At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a brand-new mental health service, shaping culture and care standards.
- Company: Active Pathways, a growing organisation committed to outstanding mental health services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 27 days annual leave, health cash plan, and ongoing leadership development.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture with clear progression pathways and a commitment to recovery-focused care.
- Why this job: Make a genuine difference in people's lives while building your leadership career.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health leadership and NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social Care.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 37000 £ per year.
To ensure consistency in our care delivery, applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time. Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.
NEW SERVICE OPENING IN SEPTEMBER – Willow Rise
Location: Droylsden, Manchester
Pay: up to £37,000
Hours: Full-Time – 37.5 Hours Per Week
Active Pathways is coming to Manchester. This September 2026, we’re opening Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden—and we’re looking for an ambitious, values-driven Deputy Manager to join us at the very start of this journey. This is more than a Deputy Manager role. You won’t be stepping into an established service - you’ll be helping to build one.
Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will play a key role in:
- Supporting the mobilisation and successful launch of the service
- Embedding a positive, high-performing culture from day one
- Developing a skilled, resilient and engaged team
- Welcoming and supporting our very first residents
If you’re motivated by an organisation that is growing, leadership, and making a lasting impact - this is your opportunity.
Why This Role is Different
At Willow Rise, we believe recovery is built on safety, dignity, and opportunity and as Deputy Manager, you will be at the heart of this—balancing hands-on leadership with operational oversight, ensuring that high-quality care is delivered consistently while supporting your team to thrive.
Be part of launching a brand-new service
- Shape culture, standards, and team behaviours from day one
- Develop your leadership career with real progression opportunities as we grow
- Make a genuine difference to people’s lives as they begin their recovery journey
About Willow Rise
Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered. Inspired by the willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence. Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
At its core, Willow Rise represents:
- Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
- Rise — progress, empowerment, and the belief that everyone can move forward
The Best Bits
- Annual leave of 27 days, plus Bank Holidays with extra days rewarded at 2, 3 and 5 years’
- Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral
- Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
- Workplace pension scheme
- Free Blue Light Card membership
- Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
- Ongoing leadership development and clear progression pathways, aligned to our growth
What You’ll Be Doing
As Deputy Manager, you will:
- Support the Registered Manager in leading and developing the service
- Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring and coaching to the team
- Lead on clinical quality, governance, and safeguarding (including acting as Safeguarding Lead)
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards, legislation, and company policies
- Drive high-quality, recovery-focused and person-centred care
- Support audits, KPIs, action plans, and continuous improvement
- Work collaboratively with commissioners, MDTs, and external partners
- Deputise for the Registered Manager when required
- Support recruitment, induction, and development of staff
What We’re Looking For
- Experience in a leadership role within a mental health or rehabilitation setting
- Strong knowledge of CQC standards, safeguarding, and relevant legislation
- Experience of leading teams and driving quality and performance
- Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
- A positive, resilient, and values-driven approach
- A genuine passion for recovery-focused care and service development
Essential:
- NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care
Desirable:
- Leadership/management qualification
- Experience supporting service mobilisation or development
Why Join Active Pathways?
With over 20 years of experience, we are committed to delivering outstanding mental health and rehabilitation services, guided by our CARE values:
- Competent – Delivering safe, consistent, high-quality care
- Accountable – Acting with transparency, ownership, and trust
- Resilient – Supporting one another and thriving through challenge
- Ethical – Acting with integrity, fairness, and respect
We are proud to be CQC rated Outstanding and Investors in People Gold. When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.
Build Your Leadership Career
At Active Pathways, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers. As Deputy Manager, you’ll be supported to develop into a Registered Manager of the future, with access to structured development, mentorship, and real progression opportunities as we continue to grow.
Deputy Manager - BRAND NEW Mental Health Service in Manchester employer: Brookhaven
Active Pathways is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to shape a brand-new mental health service in Droylsden, Manchester. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide ongoing leadership development, a supportive work culture, and generous benefits including 27 days of annual leave, a health cash plan, and a refer-a-friend scheme. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our residents while advancing your career in a values-driven environment that prioritises recovery and empowerment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Manager - BRAND NEW Mental Health Service in Manchester
✨Connect Through Professional Networks
Join associations related to therapy and counselling, like the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP). They often have job boards, events, and forums where you can meet potential employers and like-minded professionals. Being active in these spaces can give you a significant edge.
✨Show Up at Local Mental Health Events
Look for workshops, seminars, and conferences focused on mental health in your area. Not only can you learn valuable insights, but you can also network with professionals who might be aware of full-time opportunities, like the ones at Brookhaven. Plus, showing your passion for the field in person can leave a lasting impression.
✨Utilise Online Platforms Tailored to Counselling
Websites like TherapyJobs or Indeed specifically cater to therapy professionals. Make sure to check these regularly for new listings, and consider setting up alerts to stay ahead of the game. Plus, applying directly through these platforms can sometimes give you better visibility.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re recently graduated or still in school, don't forget to tap into your university's career resources. They often have exclusive listings for full-time positions and can help you refine your interview skills. Plus, they might connect you with alumni who’re already working at places like Brookhaven.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Manager - BRAND NEW Mental Health Service in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Qualifications:Make sure to showcase any relevant qualifications you've completed, such as a degree in psychology or counselling certifications. This is super important in the therapy and counselling field, so don’t skip over these details in your CV.
Showcase Your Empathy Skills:In your cover letter, it's essential to demonstrate your empathy and communication skills, which are key in therapy. Share specific examples from your previous experiences where you've effectively helped someone through a tough time—this will make your application stand out.
Demonstrate Your Continued Learning:We love seeing candidates who are committed to ongoing professional development. Mention any workshops, seminars, or additional training you’ve attended recently. This not only boosts your CV but shows your passion for the field.
Personalise Your Application for Brookhaven:Take some time to research Brookhaven and reflect this understanding in your application. Explain why you’re interested in working with them specifically and how your values align with their approach—this personal touch can make all the difference!
How to prepare for a job interview at Brookhaven
✨Show Your Empathy and Communication Skills
In therapy and counselling, it's all about how well you connect with others. Be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy, active listening, and non-verbal communication in past experiences. Your ability to create rapport with clients is key, so let that shine through!
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face some scenario-based questions that assess your practical skills in dealing with clients. Think of various client situations or challenges you've encountered or could encounter. Practice how you would respond, ensuring you highlight your problem-solving abilities and therapeutic techniques.
✨Highlight Your Continuing Education
Being in a full-time role in therapy means you need to stay updated with the latest techniques and theories. Mention any professional development courses you've taken recently, or plans you have for ongoing education. This shows that you’re committed to growth in your field and eager to help your clients with the best approaches.
✨Finesse Your Personal Statement
In therapy, your personal statement is a chance to showcase who you are beyond your qualifications. Tailor it to not just highlight your credentials but also your passion for helping others. Share personal stories or insights that led you to this profession, reinforcing why you'd be a great fit for Brookhaven's values and approach.
