At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop impactful advice services that change lives in the community.
- Company: Join Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham, a respected local charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, pension contributions, and flexible working.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping the future of advice services.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex advice services and strong leadership skills required.
Lead advice services that change lives. Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham is seeking an experienced and ambitious Service Manager to provide leadership for our advice services at a critical time for local communities. Demand for welfare benefits, debt and housing advice continues to grow. We are looking for someone who can lead high-quality services, support and develop staff, build partnerships, and help shape the future of advice provision in the borough.
The Service Manager will oversee the performance and development of our advice services, manage Service Leads and Team Leaders, ensure delivery against funding requirements, and work closely with senior leadership to develop new opportunities and partnerships.
We are looking for someone who has:
- Significant experience within Citizens Advice or a comparable advice organisation
- Experience managing complex advice services, projects or programmes
- Strong leadership and people management skills
- Experience monitoring performance and delivering funded contracts
- The ability to develop services, build partnerships and identify new opportunities
- A commitment to equity, inclusion and access to justice
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational manager seeking a senior leadership role within a respected local charity.
What we offer:
- Salary of £42,771 per annum
- 33 days annual leave including public holidays
- 3% employer pension contribution
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
- Ongoing professional development
- The opportunity to influence the future of advice services in Barking & Dagenham
Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.
Closing Date: 9.00am, 15 June 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 22 June 2026
Service Manager employer: Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham
Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and community impact. With flexible working arrangements, generous annual leave, and a commitment to equity and access to justice, this role as Service Manager provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative advice services while shaping the future of support in the borough.
Contact Details:
Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the advice sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and current projects. This will help us tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in shaping the future of advice services.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Think of specific examples where you've led teams or managed complex projects. We want to hear how you’ve made a difference in previous roles, especially in areas like performance monitoring and service development.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in managing advice services. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Service Manager, so don’t hold back on showcasing your leadership and people management abilities!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver high-quality services. Use numbers and examples where possible to illustrate how you've made a difference in previous positions.
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who is not only qualified but also passionate about making a difference in the community. Share your motivations and what drives you to apply for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets to us without any hiccups, please apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Citizens Advice Barking & Dagenham
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Citizens Advice and the services they provide. Brush up on current issues in welfare benefits, debt, and housing advice, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show your genuine interest and expertise.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing complex advice services or projects. Think about times when you’ve successfully led a team or developed staff. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can inspire and support others in a challenging environment.
✨Partnership Building is Key
Be ready to discuss your experience in building partnerships and identifying new opportunities. Think of specific examples where you’ve collaborated with other organisations or stakeholders to enhance service delivery. This will illustrate your ability to shape the future of advice provision.
✨Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Reflect on your commitment to equity, inclusion, and access to justice. Prepare to share your thoughts on how these values can be integrated into the advice services. Showing that you align with the organisation's mission will resonate well with the interviewers.
