Operations Director - Children's Residential Services

Join Our Team as Operations Director & Responsible Individual

Salary: Up to £80,000 per annum plus performance-related bonus

Hours: 40 hours per week

Location: Greater London

About Us

At Area Camden, part of the Polaris Community, we are on a mission to lead and develop high-performing residential children's services. With a proven track record of achieving Good and Outstanding Ofsted outcomes since 2014, we are dedicated to providing safe, nurturing, and aspirational homes where children and young people can truly thrive.

Currently, we operate seven established children's homes, with plans to open two more as part of our ambitious growth strategy. This is your chance to influence the future direction of our organization while upholding the high standards that Area Camden is known for.

Why Join Area Camden?

Becoming part of Area Camden means joining a provider with a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality care and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. We value strong leadership, reflective practice, and professional development, ensuring our leaders have the support they need to make a lasting difference.

• Proven Track Record of Excellence: Since 2014, we have consistently achieved Good and Outstanding Ofsted ratings, providing a stable environment for senior leaders to thrive.
• Strong Systems and Operational Structure: Our well-established systems and frameworks enable you to focus on driving quality and performance.
• Part of the Wider Polaris Community: Enjoy access to specialist support services, including recruitment, HR, quality assurance, and safeguarding.
• Experienced Leadership Team: Collaborate with operational leaders committed to maintaining excellence across our services.
• Opportunities to Influence and Shape Services: Play a key role in strategic decision-making and quality improvement initiatives.
• Continuous Development: We are dedicated to your professional growth through training and peer support.

About the Role

As the Operations Director, you will report directly to the Managing Director, providing both strategic and operational leadership across our residential services. You will share Responsible Individual duties with the Head of Care, ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance.

Your focus will be on maintaining and strengthening quality across our portfolio, ensuring our homes continue to deliver outstanding care and achieve excellence in all areas of practice. You will work closely with Registered Managers and senior leaders to drive continuous improvement and ensure readiness for inspection.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the organizational strategy in line with Polaris Community objectives.
• Provide operational leadership across our seven existing children's homes and support the opening of two new homes.
• Ensure effective governance and oversight across all services.
• Maintain high standards of care and practice that consistently deliver strong Ofsted outcomes.
• Support and develop Registered Managers to achieve exceptional performance.
• Ensure compliance with relevant legislation and safeguarding requirements.
• Monitor operational, financial, and quality performance against targets.
• Build strong relationships with managers, staff, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Drive inspection readiness through robust auditing and quality assurance processes.

About You

We are looking for an experienced senior leader with a proven track record in residential children's services.

Essential Requirements

• A social work qualification and current registration with Social Work England and/or SSSC.
• Significant senior leadership experience within children's residential care.
• Experience acting as a Responsible Individual within an Ofsted-regulated service.
• A detailed understanding of children's residential legislation and Quality Standards.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.
• Experience supporting growth and operational change.

Personal Attributes

• An inspirational and visible leader.
• A strategic thinker with a practical, solution-focused approach.
• Highly motivated, resilient, and adaptable.
• Committed to maintaining high-quality care standards.

What We Offer

• Salary up to £80,000 per annum.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Opportunity to influence and shape strategic growth.
• Oversight of an established portfolio of homes with exciting expansion plans.
• Supportive and collaborative senior leadership team.
• Ongoing professional development and executive leadership support.
• The chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of children and young people.

Apply Today!

Take the next step in your career and play a key role in maintaining excellence, driving future growth, and shaping brighter futures for children and young people across Area Camden.

Area Camden is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be covered by Area Camden. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.