Registered Manager

Department: Operations
Reporting to: North Specialist Director
Location: West Yorkshire (Bradford), UK – On-site
Organisation: Stepping Stones Services, part of Optimo Care Group

Organisation

Stepping Stones Services, part of Optimo Care Group, is an ambitious and forward thinking provider of high quality, person centred care and support services. We are committed to supporting individuals with complex mental health and care needs to live fulfilling, independent, and meaningful lives within their communities.

Through a highly trained and compassionate workforce, we deliver safe, responsive, and emotionally attuned care while maintaining the highest standards of quality, compliance, and professionalism. As part of a growing organisation, we offer excellent opportunities for career development, continuous learning through the Optimo Learning Academy, and a supportive environment where our people can thrive and make a genuine difference every day.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Registered Manager to lead our West Yorkshire service. This role has a strong focus on supporting individuals with both mental health needs and complex care requirements, including individuals living with Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD), Non-Epileptic Attack Disorder, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and other complex conditions.

As Registered Manager, you will have full operational responsibility for the day to day management of the service, leading a large and diverse workforce while ensuring the delivery of safe, effective, and high quality care that enables individuals to live as independently as possible.

You will work closely with senior leadership, colleagues, commissioners, healthcare professionals, and families to ensure regulatory compliance, operational excellence, sustainable service growth, and exceptional outcomes for the people we support.

Key Responsibilities

Service Management

Ensure the delivery of high quality, person centred care that promotes independence, dignity, and choice
Maintain staffing levels at 110% capacity, identifying recruitment needs and working closely with the Recruitment Team
Oversee effective matching of care staff to service user needs
Ensure changes in service users’ needs are identified and responded to promptly
Respond to all new referrals within contractual and organisational timescales
Maintain strong communication and relationships with commissioners, service users, relatives, and professionals
Ensure the office is appropriately resourced during office hours and that an effective out of hours on call service is in place (Which you will also be a part of).
Investigate and respond to complaints and concerns in line with organisational policy

Compliance and Quality

Register with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) as Registered Manager and maintain responsibility for regulatory compliance
Ensure compliance with the Health & Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014 and CQC guidance
Maintain compliance KPIs including supervision, appraisals, training, audits, care planning, and safeguarding
Ensure safeguarding concerns are reported appropriately and investigations completed as required
Meet duty of candour requirements and submit all CQC notifications within required timescales
Lead on health and safety, including monthly audits and risk reduction actions

Team Management and Leadership

Uphold the organisation’s vision, values, and behaviour framework
Lead, motivate, and develop staff across all levels
Oversee recruitment, onboarding, supervision, appraisals, training, and absence management
Ensure staff are trained and supported to meet role responsibilities
Promote effective communication across a large and dispersed workforce
Provide advice, guidance, and support to staff as required

About You

We are looking for an experienced and compassionate leader with a strong background in health and social care management. You will be passionate about delivering high quality, person centred support for individuals with mental health and complex care needs.

You will be an organised, proactive, and resilient manager who can confidently lead teams, manage operational performance, and maintain compliance within a regulated environment. Strong communication, leadership, and problem-solving skills are essential, alongside the ability to inspire and support a diverse workforce.

Essential Experience

Minimum of 2 years’ experience in management within a health and social care setting
At least 2 years’ experience in an operational management role
Experience within supported living, domiciliary care, mental health, and complex care services
Proven experience managing and developing effective teams
Strong understanding of current legal and regulatory frameworks
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards
Willingness to register with the CQC as Registered Manager
Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle
Willingness to participate in an on call rota

Desirable

Experience working with individuals with EUPD, Psychosis, Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, and complex mental health presentations
Experience managing service growth and development
Experience engaging with commissioners and external stakeholders

Skills

Excellent leadership and people management skills
Strong organisational and operational management abilities
Effective communication and relationship-building skills
Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment
Problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
Strong understanding of safeguarding and compliance requirements
Ability to motivate, support, and develop teams

Why Join Stepping Stones Services?

Salary of £42,000 – £45,000 per annum (depending on experience)
Full-time permanent position – 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday (9am–5pm)
Comprehensive Training – Access to the Optimo Learning Academy for ongoing development and support
Career Progression – Opportunities within a growing organisation
Supportive Team Environment – Join a friendly and collaborative team
Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 professional support via Health Assured
Reward Gateway – Access to retail discounts and recognition benefits
£500 Refer a Friend Scheme
Paid Birthday Leave – An additional paid day off for your birthday

Additional Information

Start date available ASAP
Participation in an on-call rota is essential
Enhanced DBS clearance required
Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle essential
This is an on-site role based in South Yorkshire (Bradford)
Travel may occasionally be required to meet operational needs

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