Head of Placements & Commissioning - Children's Residential Services

Head of Placements & Commissioning - Children's Residential Services

 Southeast London + occasional travel

 £50,000 - £55,000 per annum + performance bonus
 Full Time, Permanent
 Full UK Driving Licence Required
 Enhanced DBS Required

About the Role

A growing children's residential care provider is seeking an experienced and commercially focused Head of Placements & Commissioning to oversee occupancy and referrals across multiple children's homes located in Southeast London.

This is a senior provider side role focused on building strong commissioner relationships, managing referrals, increasing occupancy, and ensuring high quality placement matching for children and young people.

This is not a reactive placements role. We are looking for someone who can independently manage referrals, confidently engage with Local Authority commissioners, and drive occupancy strategy across multiple homes from day one.

Key Responsibilities

Referrals & Placement Management

• Manage the full referrals pipeline across multiply children's homes
• Assess referrals against risk, compatibility, occupancy and safeguarding criteria
• Work closely with Registered Managers to confirm placement suitability
• Coordinate placement transitions and admissions
• Maintain accurate occupancy trackers and referral data
• Ensure compliance with Children's Homes Regulations 2015 and safeguarding frameworks
• Liaise with social workers, IROs, families and external professionals

Commissioner Relationships & Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Local Authority commissioners
• Drive occupancy growth across the residential portfolio
• Attend commissioning forums and sector networking events
• Support framework applications and tender opportunities
• Provide market intelligence and occupancy insight to senior leadership

Placement Oversight

• Support stable placements and positive outcomes for young people
• Monitor placement stability and identify emerging risks early
• Contribute to placement reviews and professionals’ meetings
• Ensure Placement Plans remain accurate and up to date

Essential Requirements

• Significant experience within children's residential care, referrals, placements or commissioning
• Experience working at Deputy Manager level or above within children's residential services
• Strong knowledge of:
  • Children's Homes (England) Regulations 2015
  • SCCIF
  • Ofsted Quality Standards
  • Safeguarding legislation
• Existing relationships with Local Authority commissioners across London and the Southeast
• Experience managing referrals and occupancy across multiple homes
• Ability to make confident placement decisions independently
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Highly organised with strong commercial awareness
• Enhanced DBS (or willingness to obtain)
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership & Management for Residential Childcare

Tender writing or framework experience

Knowledge of therapeutic or trauma-informed care models

Existing commissioner relationships on the South Coast

Multi-site residential care experience

What's on Offer

£50,000 - £55,000 basic salary
Performance related bonus scheme
Genuine senior leadership influence
Growing provider with ambitious expansion plans
Ongoing professional development and CPD
Opportunity to shape occupancy strategy across multiple homes
Supportive and autonomous working environment

Apply Now

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please apply or WhatsApp me on (phone number removed).

This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All appointments are subject to Enhanced DBS clearance, satisfactory references, and right to work checks.

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