JOB TITLE: Registered Manager / Operations Lead – Mental Health Residential (New Service)
ABOUT THE ROLE
We are a specialist care provider preparing to open our first residential home for adults with serious and enduring mental illness, across South London and Kent. We have the model, the structure and the backing in place — what we need now is the right person to build it.
This is a founding leadership role. You will take the business from where it is today (a registered company, no premises, no staff) and build it into an open, CQC-registered, fully functioning care home. It carries real autonomy, a genuine seat at the table, and a meaningful stake in the service's success.
This is not a role for someone who wants to inherit a system and manage it. It is for someone who wants to build one.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Lead the CQC registration process for our first home, including statement of purpose and supporting documentation
- Identify and secure a suitable property, and oversee fit-out and compliance readiness
- Recruit, induct and lead the care team
- Build the governance, quality assurance and safeguarding framework
- Develop relationships with NHS community mental health teams and Local Authority commissioners across South East London and Kent
- Drive the approved-provider application process across target boroughs
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Significant experience in adult social care, ideally mental health residential or supported living
- Experience as a Registered Manager, Operations Manager, Area Manager or Service Manager
- A working knowledge of CQC registration and what it takes to pass inspection
- Experience setting up or growing new services (the ability to build from scratch matters more than experience in a large group)
- The credibility to represent us to NHS and Local Authority commissioners
- Comfortable working without a structure around you — at the start, you are the structure
DESIRABLE
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Adult Care (or working towards)
- Existing relationships with commissioners in South East London or Kent
- Experience supporting people stepping down from acute mental health wards
WHAT WE OFFER
- A rare founding opportunity with full ownership and influence
- A genuine financial stake in the success of the business as it grows
- The chance to build something from the ground up, not manage what already exists
- Direct access to and collaboration with the founding team
Job Type: Full-time
To apply, please send your CV and a short note on why this role fits you to [email protected]. Early, informal conversations are welcome.
Application question(s):
- Have you personally led a service through CQC registration?
Experience:
- Residential Managing a care home: 3 years (preferred)
Work Location: In person
