Director of Children’s Services – Social Enterprise - Residential Care

Northwest - Candidates must be within commuting distance to Liverpool and surrounding areas

£75,000 + 5% matched pension | Up to 30 days annual leave + bank holidays

Responsible Individuals and experienced registered managers are encouraged to apply

NVQ Level 5 in childcare is essential

Make a real difference in the lives of children and families.

Compass Associated is proud to be partnering with a pioneering social enterprise to appoint a Director of Children’s Services / Registered Manager. With a legacy dating back to 1991 and a turnover of £36 million, this North West-based organisation delivers a wide range of impactful services across public health, mental health, family outreach, early years, and primary education.

As demand for third-sector children’s homes grows, the organisation has secured investment to launch 4 children’s homes and a fostering agency. Early plans are that the homes are located in Liverpool and the fostering agency in Manchester. This role represents a unique opportunity to shape and lead new services from the ground up – while contributing strategically at board level.

About the Role

You will hold responsibility for:

• Take full operational responsibility for a cluster of children’s homes, ensuring outstanding care, safeguarding, and regulatory compliance, you will also hold temporary registration whilst recruiting another manager.
• Commissioning and registration of new children's homes
• Collaborate with key exec team members including the CEO, Finance Director, and Business Development Director
• Contribution to group wide strategy
• Provide direct support, mentorship, and appraisals for Registered Managers, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and professional development
• Oversee governance, quality assurance, and performance frameworks to deliver positive outcomes for children and young people
• Lead the setup and registration of new homes, including staff recruitment
• Report to the Board on service performance, growth plans, and regulatory matters.

About You

• We’re seeking a values-driven leader who believes in equity and brings proven experience managing and leading children’s services
• Strong background in the children’s care sector
• A track record of developing and commissioning new services/homes
• Be able to develop new services and establish effective operational structures.

Recommendations

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 of John Lewis vouchers for each successful recommendation.

Contact details

If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity or would like to request a full job description please contact Adam Brenton direct on 0161 667 6555. Alternatively please email abrenton@compassltd.co.uk