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- Tasks: Lead a new project supporting a young person with autism and learning disabilities.
- Company: Pivotal People, focused on a family ethos and professional care.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days holiday, life insurance, and discretionary bonus.
- Other info: Enjoy a supernumerary role with no sleep-ins and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Build a supportive home from the ground up and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex autism and leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Location: Eastbourne, BN21, East Sussex, UK
Base Salary: to £45,000 per annum + bonus
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, 40hrs a week
Start date: April 2026
Closing date: 05/04/2026 (interviews will happen on a rolling basis as applications are received, so may close earlier)
Employer: Pivotal People is exclusively recruiting for this role on behalf of our client
About the Opportunity:
I am looking for a Service Manager to take the lead on a brand-new project in Eastbourne. The property has already been bought and is currently being tailored specifically for one young person with autism (PDA features) and moderate learning disabilities. This is a business run with a family ethos running through it, that doesn't do "corporate," but is professional to a tee! They focus on getting the environment and the staffing right from day one, rather than trying to fix things later. This is a "ground-up" post where you’ll be responsible for recruiting your own team and setting the culture of the house. You aren't inheriting someone else's setup; you are building this from the start.
The Role & Rota Structure:
- The Rota & Ratios: You will be primarily supernumerary. This home is set up for high-intensity support, starting at 3:1 and moving to 2:1 as the individual settles and builds trust with the team.
- Staffing Structure: There are two waking night staff, so there are no sleep-ins to worry about. I’m looking for a manager who has the time to actually lead and mentor their staff, rather than just covering gaps in the rota.
- The Transition: You’ll lead the final setup phase, ensuring the routines and the environment are exactly what this individual needs to feel safe and regulated.
Requirements:
Who Fits This? I need someone steady. You’ll have a background in complex autism and a real understanding of PDA. You need to be a manager who leads by example—someone who stays calm when things are challenging and knows how to keep a team focused on the person, not just the paperwork. Crucially, you need to be someone who has the experience and the confidence to step in and work alongside your team when required. You aren't just an administrator; you’re a practitioner who can lead from the front if a situation needs your expertise. Whether you are an established Service Manager or an experienced Deputy Manager (3+ years) ready for your first Registered post, the main thing is your approach to care. We need someone who sees "behaviour" as communication and reacts with common sense and kindness.
Benefits & Support:
Support: Local and area support and the benefits of a local HQ and a 23 days holiday (plus bank holidays), life insurance, discretionary annual bonus.
How to Apply:
If you want a role where you have the autonomy to build a home the right way, let’s have a proper chat. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Apply with your CV or call Mike Tait on 01903 963805 for a confidential conversation.
Service Manager - Supported Living Learning Disabilities in Eastbourne employer: CARE
Contact Detail:
CARE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Supported Living Learning Disabilities in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Since this role is all about building a family ethos, we should research how they operate and what values they hold dear. This will help us connect our experiences to their mission during the chat.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare some real-life examples of how you've handled challenging situations in the past. We want to show that we can stay calm and focused, especially when things get tough. Think of times when you’ve led a team through a tricky scenario or supported someone with complex needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership style. Since this role involves recruiting and mentoring a new team, we should be ready to discuss how we lead by example. Maybe even role-play some scenarios with a friend to get comfortable with articulating our approach.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to ask questions during the interview! We want to show our genuine interest in the role and the individual we’ll be supporting. Asking about their vision for the home or how they see the team developing can really set us apart.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Supported Living Learning Disabilities in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Service Manager role. Highlight your background in complex autism and any relevant management experience to show us you’re the right fit for this unique opportunity.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about supporting individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Share personal anecdotes or experiences that demonstrate your understanding of PDA and how you lead by example.
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of your leadership style. We want to know how you keep your team focused on the person rather than just the paperwork, and how you handle challenging situations with calmness and kindness.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. This way, we can easily track your application and get back to you quicker. Don’t miss out on the chance to build something special with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at CARE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of autism, particularly PDA features. Understanding the specific needs of the individual you'll be supporting is crucial. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with the role and how you can create a safe and regulated environment.
✨Show Your Leadership Style
This role is all about building a team and setting the culture from scratch. Be prepared to share examples of how you've led teams in the past, especially in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to stay calm and focused while keeping the team motivated and centred on the person’s needs.
✨Emphasise Your Practical Experience
Since this position requires someone who can step in and work alongside their team, be ready to talk about your hands-on experience in care settings. Share specific instances where you've had to react to behaviours as communication and how you handled those situations with kindness and common sense.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the company’s values align with yours. Think about what you need to know to build the right environment for the individual you'll be supporting.