Operations Director - Children's Residential Services

Join Our Team at Area Camden!

Position: 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 the lookout for an experienced and ambitious Operations Director & Responsible Individual to lead our high-performing residential children's services.

Since 2014, we have proudly achieved Good and Outstanding Ofsted outcomes, creating safe, nurturing, and aspirational homes where children and young people can truly thrive. With seven established children's homes and plans for two more, this is your chance to shape the future of our organization while upholding the high standards we are known for.

Children and young people are at the heart of everything we do. Join us and be part of an organization renowned for quality, innovation, and positive outcomes!

Why Join Area Camden?

When you become part of Area Camden, you’re joining a provider with a stellar reputation for delivering high-quality care. We prioritize strong leadership, reflective practice, and professional development, ensuring our leaders have the support they need to make a lasting difference.

• Proven Track Record: Consistently achieving Good and Outstanding Ofsted ratings since 2014.
• Strong Operational Structure: Well-established systems to support effective management and oversight.
• Part of the Polaris Community: Access to a range of specialist support services, including:
• Dedicated recruitment team
• HR and employee relations support
• Quality assurance and compliance teams
• Learning and development programs
• Safeguarding specialists
• Health and safety teams
• Experienced Leadership Team: Collaborate with operational leaders committed to excellence.
• Professional Network: Join a collaborative community to share best practices and drive innovation.
• Opportunities for Influence: Play a key role in strategic decision-making and quality improvement.
• Continuous Development: We support 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 our homes deliver outstanding care and maintain strong Ofsted outcomes.

Your focus will be on:

• Maintaining and strengthening quality across our portfolio.
• Driving continuous improvement and supporting service development.
• Ensuring readiness for inspections while delivering positive outcomes for children and young people.

Key Responsibilities

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

About You

We are seeking a 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 in children's residential care.
• Experience as a Responsible Individual within an Ofsted-regulated service.
• Strong understanding of children's residential legislation and Quality Standards.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience in leading quality improvement initiatives.
• Ability to support 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.
• 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 help shape brighter futures for children and young people at Area Camden. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. All successful applicants will undergo an enhanced DBS check, covered by Area Camden. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.