Children’s Residential Commissioning Manager

Salary: £60,000 – £65,000 (dependent on experience)
Benefits: Attractive benefits package, including healthcare & car allowance

Dignus Group is expanding our children’s residential services, and we are seeking an experienced and dynamic Children’s Residential Commissioning Manager to lead the development, registration, and successful launch of new children’s homes. This is a pivotal role for a strategic, forward-thinking professional who is passionate about creating safe, nurturing, high-quality environments for children with diverse and complex needs.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will oversee the end-to-end commissioning process—from initial concept through to Ofsted registration and operational readiness. You will shape each home’s vision, establish its operational frameworks, and ensure full regulatory compliance.

This is a unique opportunity to influence service design from the ground up, lead on regulatory readiness, recruit the inaugural team, and ensure the service achieves a minimum “Good” rating at first inspection. As part of the start-up phase, you will act in the Registered Manager role through to the first rated inspection.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commissioning of new children’s homes from concept to opening.
• Develop and deliver detailed project plans, including milestones and resource allocation.
• Prepare and submit all documentation required for Ofsted registration.
• Liaise with Ofsted throughout the registration and inspection process.
• Ensure all physical, operational, safeguarding, and health & safety standards meet regulatory requirements.
• Design and implement operational policies, procedures, and care frameworks.
• Establish robust safeguarding protocols, risk assessment systems, and incident reporting processes.
• Produce a trauma-informed, child-centred Statement of Purpose for each home.
• Lead the recruitment, onboarding, and training of the initial staffing team, including the Registered Manager.
• Foster a positive, therapeutic culture that supports staff wellbeing and retention.
• Ensure all training meets safeguarding and trauma-informed standards.
• Build strong relationships with local authorities, commissioners, social workers, and community partners.
• Represent the organisation at multi-agency forums.
• Respond to commissioning opportunities and negotiate placement agreements.
• Develop and manage commissioning budgets and ensure financial sustainability.
• Monitor expenditure and contribute to business planning and forecasting.
• Establish monitoring, audit, and evaluation systems pre- and post-launch.
• Drive continuous improvement and ensure readiness for Ofsted inspection.

ABOUT YOU

Qualifications & Training

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management for Residential Childcare
• Minimum Safeguarding Level 3
• Full UK Driving Licence

Experience

• Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Registered Manager within a children’s residential environment
• Proven experience commissioning or setting up children’s residential homes
• Demonstrable success in leading Ofsted registration processes
• Experience working with children with Learning Disabilities, Autism, or complex needs
• Experience recruiting and developing staff teams
• Budget management experience

Knowledge & Understanding:

• In-depth understanding of Children’s Homes (England) Regulations 2015 and Quality Standards
• Strong knowledge of safeguarding legislation
• Understanding of trauma-informed care, positive behaviour support, and attachment theory
• Awareness of equality, diversity, and inclusion in residential care

Skills & Abilities:

• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong leadership and team-building capabilities
• High-level written and verbal communication
• Skilled in risk assessment, policy development, and compliance monitoring
• Confident in liaising with external stakeholders and regulatory bodies
• Able to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines

ABOUT US

At Dignus Group we provide safe spaces for individuals who have challenging conditions that limit their ability to live independently and achieve the goals that others might take for granted.

Through our divisions Dignus Specialist Care and Dignus Support, we provide varying levels of residential care and supported living to individuals with autistic spectrum disorders, mental health conditions, and physical and sensory disabilities.

Our diverse and responsive care pathway enables us to support service users from leaving a more restrictive healthcare establishment, to living in the most independent way possible.

Why Join Dignus Healthcare?

At Dignus Group, no two days are the same. We value flexibility, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. You will play a central role in shaping life-changing services for children and leading meaningful organisational growth.