Package Description

Job Title: Deputy Manager

Location: Buxton (with satellite accommodations), opening in 2025

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (office hours)

Driving Requirements: Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle essential

About the Role

Are you a skilled leader with a passion for outdoor adventure and supporting young people? As a Deputy Manager, you’ll play a pivotal role in the success of our Activity and Intervention residential service. Opening in 2025, our service supports young people aged 8-18 through a structured 12-week programme combining therapeutic care, adventure-based activities, and personalised education plans.

You will support the Service Manager (Ofsted Registered Manager) in overseeing day-to-day operations, mentoring staff, and ensuring the highest standards of care, safety, and programme delivery.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership: Assist in managing the daily running of the service, including staff schedules, care plans, and compliance with regulatory and organisational standards.

Team Management: Supervise and support a team of Residential Activity Workers, ensuring they deliver high-quality care and maintain good practices.

Programme Oversight: Ensure that each young person’s 12-week programme is tailored to their needs, integrating activities such as mountain biking, rock climbing, and kayaking to build resilience, self-esteem, and life skills.

Safeguarding and Compliance: Maintain a safe and nurturing environment, ensuring all activities and routines align with safeguarding protocols and health & safety requirements.

Family and Stakeholder Liaison: Act as a key point of contact for families, social workers, and other stakeholders, providing regular updates on progress and facilitating smooth transitions back to family or community life.

Continuous Improvement: Support the Service Manager in identifying areas for improvement, implementing strategies to enhance service delivery, and ensuring the home meets and exceeds Ofsted standards.

What We’re Looking For

Qualifications: Minimum NVQ/QCF Level 3 in Residential Childcare is essential. Level 5 or a willingness to work towards it is highly desirable.

Experience: At least 1 year in a senior or leadership role within residential childcare, with a strong background in working with young people facing complex challenges.

Skills: Strong organisational, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills. Resilient, caring, and passionate about making a difference in the lives of young people.

Driving Licence: A full UK driving licence and access to your own transport are essential for this role.

Why Join Us?

Rewarding Role: Make a lasting impact by leading a team that helps young people overcome challenges and achieve personal growth.

Career Development: Extensive opportunities for training, including working towards the Level 5 Diploma and certifications in outdoor activities such as climbing, kayaking, and mountain biking.

Supportive Environment: Work closely with a dedicated team, receive professional guidance, and enjoy a structured career progression path.

Additional Perks:

Free meals while on shift

Enhanced overtime rates

28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service

A £250 referral bonus for recommending colleagues

Enrolment in the NEST Pension Scheme

About Us

Our service is designed to provide emergency, crisis intervention placements, giving young people a chance to build confidence, learn new skills, and establish positive routines. Located in an Ofsted registered children’s home, the programme includes off-site temporary accommodation and adventurous activities. The 12-week programme provides a safe environment for young people to escape negative influences, manage risk-taking behaviour, and develop constructive coping strategies. As part of this approach, young people also have opportunities to gain qualifications and receive a structured education package.

IL3

Keys Group