Job Description:

YMCA Robin Hood Group is seeking an Operations Manager to join our Children’s Residential Care team in this newly created role. 

We are looking for a compassionate leader who can empower our existing team and provide invaluable support and experience to our Registered Managers, allowing them to thrive under your guidance, mentoring, and coaching. 

You’ll join an experienced Leadership Team, rooted in collaboration and compassion, who share the same aim - keeping the best interests of children at the heart of everything we do. 

We operate homes across Nottingham, Newark, Goole, and Selby. This role provides oversight across all locations - we value strong relationships with all teams and children, rather than limiting you to a single home. 

Our Leadership team are based at the YMCA Newark & Sherwood Community & Activity Village which is used for meetings, co-working space and training. Your week will typically include 1 day working from home and 4 days across the homes and the Village, with flexibility to manage your diary. 

If you’re hands-on, people-focused, and driven to both support teams and raise standards, this could be the role for you.

Job Title: Operations Manager 
Location: Split between YMCA Newark & Sherwood Community & Activity Village and the residential homes; flexibility to work from home 1 day per week, 
Salary:  £65,918 per annum. 
Hours: 40 hours per week, primarily Monday to Friday but with flexibility to work evenings and weekends to support the needs of the homes. 
 
 As Operations Manager, you will:

• Provide nurturing, mentoring and coaching to our Registered Managers, supporting their growth while leading a team dedicated to achieving high standards and making a meaningful impact on children’s lives.
• Embed high-performance, values-led practice and quality standards 
• Lead onquality, contracts, audits, and compliance –maintainingand improving our Good and Outstanding Ofsted ratings.
• Support performance, wellbeing, and development across amulti-site team.
• Oversee budgets, contracts, and funding opportunities to ensure the sustainability of the service.
• Work closely with our in-house therapeutic teams.
• As part of our future growth plan, lead the registration and launch of new homes.

Does this sound like you?

• Significant experiencein management roles within Children’s Residential Care.
• Already hold or be prepared to work towards your Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management(or equivalent)to become qualified within 2 years of appointment.
• A track recordof successfulOfsted inspections.
• Quality driven, withhigh standardsof what a children’s home should look like.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build trusted relationships with colleagues and children.
• Able to challenge and question as well as make recommendations to improve practice and outcomes for children.
• Aconfident,working knowledge of key legislation and standards, including the Children’s Homes Regulations, Children Acts, and safeguarding frameworks.
• A full driving licence and willingness to travelfrequentlyacross the region, often at short notice.
• Whilst this is predominately a Monday to Friday role working 40 hours per week, we would ask that you are flexible to work evenings and weekends when required, occasionally acting as part of an on-call rota patternto support the overall wellbeing of the team.

 
What We Value 
We’re driven by our core values and we look for these in every member of our team:

• We Seek Out –We’realways looking for ways to do better.
• We Welcome – We include, respect, and support everyone.
• We Inspire – We believe in every person’s potential.
• We Speak Out – We advocate for what’s right.
• We Serve Others – We act with compassion and purpose.

These values are more than just words—they shape how we work, lead, and serve. 

Our North Star – What Guides Us 

Everything we do is inspired by our ambition that every child and young person we support:

• Builds the relationships that help them discover who they are
• Develops the skills and confidence to shape their own life
• Learns how to connect with and contribute to the world around them

Your leadership will play a vital role in achieving this mission. 

Our Benefits 

We value your commitment and relentless dedication and have crafted a package of health & well-being benefits.  

Here’s some of what you can expect:

• 27days annual leave (plus bank holidays), increasing to32days with 5 years’ service
• Wellbeing package (after passing probation): 24/7 GP access, health/dental cashback, Employment Assistance Programme
• Funded training, qualifications & career progression across YMCA services
• Quarterly Campfires – celebrating our impact across the organisation
• Discounted YMCA childcare & holiday clubs
• £500 refer-a-friend bonus
• Blue Light Card eligibility + 10% discount at YMCA Café and Malt Cross

Diversity & Safer Recruitment 

YMCA Robin Hood Group is committed to equal opportunities, promoting diversity, and creating an inclusive culture where all staff can thrive. 

We follow rigorous safer recruitment processes to ensure the protection of children, young people, and adults at risk. All applicants will be subject to enhanced DBS checks, reference checks, and thorough vetting as part of our commitment to safeguarding. 

Ready to Apply? 

If you are ready to use your wealth of experience gained from years as a Registered Manager with our teams, share our values, and have the relevant experience to match, we want to hear from you. 

Apply now and be part of something bigger. Help us shape not just better services, but brighter futures for children.