At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in their transition to independence and lead Home Managers.
- Company: High-performing Supported Accommodation service for young people.
- Benefits: £40,000 salary, mentorship, and no on-call duties.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported accommodation and strong organisational skills.
- Other info: Home-based role with travel; excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 40000 £ per year.
Home‑based with visits to services (UK) £33,333 Pro rata Start date: April 2026 No on‑call
We are seeking an experienced Deputy Service Manager for a 10‑month cover position within a high‑performing Supported Accommodation service for young people aged 16–18 years. This role offers a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious professional looking to step into service leadership, with the benefit of being mentored by a highly experienced Ofsted and CQC‑competent Registered Service Manager. The service achieved the highest possible outcome in its most recent Ofsted inspection, and the next inspection is not due for another three years.
You will work closely with the Registered Service Manager to support Home Managers across several supported accommodation settings. Key duties include:
- Providing day‑to‑day guidance and leadership to Home Managers
- Monitoring service quality, documentation, compliance, and safeguarding practice
- Supporting services to meet the Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023
- Assisting with placement matching, referrals, admissions, and placement stability
- Visiting young people in their homes and maintaining strong oversight of support plans
- Preparing homes to maintain high inspection readiness
- Working collaboratively with social workers, commissioners, and multi‑agency teams
- Promoting independence and positive outcomes for young people aged 16–18
This is a home‑based role with travel to services as required — with no on‑call duties.
What you’ll need to succeed:
- Experience supporting young people in supported accommodation, residential care, or similar settings
- Strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and compliance-led practice
- Confident in supporting managers and maintaining high documentation standards
- A calm, structured communicator with strong organisational skills
- Ability to travel to services when required
What you’ll get in return:
- £40,000 annual salary
- Comprehensive mentorship from an experienced Registered Service Manager
- Opportunity to develop leadership capability in a high-performing service
- The chance to make a meaningful impact on young people’s transition to independence
- No on‑call responsibilities
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn’t quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Deputy Service Manager in Exeter employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Service Manager in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the hunt for a Deputy Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission, especially in supporting young people. We want to see that passion shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you communicate your skills and experiences confidently when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Service Manager in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Deputy Service Manager role. Highlight your experience with young people in supported accommodation and any leadership roles you've had.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about supporting young people and how your background makes you a great fit for this position. Be genuine and let your personality shine through!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your experience with safeguarding, compliance, and supporting managers. We want to see how you've made a positive impact in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to the right place quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Supported Accommodation Regulations 2023 and any relevant safeguarding practices. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the role and understand the responsibilities that come with it.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully supported young people or managed teams. Highlighting your experience in similar settings will help demonstrate that you're the right fit for this Deputy Service Manager position.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Come prepared with questions that show your interest in the service and its future. Inquire about the mentoring process with the Registered Service Manager or how the team collaborates with social workers. This shows you're not just interested in the job, but also in contributing to the team's success.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to be professional, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The interviewers want to see if you'll fit into their team culture, so being genuine and approachable can make a big difference.