We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Chief Operating Officer to lead the operational vision and growth of a prominent social care provider across Kent and South East London.
Reporting directly to the Group Director, the COO will hold full operational accountability across the group, chairing the Senior Leadership Team and leading the delivery of high-quality residential family assessment services, children’s homes and supported accommodation.
The successful candidate will oversee the group’s operational P&L, drive strategic expansion and financial performance, and ensure the highest standards of regulatory compliance, safeguarding and service quality.
The role has a significant business development focus, requiring established relationships with local authority commissioners and the ability to identify and secure growth opportunities. Experience opening new services is essential, as the organisation enters an ambitious expansion phase.
Key priorities include diversifying family assessment services through community-based assessment provision and expanding the children’s homes portfolio, beginning with a high-needs DoLS-registered home before further planned developments.
The COO will lead and develop Responsible Individuals, Registered Managers and senior operational teams, fostering a values-led culture focused on outstanding outcomes for children, young people and families.
About You:
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of scaling a social care business from approximately £5m to over £15m turnover and will have held full board-level P&L ownership.
You will possess extensive experience within children’s residential services, family assessment services and supported accommodation, alongside established relationships with local authority commissioners and a strong commercial mindset.
You will have experience building and managing Responsible Individual and Registered Manager structures, successfully opening and mobilising new services, and leading organisations through periods of sustainable growth.
A deep understanding of Ofsted regulation, safeguarding, compliance and quality assurance is essential, together with the ability to balance commercial performance with exceptional care outcomes.
Personal attributes include resilience, strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, a proactive owner’s mentality, sound commercial judgement and a genuine commitment to continuous improvement within a values-led organisation.
What’s On Offer:
This is a senior leadership opportunity offering a salary of £105,000 – £125,000, dependent on experience.
The package also includes:
- Performance-related bonus of up to 25-30%, linked to occupancy, P&L delivery and Ofsted outcomes.
- Leased electric company car.
- Private medical cover.
- Pension scheme.
- 25-30 days annual leave.
- Excellent opportunities for professional development and long-term career progression.
This is a permanent UK-based role requiring regular operational presence across services throughout Kent and South East London, rather than being based in a single office location.
About the Client:
Our client is a well-established, values-led social care provider operating across Kent and South East London, delivering residential family assessment services, children’s homes and supported accommodation.
With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality outcomes, the organisation is entering an exciting period of strategic growth, with ambitious plans to expand its services while maintaining exceptional standards of care, governance and operational excellence.
Recruitment Timeline:
We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible, as applications will be reviewed upon receipt and the recruitment process may commence before the advert closes.
Suitable candidates will initially have a confidential telephone discussion with Daisy Chattey, Principal Consultant. Following this, successful shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview.
The successful candidate is expected to join the organisation in early 2027, allowing for the notice periods typically associated with senior executive appointments.
How to Apply:
Please complete the application form below and upload an up-to-date CV.
For a confidential discussion regarding this opportunity, please contact Daisy Chattey, Principal Consultant, via daisy@hamptonsresourcing.com or 01926 695216.
We are committed to promoting an inclusive workforce. All applicants will be considered fairly, and reasonable adjustments will be made throughout the recruitment process.
Please note: Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; sponsorship is not available.
