Role: Responsible Individual / Area Manager – Residential Childcare
Location: Preston and Surrounding Areas
Salary: Up to £70,000 per annum + bonuses
Hours: Full-time, Monday–Friday
Out of Hours: Expectation to provide support outside of normal working hours when required
Services: Oversight of up to 5 children's residential homes
About Northridge
Founded in 2020, Northridge has grown from a single children’s home into a trusted multi-service provider across Lancashire and the Northwest.
Our mission is to improve outcomes for children and young people through high-quality care, education and specialist support, creating safe and nurturing environments where young people can thrive.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and confident Responsible Individual / Area Manager to provide leadership, oversight and support across a portfolio of children's residential homes.
The role will also involve working alongside the senior leadership team to support the development and growth of Northridge, including the continued development of our existing and future services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Oversee up to 5 children's residential homes and support Registered Managers.
- Ensure services meet the Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015, Quality Standards and Ofsted expectations.
- Monitor safeguarding, quality, incidents, complaints and service performance.
- Conduct regular quality assurance visits, audits and reviews.
- Identify areas for improvement and ensure action plans are implemented effectively.
- Support, develop and challenge Registered Managers to maintain high standards of practice.
- Ensure children and young people's needs, wishes and feelings remain central to care.
- Support service development and the continued growth of the business.
- Work closely with the senior leadership team and external professionals.
- Provide out-of-hours support when required.
What we're looking for
- Proven experience as a Responsible Individual and/or Area Manager within children's residential care.
- Experience overseeing multiple children's residential services.
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management for Children and Young People’s Services.
- Strong knowledge of children's residential regulations, safeguarding and Ofsted requirements.
- Experience supporting and developing Registered Managers.
- Strong quality assurance, auditing and service improvement experience.
- Excellent leadership, communication and decision-making skills.
- Confidence to provide appropriate support and challenge to senior managers.
- A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between services.
- Flexibility to provide out-of-hours support when required.
Why join us?
At Northridge, we know our people are our strength. That’s why we offer:
- Competitive salary up to £70,000 per annum + bonuses
- 24 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays
- Career progression & leadership development opportunities
- Recognition schemes: Employee of the Quarter & Employee of the Year plus many more
- Support from our central HR, L&D, Referrals, Recruitment & Operations teams
- Refer a Friend Bonus
- Loyalty bonuses for length of service
- Regular team-building activities & a positive, values-driven culture
If you are an experienced Responsible Individual / Area Manager looking for an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership and growth of a developing children's care organisation, we would love to hear from you.
Should you have any questions about this role, please contact our internal recruiter Harshika – [email protected] or WhatsApp 07449251426
Northridge Group implements safeguarding protocols in all aspects of their working practices and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All successful applicants will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check and this may include social media checks.
Pay: Up to £70,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Company events
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Experience:
- Responsible Individual and/or Area Manager: 1 year (required)
Licence/Certification:
- Level 5 qualification in Leadership and Management (required)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
