At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity supporting families with young children, ensuring high-quality services and impactful support.
- Company: Local independent charity dedicated to empowering families and enhancing early childhood development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, free parking, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful difference in the lives of families while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong people skills, and a commitment to safeguarding vulnerable families.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a rewarding leadership role.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 47000 £ per year.
Salary: £42,000 – £47,000 FTE pro rata, dependent on experience
Hours: 4 to 5 days per week
Contact: Permanent
Location: Guildford, Surrey. Some home-based working is possible, however you will need to be in the office with staff and attending external meetings regularly throughout the week.
This employer is a local, independent charity supporting families with at least one child under the age of five. Through their team of trained volunteers and staff, they offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and give their young children the best possible start in life.
The organisation is now seeking an experienced, inspiring and values-led Manager to lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
About the role
As Manager, you will provide overall leadership and direction for the organisation, ensuring their services remain high-quality, safe and impactful for local families. You will work closely with the Board of Trustees, lead and support a dedicated staff team, and oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers. You will also play a key role in the charity's funding strategy, strengthening partnerships, building community relationships, and representing the charity locally. This is a pivotal position for someone who is passionate about early childhood, understands the challenges faced by families, and thrives in a varied and rewarding leadership role.
The employer is looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in a management or leadership role, ideally in the voluntary or community sector
- Strong people management skills, including supporting staff and volunteers
- Experience of fundraising, grant applications or income generation
- A solid understanding of safeguarding and working with vulnerable families
- Excellent communication and relationship building abilities
- Strong organisational and financial oversight skills
- A commitment to the values and ethos of Home-Start
- A clean driver’s licence and access to a car
Desirable: knowledge of the local Guildford voluntary sector, experience working with families with young children, or experience reporting to a Board.
What the employer offers:
- Flexible working (within service need)
- Generous annual leave
- Pension contribution
- Free parking
- Ongoing training and professional development
- The opportunity to lead a well-respected local charity making a meaningful difference to families’ lives
Schedule and Interview Process
Closing date: Midday, Friday 13 February 2026
Shortlisting: Candidates notified by end of day, Tuesday 17 February 2026
Interviews (in person at the organisation's Guildford offices):
- Part One – Staff Engagement Exercise: Tuesday 24 February 2026 (presentation)
- Part Two – Formal Interview: Friday 27 February 2026 (panel interview & presentation)
The employer is committed to safeguarding and to equality, diversity and inclusion. This post requires an Enhanced DBS check with Child Workforce barred list information. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and DBS. The employer will only discuss or request criminal record details once a conditional offer has been made, in line with their Safer Recruitment Policy. No agencies please.
Manager – Family Charity employer: CHM-1
Contact Detail:
CHM-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager – Family Charity
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who know about family support. A friendly chat can lead to insider info on job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the charity's mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. Practise your answers to common questions, but also be ready for some curveballs!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you get the chance to meet with the team, let your enthusiasm for supporting families shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to early childhood development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager – Family Charity
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in management and leadership roles, especially in the voluntary or community sector. We want to see how your skills align with our mission of supporting families!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for early childhood development shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly cares about making a difference in the lives of families, so share any relevant experiences that demonstrate this passion.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills are easy to spot. Remember, we’re busy too!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM-1
✨Know Your Charity Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you research the charity thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in supporting families with young children. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your management and leadership abilities. Think about times when you successfully led a team, supported staff or volunteers, or navigated challenges in a community setting. Be ready to discuss how these experiences can translate to the role of Manager.
✨Prepare for the Staff Engagement Exercise
Since part of the interview process includes a staff engagement exercise, think about how you would present your ideas to the team. Practice delivering a short presentation that reflects your vision for the charity and how you plan to engage and inspire both staff and volunteers.
✨Demonstrate Your Fundraising Knowledge
Given the importance of fundraising in this role, be prepared to discuss your experience with grant applications and income generation. Have specific examples ready that demonstrate your success in securing funding and building partnerships, as this will be crucial for the charity's growth.