Regional Director – Children’s Residential Care

Regional Director – Children’s Residential Services

Location: North West / Cumbria (Hybrid – 2 days office, 2 days remote, 1 day in services)
Salary: £100,000 per annum + 20% Bonus + £8,000 Car Allowance

An established and growing children’s care provider is seeking two Regional Directors to lead their expanding portfolio of single occupancy residential homes across the North West and Cumbria. This exciting opportunity has arisen due to a restructure, splitting the previous operational oversight into two regional roles. Each Regional Director will be responsible for overseeing 20–25 homes, driving continuous improvement and ensuring service excellence during a key phase of growth and transformation.

The organisation is well-respected for delivering high-quality, therapeutic care and has ambitious growth plans, with 10 new services due to open this year and further expansion planned. With a strong focus on quality, compliance, and occupancy, this role is ideal for a commercially astute leader who can develop teams and deliver sustainable improvement.

The Role:

We’re seeking two accomplished Regional Directors to take the lead in improving quality, developing high-performing teams, and supporting service expansion in a region currently undergoing major transformation, including transitioning all homes to individual Ofsted registrations.

As part of the senior leadership team, you’ll work closely with the COO and will directly manage around 5 Operations Managers. You will shape strategic direction, ensure regulatory compliance, and play a key role in commercial development, including improving occupancy and profitability across the region.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and develop a regional strategy aligned to the organisation’s vision and growth plans.
• Provide operational leadership across 20–25 single-occupancy homes, ensuring quality, safety, and compliance.
• Support re-registration process, transitioning homes to individual Ofsted-registered settings.
• Develop and coach Operations Managers to embed a culture of accountability, reflective practice, and high standards.
• Implement robust quality assurance frameworks and prepare services for successful Ofsted inspections.
• Drive occupancy levels to maximise revenue and service reach.
• Oversee regional budgets and ensure cost-effective service delivery.
• Foster strong relationships with commissioners, regulators, and internal teams.
• Act as safeguarding lead for the region and manage critical incidents effectively.
• Collaborate across central functions to integrate clinical, educational, and therapeutic support.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven track record in regional leadership within children’s residential services.
• Experience managing senior operational teams across multiple services.
• Deep understanding of Ofsted frameworks, safeguarding principles, and compliance standards.
• Commercially minded with strong experience in budgeting, occupancy, and contract management.
• Able to inspire and develop others, creating a high-performing, values-led leadership culture.
• Flexible and resilient, with the ability to work independently and travel across the region.
• Based within a 2-hour radius of Cumbria.
• Recognised qualifications in leadership, care, or safeguarding (Level 5 or equivalent preferred).

What’s on Offer:

• Salary: £100,000 + 20% Annual Bonus
• Car Allowance: £8,000 per annum
• Hybrid Working Pattern: 2 days office (Tuesdays essential), 2 days remote, 1 day in services
• Growth Opportunities: Involvement in new service openings and expansion strategy
• Supportive Leadership: Direct access to the Chief Operating Officer and central support
• Purpose-Driven Work: Help shape the future of children’s care in a transforming organisation

Contact Details:

If you would like to be considered for this unique and rewarding opportunity, please contact Laura Bloomfield on 0161 667 6797 or email an updated CV to [email protected]

Recommendations:

Compass Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer a £200 John Lewis voucher for a successful recommendation following the completion of probation/rebate.