Service Manager

Join Our Team at The Lighthouse!

Located just outside Stroud town centre in Gloucestershire, The Lighthouse is a nurturing 5-bedded residential home dedicated to supporting young females aged 13–18 who are facing mental health challenges. With excellent transport links and a welcoming environment, we provide a space where young people can truly thrive.

Position: Registered Manager
Type: Full-time | 37.5 hours per week | Site-based
Salary: £50,000
Qualifications: Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards)

Your Role: What You'll Be Doing

As the Registered Manager, you will take the lead in shaping the future of our residential home. Your mission? To ensure that every child receives outstanding care in a safe and nurturing environment, empowering them to make progress in all aspects of their lives. You will collaborate closely with a supportive senior leadership team, playing a pivotal role in fostering a positive culture and achieving remarkable outcomes.

Your Key Responsibilities Include:

• Overseeing the daily operations of the children’s home
• Ensuring compliance with Ofsted regulations and Children’s Home Regulations 2015
• Creating a positive, child-centred, trauma-informed culture
• Leading, developing, and supporting the staff team
• Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children
• Implementing high-quality care plans, risk assessments, and behaviour support strategies
• Building strong relationships with local authorities and external professionals
• Driving positive outcomes for children in education, independence, and wellbeing
• Preparing for and leading Ofsted inspections to achieve ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ ratings
• Supporting team effectiveness through recruitment, development, and retention

What You Bring to the Role

We know that this work is incredibly rewarding, yet can also be challenging. Your resilience and natural empathy will be essential as you support young people through their journeys.

We’re Looking for Candidates Who Have:

• Experience in children’s residential care at a management or deputy level
• A strong understanding of Ofsted regulations and safeguarding practices
• A Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare (or working towards)
• A passion for therapeutic and trauma-informed care
• Excellent leadership and communication skills
• A child-focused, resilient, and values-driven approach

During the interview process, we will assess candidates against our leadership behaviours, which are essential for fostering a high-performing culture and delivering the best care for those we support.

What We Offer You

At Priory, we want you to succeed and thrive in your role. You will receive ongoing support through regular career conversations and access to full training, with numerous pathways into leadership and clinical positions.

Our Benefits Include:

• Free on-site parking
• Birthday Holiday - Enjoy an extra day off for your birthday!
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits, including reduced rates for gym memberships and IT technology
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship for professional qualifications
• Leadership & management development programs
• Long service awards
• Refer-a-friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the vacancy may close early if suitable candidates are identified.

About Priory

Priory is the UK’s leading independent provider of mental health and adult social care. With a dedicated team of 12,000 colleagues across 270 services, we support over 24,000 individuals each year, helping them live their lives as fully and independently as possible. We treat a wide range of conditions, including depression, anxiety, and children’s mental health, while providing residential and supported living care for various needs.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to an inclusive recruitment process. All roles are subject to a successful disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and Priory will cover the cost of this check.