Build the Future of Specialist Care
Bayleaf Care is entering an exciting new chapter.
Having established ourselves as a trusted provider of children's residential care, education and specialist services, we are now preparing for our next phase of growth with the development of Tier 4 services alongside further expansion across our existing portfolio.
As our organisation continues to grow, we are looking to appoint an exceptional Operations Manager to join our Senior Leadership Team. This is a unique opportunity for an experienced operational leader to help shape the future of Bayleaf Care, with genuine progression into Regional and National leadership as the organisation expands.
If you're looking for more than just another operational role and want the opportunity to influence strategy, develop high-performing services and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Directors, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across our growing portfolio of services, ensuring the highest standards of care, compliance and performance are consistently achieved.
A key part of this role will be leading the successful mobilisation and opening of new Tier 4 services, from supporting registration and pre-opening preparations through to staffing, operational readiness and achieving successful launches. You will work closely with the Directors and Senior Leadership Team to ensure every new provision is established to the highest possible standard from day one.
You will play a pivotal role in supporting Registered Managers, developing future leaders, driving continuous improvement and creating the operational infrastructure required to support Bayleaf Care's ambitious growth plans.
As Bayleaf Care continues to expand, this role offers genuine progression into Regional and National leadership for the right individual.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide strategic operational leadership across Bayleaf Care's expanding portfolio of specialist services, including the development and mobilisation of Tier 4 provision.
- Lead the successful mobilisation of new Tier 4 services from concept through to operational delivery, including registration, mobilisation plans, staffing, governance, commissioning readiness and service launch.
- Ensure all Tier 4 services operate in line with CQC regulations, Mental Health Act requirements, safeguarding legislation and recognised clinical governance frameworks.
- Work collaboratively with clinical leaders, Responsible Clinicians, commissioning bodies and multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective and therapeutic services.
- Support, coach and develop Registered Managers and senior leadership teams to achieve outstanding operational and clinical outcomes.
- Drive continuous quality improvement through robust governance, audit programmes, learning reviews and performance management.
- Lead improvement programmes where required, ensuring services consistently achieve high standards of quality, compliance and patient outcomes.
- Monitor service performance, occupancy, financial sustainability, workforce planning and operational KPIs across the organisation.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), Local Authorities, commissioners and external stakeholders.
- Champion a culture centred around therapeutic care, positive risk management, least restrictive practice and exceptional outcomes for children and young people.
- Contribute to the strategic growth of Bayleaf Care, identifying opportunities for service development and future expansion.
About Bayleaf Care
Bayleaf Care provides exceptional care for children and young people across the UK, especially those who have faced trauma. We use the PACE model, which creates a safe, caring environment to help children feel secure and build positive relationships.
Our approach starts with the key worker, who forms a strong, trusting bond with the child. This relationship is essential for the child’s development and continues throughout their care.
We offer personalized care, education, and treatment led by a team of trained professionals, helping children manage their emotions and behaviours in a safe, supportive environment.
There are currently 6 children’s homes open, 2 of these homes have their own school onsite. Bayleaf is expanding with more children’s homes on the horizon. We are also in the process of opening 2 leaving care homes and 3 CQC registered adult homes so are all our young people can remain in our care by transitioning into these services. In September 2026 we are also opening 2 special schools, one will be an SEMH school and the other a learning disability school
Each children’s home has their own permanent on-site therapist and a pool car.
About You
We're looking for an ambitious operational leader who is passionate about developing high-quality specialist services and improving outcomes for children and young people.
You will ideally have:
- Significant operational leadership experience across Tier 4 CAMHS, specialist mental health, secure, PICU, learning disability or other highly complex children's services.
- Proven experience opening, mobilising or transforming regulated healthcare or specialist care services from pre-registration through to successful operational delivery.
- Strong working knowledge of CQC regulations, Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, safeguarding legislation and clinical governance.
- Experience working alongside multidisciplinary clinical teams including psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, therapists and allied health professionals.
- A successful track record of improving quality, compliance, patient outcomes and regulatory inspection performance.
- Experience supporting, coaching and developing Registered Managers and senior operational leaders.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance quality, clinical excellence and financial performance.
- Excellent leadership, communication and relationship-building skills, with confidence engaging commissioners, NHS partners and senior stakeholders.
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management (Residential Childcare, Health & Social Care or equivalent).
- Relevant leadership or postgraduate management qualifications would be advantageous but are not essential.
- A full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel across our services.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE).
- A senior leadership position with genuine influence across the organisation.
- The opportunity to lead the mobilisation and growth of new Tier 4 specialist services.
- A key role in shaping the future direction of Bayleaf Care during an exciting period of expansion.
- Clear progression opportunities into Regional and National leadership as the organisation grows.
- Ongoing professional development, training and investment in your career.
- The autonomy to make decisions and drive meaningful operational change.
- A supportive, collaborative and forward-thinking Senior Leadership Team.
- The opportunity to work alongside passionate professionals committed to delivering outstanding care.
- The chance to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- The opportunity to leave a lasting legacy by helping build one of the UK's leading specialist care providers.
Why Join Bayleaf Care?
At Bayleaf Care, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We are committed to creating services where children, young people and vulnerable adults can thrive while investing in leaders who share our ambition, values and vision.
This is more than a leadership role—it's an opportunity to help build the next chapter of Bayleaf Care. You'll have the freedom to influence strategy, shape new services, develop exceptional teams and play a leading role in creating specialist provision that delivers life-changing outcomes.
If you're ready for your next challenge and want to be part of an ambitious organisation with genuine aspirations for national growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Please apply for the role through INDEED or if you have any questions call Greg on 07775654492
For more information about Bayleaf Care and to look at some of our homes, schools and education hubs, please visit us at https://bayleafcare.co.uk/
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Casual dress
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
