Graduate Trainee Registered Manager (2 posts)
· Starting Salary: £29,000 plus benefits package (Rising upon completion of milestones on a 36–48-month structured program)
· Contract: Full-time, Permanent role (40 hours per week working shifts over 7 days per week) commencing Sept 2026
Are you a passionate, driven graduate looking to make a tangible impact on the lives of children and young people? Do you have the ambition to lead, the empathy to nurture, and the desire to build a career that truly matters?
Sunbridge Childcare Ltd is expanding, and we are on the lookout for our next generation of leaders. We aren’t just offering a job; we are offering a structured career path into the heart of high-quality residential childcare. We are seeking two motivated, resilient, and forward-thinking graduates to join our team in the North East of England as a Trainee Registered Manager.
Your Journey with Sunbridge
This isn't a desk job, you will be immersed in the day-to-day operations of our specialist residential homes which as you’d expect operate 24/7. You will work alongside experienced leaders, learning exactly what it takes to provide a safe, therapeutic, and nurturing environment for children who need it most.
What you will be doing:
- Shadowing & Mentoring: Work directly under the wing of an experienced Registered Manager to understand regulatory standards (Ofsted), team management, and safeguarding excellence.
- Operational Experience: Understanding what outstanding care provision looks like by gaining hands on experience as an integral part of the team.
- Operational Leadership: Gain hands-on experience in staff supervision, rota management, and budget oversight.
- Advocacy & Care: Develop deep insights into child-centered practice, working to improve outcomes for our young people every single day.
- Professional Qualifications: We support you through the necessary care, leadership and management qualifications required to step into a Registered Manager role. This includes completion of NVQ level 3 & NVQ level 5 qualifications as part of the program which are fully funded.
Why choose Sunbridge?
We believe that investing in our team is the only way to achieve the best outcomes for the children we support.
- Path to Management: A clear, structured progression plan designed to get you registered with Ofsted as a manager (typically £55k+ once registered).
- Impact-Driven: You will be doing work that transforms lives.
- Supportive Culture: Join a team that values innovation, grit, and kindness.
- Location: Based in the beautiful and vibrant North East, working across our network of homes.
Are You Our Ideal Candidate?
We aren’t necessarily looking for years of experience—we are looking for the right character who is passionate about pursuing a career in residential childcare who can demonstrate the following:
- You hold a degree (Any discipline, but a passion for social care, psychology, education, or sociology is a bonus).
- You are a leader in the making: You have the confidence to make decisions and the emotional intelligence to lead a diverse team.
- You have grit: You are resilient, calm under pressure, and unfailingly reliable.
- You are ambitious: You want to climb the ladder, but you want to do it by helping others succeed.
- Full UK Driving License: Essential for traveling between our sites in the North East.
Ready to Lead?
If you are ready to stop looking for a job and start building a career that changes the world, we want to hear from you.
Send your CV and a cover letter telling us what makes you an ideal candidate and why you want to become a leader in residential childcare at Sunbridge. Applications should be emailed to [email protected].
· Closing Date for Applications: 24th June 2026
· Application Shortlisting completion deadline: 6th July 2026
· Assessment Event: 17th July 2026 (Newcastle location TBC)
o Welcome & introductions
o Group Exercise
o Structured Interview
· Outcomes: Planned Start Date Monday 7th Sept 2026
Sunbridge Childcare Ltd is an equal opportunities employer and value diversity. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.
We are fully committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children, and all successful applicants will be required to complete an Enhanced DBS check as part of our onboarding process.
Pay: From £29,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Referral programme
Application question(s):
- You understand this is a 36-48 month graduate trainee programme which requires full commitment?
Education:
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Willingness to travel:
Work Location: In person
