About Us
ACAD, a part of the CareTech Family, is a refreshingly innovative organisation specialising in delivering bespoke care and support to young people and their families to provide the best level of service during complex and difficult times in their lives. We offer quality residential child care to local authorities for young people aged 8-18 years with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties, complex needs such as autism, learning difficulties and problematic sexualised behaviour.
ACAD have adopted a pedagogical approach to care and education, striving to combine both to provide a holistic solution to the needs of young people. We also provide for all of the training requirements of our staff and an SQA accredited centre recognised to deliver SVQ and HNC.
Our service offer includes an Outreach Support Initiative which is a flexible, open-ended programme of care and support to children and young people aged 5 and upwards. This initiative is effective in the areas of crisis management and prevention and keeping families together.
About the Role
To lead and manage the operational delivery of high-quality residential child care services across multiple homes, ensuring compliance with Scottish regulatory frameworks, safeguarding standards, and the principles of The Promise. The Operations Manager will support Registered Managers, promote trauma-informed care, and drive continuous improvement in outcomes for children and young people
What We Offer
- £62,000 per annum DOE & car allowance.
- Annual quality and commercial bonus.
- Hours: Full-time, 37–40 hours per week, with flexibility including on-call duties.
- As a member of the CareTech leadership team you will participate in a Management Incentive Plan that will enable you to share in the long term success of the Company.
- Continuous development from our in-house Leadership Academy. Whose courses provide our existing and future leaders the time and psychological space to explore the expectations of a leader, with a focus on core behavioural skills. To motivate, empower, inspire and stretch leaders to develop their knowledge and skills in leadership and management, by reflecting on themselves and how they interact and work with their teams, their networks and the wider business.
Additional Benefits: Competitive pay, pension scheme, and a range of benefits including:
- Employee Assistance Service
- Wellbeing Programme
- Recommend a Friend scheme
- Team Rewards with discounted restaurants and family days out
- Long Service Awards
This role - see job description attached, for full details
We are seeking an experienced leader, based in the Dumfries area to oversee the strategic and operational management of our care services. You will drive high standards of practice, compliance, and safeguarding, while supporting staff recruitment, development, and performance. The role involves managing budgets and resources, leading service improvement aligned with The Promise and GIRFEC, and building strong partnerships with families, professionals, and external agencies. This is a key role for someone passionate about delivering exceptional, child-centred care.
Experience needed
- SVQ Level 4 or equivalent in Social Services and Healthcare or Leadership and Management.
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in residential child care, with at least 3 years in a leadership role.
- In-depth knowledge of Scottish child protection legislation, The Promise, and trauma-informed practice.
- Experience of managing multiple sites
- Proven ability to lead teams, manage change, and deliver high-quality care.
- Excellent communication, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
The CareTech family is a Disability Confident Employer and an Equal Opportunities Employer. We value the wisdom that comes from life experience and are committed to promoting the safeguarding and welfare of all in our care. All applicants must undergo an enhanced DBS check and provide at least two references covering the past two years. Applicants must also provide information for all positions related to working with children and the vulnerable and details of employment going back to full time education.
If you are ready to make a difference and meet the needs of children in a nurturing environment, apply now and join our dedicated team.
