Service Manager - Temp To Perm (Mental Health) in London

We are seeking a highly experienced, resilient, and hands‐on Interim Service Manager to take immediate leadership of an established supported living care service (mental health) requiring strong operational oversight and stability. Based in the London NW10 area. You must be available immediately; the role is temporary but could become permanent. This role is suited to a proven problem‐solver who can step into a complex operational environment from day one, quickly assess priorities, and implement effective improvements with confidence.

Salary £35,000 per annum, negotiable for the right candidate. The successful candidate will be expected to lead from the front, stabilise day‐to‐day operations, support staff teams confidently, and ensure safe, compliant, and person‐centred care delivery. This is not a developmental or step‐up role. Demonstrated experience in fixing services, managing pressure, and driving measurable improvement is essential.

Employment Type & Contract

• Full-time interim contract with guaranteed hours
• 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm
• Immediate start required
• Clear pathway to a permanent, salaried Service Manager role directly with the care provider, subject to successful completion of required governance and onboarding processes and mutual agreement

Key Responsibilities

• Take immediate operational responsibility for the service, ensuring safe, compliant, and effective delivery of care
• Rapidly assess current practices, identify risks or gaps, and implement corrective actions
• Lead, support, and supervise staff teams, setting clear expectations and accountability
• Manage incidents, concerns, and escalations professionally and decisively
• Ensure robust safeguarding practice and adherence to all policies, procedures, and regulatory standards
• Provide strong, visible leadership on shift and during critical situations
• Handle complex staff and stakeholder conversations with confidence and professionalism
• Organise and oversee rotas, training, supervision, and performance management
• Maintain accurate records, audits, and reports to support continuous service improvement
• Able to complete care plans, risk assessments and understand MARs charts.

Essential Experience & Skills

• Proven experience as a Service Manager, Registered Manager, or Senior Manager within health & social care
• Clear evidence of successfully stabilising, improving, or turning around services
• Strong, practical knowledge of safeguarding, compliance, and regulatory requirements
• Ability to step into a service and make effective decisions immediately
• Confident leadership style with the ability to challenge poor practice appropriately
• Excellent organisational, communication, and problem‐solving skills
• Ability to remain calm, decisive, and effective in high‐pressure environments

Highly Desirable

• Experience managing services under increased scrutiny or improvement plans
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or equivalent / working towards)
• Supported living, residential, or complex needs background
• Strong audit, incident management, and staff development experience

Important to Note

This role requires someone who can hit the ground running. The successful candidate will be expected to take ownership of the service quickly, provide stability, and drive measurable improvements from the outset.

For further information apply today or contact Kim at ENS Recruitment Westcliff on sea, Essex.