers, external agencies, and multi-disciplinary teams to promote the best outcomes for children.

Deputise for the Registered Manager when required, ensuring the home operates efficiently and safely at all times.

About You :

NVQ Level 3 / Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (or willingness to work towards).

Demonstrable experience in a supervisory or management role within a children’s residential setting.

Significant experience supporting children with emotional, behavioural, or complex needs.

Full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Outstanding leadership, communication, and organisational skills, with a proven ability to inspire and motivate teams.

Resilient, solution-focused, and committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of children.

Why Apply?

Work in a nurturing, child-centred environment with a positive, skilled team.

Access to comprehensive training and professional development opportunities.

Enjoy career progression through structured frameworks designed to support your growth.

Play a pivotal role in shaping the lives of vulnerable children and young people, helping them achieve their full potential.

This role involves shift work, including evenings, weekends, and waking nights. The post is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Optima Plus Recruitment is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome and encourage applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We also support applications from members of the Armed Forces community.

If you are a motivated, experienced childcare professional looking to take the next step in your career, Optima Plus Recruitment would love to hear from you.

Apply now via CV Library to be considered for this highly rewarding opportunity