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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire a team to create inclusive, person-centred services.
- Company: Join Papworth Trust, a leading disability charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, and health cashback plan.
- Why this job: Shape lives and promote independence while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing people-focused services and a passion for social change.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 50400 £ per year.
This is a rewarding opportunity to lead, develop, and inspire a team while shaping inclusive, person-centred services that promote independence, learning, and wellbeing.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary: £36,000 per annum
- Holiday: 33 days annual leave including bank holidays
- Pension: enhanced employer contribution
- Wellbeing, development & rewards: Health cashback plan (dental and optical), enhanced sick pay, wellbeing and employee assistance support, access to training and professional qualifications, annual leave purchase, Values in Practice recognition awards, tax-saving schemes, and opportunities to have your voice heard through colleague groups.
About the role
As a Service Manager, you will lead a team of Activity Coordinators, Day Support Workers, Case Workers, and volunteers, providing coaching, leadership, and support. You will oversee centre-based and community activities, ensuring they align with customer goals, aspirations, and outcomes. You will also manage budgets, quality assurance, service development, and business growth, while collaborating with partner organisations, fundraising, and communications teams to expand opportunities and customer engagement. Flexibility outside core hours is required to support customer activities. Working hours are 37.5 per week, 9am - 5pm Monday to Friday, with additional flexibility to deliver services and attend events as needed.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a multi-disciplinary team, conducting 1:1s, team meetings, and recruitment
- Oversee the design and delivery of community and centre-based activities that promote customer learning, wellbeing, and independence
- Manage budgets, service performance, KPIs, and quality assurance frameworks
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with stakeholders, funders, and community organisations
- Ensure safeguarding, health & safety, and compliance with Trust policies at all times
About you
As a Service Manager, you will share Papworth Trust’s values and be committed to equality, inclusion, and social change, with a strong understanding of the social model of disability. You will be a confident, organised, and proactive leader with experience managing people-focused services, including staff development, teamwork, and performance management. You will have knowledge of business management, HR processes, budgeting, and delivering services for people with complex care and support needs.
Why Papworth Trust
Papworth Trust is a leading disability charity, creating a world where disabled people are seen for who they are and can live with equality, choice, and independence. Our Day Opportunities services play a vital role in helping individuals achieve personal goals and community engagement. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS with Adults and Children Barred List check and candidates must be authorised to work in the UK. Interviews are being held on 5th and 6th March 2026. Papworth Trust is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from disabled candidates and guarantee interviews to those who meet the minimum criteria. If you require reasonable adjustments or alternative formats, please let us know as early as possible.
Job Requirements / Application Instructions
If you have relevant skills and experience for this Service Manager role, please apply by submitting an up-to-date CV. We look forward to hearing from you. No recruitment agencies please.
Address: People Services Team, Papworth Trust, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, CB4 1AX
Service Manager employer: Disabled Workers Co-operative
Contact Detail:
Disabled Workers Co-operative Recruiting 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 and let them know you're on the hunt for a Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their values, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your leadership skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for inclusivity and social change. In your conversations and interviews, share examples of how you've promoted independence and wellbeing in previous roles. This will resonate with employers like Papworth Trust.
✨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 genuinely interested in being part of our team and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Service Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in managing teams or projects.
Showcase Your Values: Since we value equality, inclusion, and social change, it’s important to demonstrate how you embody these principles in your work. Share examples of how you've promoted these values in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Disabled Workers Co-operative
✨Know the Values
Familiarise yourself with Papworth Trust’s values and mission. They’re all about equality, inclusion, and social change, so be ready to discuss how your own values align with theirs. This shows you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about their cause.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you’ll need to lead a diverse team. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on coaching, development, and performance management. Use specific situations where you inspired your team or improved service delivery.
✨Understand the Role's Responsibilities
Dive deep into the job description and understand the key responsibilities, like managing budgets and ensuring quality assurance. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tasks and how you can contribute to the growth and success of the services offered.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, community engagement strategies, and how they measure success. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if this is the right fit for you.
