Ready to take the next step into children’s home management?
Blue Elephant Childcare is looking for an ambitious, compassionate and child-focused Manager Designate to help establish and lead a new children’s home in the Bideford area.
This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced residential childcare professional who is ready to progress into a Registered Manager role. You will work closely with senior leaders to prepare the home for opening, support recruitment and team development, and create a safe, nurturing environment where children can heal, grow and thrive.
Alongside this, you will work closely with Registered Managers and leadership teams across Blue Elephant's existing homes, providing operational support where required and gaining valuable exposure to a range of home environments. This unique opportunity will enable you to further develop your leadership, operational and regulatory knowledge, building the skills and experience required to become a successful Registered Manager.
Once the home is successfully registered with Ofsted, you will progress into the Registered Manager role, with a salary increase and full management responsibility for the home.
Location
Bideford area, North Devon
Salary
£35,000 to £42,000 per annum, increasing once registered with Ofsted
Hours
40 hours per week, 5 days per week, with occasional evening and weekend work
What you will do
- Support the registration and opening of a new children’s home.
- Help recruit, develop and inspire a strong and consistent staff team.
- Promote exceptional standards of care, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice.
- Support care planning, compliance, audits and inspection readiness.
- Build positive relationships with children, colleagues, professionals and local authorities.
- Work alongside senior leaders to develop a service children are proud to call home.
What we are looking for
- Significant experience in children’s residential care.
- Experience as a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, Deputy Manager or equivalent.
- Strong knowledge of safeguarding, Ofsted expectations and Children’s Homes Regulations.
- A confident, reflective and values-led approach to leadership.
- Passion for improving outcomes for children and young people.
- Ambition and readiness to progress into Registered Manager status.
- Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management, or willingness to work towards this.
What we offer
- Salary of £35,000 to £42,000 per annum.
- Salary increase upon successful Ofsted registration and appointment as Registered Manager.
- A structured development pathway into registered management.
- Training, mentoring and leadership support from experienced senior leaders.
- Opportunities for professional progression within a growing organisation.
- A supportive, values-led culture focused on children, staff and quality practice.
- 40-hour contract over 5 days per week, with flexibility to meet the needs of the home.
About Blue Elephant Childcare
At Blue Elephant Childcare, we believe every child deserves a safe, stable and nurturing home where they feel seen, heard, valued and understood. Our teams work with warmth, consistency and professionalism to support children through trauma-informed, relationship-based care.
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV outlining your experience and suitability for the role. Our recruitment team will then send you an application form and information about the role and the company. Interviews will be offered following a review of your completed application form.
Blue Elephant Childcare is committed to safer recruitment and safeguarding children. Appointment will be subject to appropriate checks and references.
Application Deadline is 21st August 2026
Pay: £35,000.00-£42,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- Level 3 Diploma in Children's Residential care
Experience:
- Residential Childcare: 2 years (required)
Language:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
