At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a charity supporting families with young children, ensuring impactful services and community relationships.
- Company: A local, independent charity dedicated to empowering families and enhancing early childhood development.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of families while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, fundraising, and strong people skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a supportive, family-friendly environment with excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 42000 £ 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 roleAs 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
- Knowledge of the local Guildford voluntary sector
- Experience working with families with young children
- Experience reporting to a Board
The organisation is a supportive, family friendly employer. They offer:
- 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
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 in Surrey employer: CHM-1
Contact Detail:
CHM-1 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager - Family Charity in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who know the local scene in Guildford. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about the role and even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the charity's values and recent projects. Show us you’re passionate about early childhood support and have ideas on how to strengthen community relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! Since there’s a staff engagement exercise, make sure you can clearly communicate your vision and leadership style. We want to see your personality shine through!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed, and you’ll find all the details you need to ace your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager - Family Charity in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background aligns with the role of Manager at our charity, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant experience!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting families and early childhood shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who truly cares about making a difference, so share any personal stories or motivations that drive you to apply for this role.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’d be a great fit for our team!
Follow the Application Instructions: Don’t forget to follow the application instructions carefully! We’ve made it easy for you to apply through our website, so make sure you complete all required sections and submit everything on time. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at CHM-1
✨Know the Charity Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you research the charity thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges faced by families with young children in the Guildford area. 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've successfully led a team, supported volunteers, or navigated challenges in a community setting. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate others in this new role.
✨Demonstrate Fundraising Know-How
Since fundraising is a key part of the role, come prepared with ideas or strategies you've used in the past. Whether it's grant applications or community partnerships, showing that you have a proactive approach to income generation will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the panel interview, remember to engage with each member. Ask insightful questions about their experiences and the charity's future. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps build rapport, making you a memorable candidate.