Operations Director - Children's Residential Services

Join Us as the Area Camden 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 creating safe, nurturing, and aspirational homes where children and young people can truly thrive.

Currently operating seven established children's homes, with plans for two additional homes as part of our ambitious growth strategy, we are looking for an experienced leader to help shape our future while maintaining the high standards that define us.

Why Join Area Camden?

Becoming part of Area Camden means joining a provider renowned for delivering high-quality care and achieving positive outcomes for children and young people. Here’s what you can expect:

• Proven Track Record: Since 2014, we have consistently achieved Good and Outstanding Ofsted ratings, providing a stable environment for senior leaders to excel.
• Strong Systems: Our well-established systems and frameworks support effective management, allowing you to focus on driving quality and performance.
• Part of the Polaris Community: Enjoy access to a range of specialist support services, including dedicated recruitment, HR, quality assurance, and safeguarding teams.
• Experienced Leadership: Collaborate with a committed team of operational leaders focused on maintaining excellence across our services.
• Opportunities for Influence: 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 & Responsible Individual, you will report directly to the Managing Director, providing both strategic and operational leadership across our residential services. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing and delivering the organisational strategy in line with Polaris Community objectives.
• Providing operational leadership across our seven existing children's homes and supporting the opening of two new homes.
• Ensuring effective governance and regulatory compliance as a shared Responsible Individual alongside the Head of Care.
• Maintaining high standards of care and practice that consistently deliver strong Ofsted outcomes.
• Supporting and developing Registered Managers to achieve exceptional performance.
• Monitoring operational, financial, and quality performance against agreed targets.
• Building strong relationships with managers, staff, local authorities, and other stakeholders.
• Driving 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. Here’s what you need:

• 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 acumen and experience delivering against operational objectives.
• Exceptional leadership and communication skills.
• Experience leading quality improvement initiatives.

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.

Apply Today!

Join us in maintaining excellence, driving future growth, and shaping brighter futures for children and young people across 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.

Area Camden is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates.