Registered Manager – New Children’s Home Opening
Location: Dudley
Salary: Circa £55,000–£65,000 (open to negotiation for the right person)
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Young People need better alternatives to unregulated provision.
We’re recruiting a Registered Manager to open the first home of a newly launching residential care provider, created to tackle one of the sector’s biggest challenges: the growing reliance on unregulated provision for children and young people with complex needs.
Founded by a care experienced entrepreneur and led by experienced children’s services leaders, this organisation brings together system leadership, frontline practice and lived experience. Its purpose is clear, to offer local authorities a credible, regulated alternative that moves beyond containment-based care.
The model is built around safety, strong relationships and progression, giving children stability and managers the space to lead, shape culture and do things properly.
The role
You’ll be responsible for opening and leading a new solo children’s provision in Dudley, creating a safe, stable and nurturing home from day one.
You will:
*Act as the Registered Manager with Ofsted, meeting all fitness and registration requirements
*Lead the setup, registration and opening of the home
*Create a child-centred, trauma-informed culture where care is consistent, purposeful and emotionally safe
*Build, recruit and retain a strong, values-led staff team
*Ensure full compliance with Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the Quality Standards
*Be the lead safeguarding professional, setting the tone for robust, confident practice
*Develop high-quality care planning that genuinely improves outcomes for the child
*Work closely with local authorities, social workers and partner professionals
*Maintain a home that is inspection-ready at all times, not just when Ofsted are due
This role is underpinned by clear accountability, structure and measurable outcomes, while still allowing strong professional judgement and autonomy.
Who this role is for
This opportunity will suit an experienced children’s care leader who:
*Is values-led, calm and child-focused
*Has experience supporting children with SEMH, trauma and attachment needs
*Is confident leading a solo provision
*Enjoys building something from the ground up
*Is comfortable owning decisions, solving problems, and setting standards
*Wants to be part of a provider with long-term ambition, not short-term fixes
Essential requirements
*Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare or equivalent (or willingness to complete within required timescales)
*Significant experience in residential childcare (or equivalent, e.g. CAMHS inpatient settings)
*Strong safeguarding and child protection knowledge
*Sound understanding of Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
Desirable (but not essential)
*Experience opening or registering a new children’s home
*Therapeutic or trauma-informed practice experience
Why this role stands out
*First home of an ambitious new provider — real influence, not token input
*Backed by experienced sector leaders who understand operational realities
*A chance to help shape a new way of delivering care, without cutting corners
*Salary open to discussion for the right person
*Clear progression as the organisation grows
If you’re looking for a role where you can build something different from the ground up, this is it.