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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