Deputy Manager

Role: Deputy Manager
Location: Maidstone, Kent
Salary: £28,000-£32,000
Contract Type: Full-Time - Permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm (on call rota)

Due to internal promotion, our client, a well-established children's residential provider, has exclusively instructed us to appoint an experienced and driven Deputy Manager.

This is a career-defining opportunity for a strong practitioner ready to step into a senior leadership role within a supportive, forward-thinking organisation.

The Role
As Deputy Manager, you will work in close partnership with the Registered Manager to ensure the home delivers exceptional standards of care and compliance.

You will:

- Line manage and supervise a small staff team, driving performance and development
- Motivate and empower staff to achieve meaningful outcomes for young people
- Promote independence and positive life skills for children aged 8-18
- Confidently manage conflict situations in a calm, professional manner
- Build strong partnerships with local authorities, parents/carers, and external agencies
- Support the daily operational management of the home
- Drive standards in line with Ofsted and Children's Homes National Minimum Standards

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a hands-on leadership capacity and leads by example.

We are seeking candidates who:

- Hold a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management (or equivalent)
- Have at least 1 year of recent experience in a relevant residential childcare setting
- Have experience supporting children with emotional, behavioural and social difficulties, mental health needs, and/or complex needs
- Understand Child in Need, Child Protection, and LAC plans
- Have experience delivering personal care
- Demonstrate a creative and child-centred approach
- Are deeply committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare
- Are passionate about continuous professional development

You must be able to reliably commute to Maidstone or be planning relocation prior to the start date.

What's On Offer
- Competitive salary: £28,000-£32,000
- Yearly appraisal reviews
- Full-time, permanent contract
- Strong leadership support structure
- Clear career progression pathway
- Ongoing professional development
- A culture that recognises and rewards success

Safeguarding Commitment

This organisation is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check via the Disclosure and Barring Service and satisfactory references.

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Thank you.

KH Recruitment Ltd is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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