Operational Manager in Brighton

As an Operational Manager you will be working for a people‑led organisation whose mission is to inspire change across Sussex.

This is a unique opportunity to manage two closely linked but distinct services within BHT Sussex, each with its own funding stream, remit and outcomes, but sharing a common goal of supporting individuals towards independence. The Operational Manager will participate in the on‑call rota for Addiction Services.

The Move On project provides safe, recovery‑focused accommodation in 6 shared houses across the city for 26 people who have completed a structured rehabilitation programme or are in sustained recovery from substance use. The service is rooted in supporting individuals to maintain and strengthen their recovery journey, with a strong emphasis on abstinence, peer support and building healthy, stable lifestyles. Residents are required to remain free from drugs and alcohol during their stay and to actively engage in education, training or employment activities.

The Accommodation for Work project aims to help homeless people into employment and independent accommodation. The Accommodation for Work project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund. Working with people who feel they are ready to engage in paid or voluntary work, training courses, work placements or employment, the project offers temporary shared accommodation in 4 shared houses across the city, and support for 21 single adults aged 18‑65 with a local connection to Brighton and Hove.

While the two projects have different eligibility criteria and funder requirements, they are strongly aligned in their shared aim of supporting people to rebuild their lives through stable accommodation, meaningful activity and increased independence. Both projects provide accommodation in shared houses across the city, with staff providing support for clients at the houses and from our office location.

As Operational Manager, you will ensure both services operate safely and effectively, meet their respective targets, and work collaboratively to create clear pathways for clients progressing through recovery, housing and employment.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain a clear understanding of the purpose, ethos and operational requirements of both services, ensuring their objectives and outcomes are met.
• Be responsible for the recruitment and management of staff, including supervision, appraisals, training and development.
• Liaise with statutory and voluntary organisations, referring as appropriate to other specialist services.
• Effectively manage referrals into the services and ensure move‑on within service timelines to achieve service outcomes.
• Ensure suitable and sufficient risk assessments are in place for service activities, properties, client needs, lone working, staff wellbeing and operational risks.
• Monitor health and safety performance, including accidents, incidents, near misses, violence and aggression, safeguarding concerns and compliance actions.

Person Specification

• A relevant professional background in one or more of the following fields: addiction and recovery, homelessness, social care, complex needs.
• Experience of providing effective line management and team supervision and support.
• Knowledge of Psychologically Informed Practice and providing Trauma Informed Care.
• Ability to plan work, work independently, prioritise competing demands and manage challenges well.
• Experience of effective joint working with voluntary and statutory organisations.
• An Enhanced DBS Check is required on all successful applicants.

Benefits

• 5.5% stakeholder pension scheme and life assurance scheme.
• Medical cash plan with BHSF.
• Access to BHT Sussex's Learning & Development platform.
• Free and confidential employee assistance helpline for both personal and work‑related concerns.
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme.
• Free new starter 28‑day Network Saver Brighton bus pass (subject to eligibility criteria).
• Generous holiday allowance starting at 27 days per annum pro rata, rising 1 day for each year of service to a maximum of 32 days pro rata.
• The opportunity to participate in well‑being and fundraising activities throughout the year.

BHT Sussex is an equal opportunities employer using a fair and open recruitment process that fully complies with the requirements of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to encouraging equality, equity, inclusion, and diversity within the workplace. As an employer we are committed to promoting and supporting our people's social, physical and psychological health at work. BHT Sussex welcomes applications from individuals with lived experience.