Service Manager for Services for Young People in Watford

Service Manager for Services for Young People in Watford

Watford Full-Time 61443 - 68775 € / year (est.) No home office possible
Hertfordshire County Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a dynamic team supporting young people in their transition to adulthood.
  • Company: Hertfordshire County Council, dedicated to empowering youth through innovative services.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to make a real difference.
  • Other info: Join a supportive environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of young people and drive impactful change in your community.
  • Qualifications: JNC qualified or Level 6 Careers Guidance qualified with strong leadership skills.

The predicted salary is between 61443 - 68775 € per year.

Starting Salary: £61,443 progressing to £68,775 per annum

Hours: 37 per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Directorate: Childrens Services

About The Team

Our vision is to meet the needs of young people who face challenges in education, their community or home life, to ensure a successful transition to adulthood. Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People (SfYP) supports young people to achieve their potential by delivering high-quality youth work, careers education, information, advice and guidance, as well as work-related learning and work experience opportunities. We review and maintain Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for young people aged 16 and over, ensuring they receive the support they need post year 11. The service works in schools, colleges, community venues and young people’s centres, using a variety of approaches and methods during the day, evenings and weekends.

About The Role

Responsible for a multi-disciplinary team of Careers Education IAG Advisers, Youth Workers, EHCP Coordinators, Employment Training Advisers, and other professionals across Stevenage and North Herts. You will have strong recent and relevant operational performance management experience and skills and a proven track record of developing a culture of high performance and achievement, at pace. As a member of the senior leadership team, you will have countywide strategic lead responsibilities for one or more service priority areas. In addition to core funded work, the team delivers contracted services in schools and colleges such as careers guidance and work-related learning. You will be required to show strong leadership; be innovative, flexible, motivational, have good attention to detail, work at speed, and can engage and negotiate with a wide range of partners from schools / colleges, employers / businesses, district / borough councils, the voluntary sector, other education providers and elected members.

About You

  • Essential:
  • JNC qualified or Level 6 Careers Guidance qualified.
  • Strong leadership and current successful operational performance management experience.
  • Thrive in a fast-moving multidisciplinary environment - successfully achieving deadlines, at pace.
  • Full driving Licence and daily access to a vehicle.
  • ICT competent including data and performance analysis.

We welcome applications from candidates who currently reside in the UK with established proof of right to work documentation. We are not able to offer sponsorship at this time for this role. This job role is within the Community Services, level COM14 job profile.

To hear more about this opportunity please contact headofsfyp@hertfordshire.gov.uk for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: 14th January 2026

Benefits of working for us

How to apply

As part of your application, please upload your most recent CV. Ensure your CV is up to date with your employment history (including any employment gaps), and including any training/qualifications. We encourage you to include examples of where you have demonstrated the requirements/criteria in the advert / job profile to allow the panel to fully recognise your skills and abilities. You will have the opportunity to include a short covering paragraph within your application to give us a little more information about your skills, knowledge, and experiences.

Additional information

  • Disability Confident: We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and guarantee an interview to anyone disclosing a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the post.
  • Safeguarding: This role has been identified as requiring a Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check.
  • Driving Required: You’ll need to have the ability to drive and/or travel around Hertfordshire, either using your own mode of transport or a company car to travel to other locations.
  • English Fluency: The ability to converse at ease with members of the public and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

Service Manager for Services for Young People in Watford employer: Hertfordshire County Council

Hertfordshire County Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to supporting young people in their transition to adulthood through innovative and high-quality services. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community, this role as Service Manager for Services for Young People offers a rewarding career path in a vibrant location. Employees benefit from competitive salaries, a commitment to diversity and inclusion, and the chance to work alongside passionate professionals in a dynamic environment.

Hertfordshire County Council

Contact Detail:

Hertfordshire County Council Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Manager for Services for Young People in Watford

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those already working in youth services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by researching the organisation and its values. Show us that you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for supporting young people and how your experience aligns with their mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and confidently when it’s your turn to shine in front of the panel.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager for Services for Young People in Watford

Leadership Skills
Operational Performance Management
Attention to Detail
Multidisciplinary Team Management
Strategic Planning
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Service Manager for Services for Young People. Highlight your leadership experience and operational performance management skills, as these are key for us.

Showcase Relevant Experience:In your application, include specific examples that demonstrate how you've met the job criteria. We want to see how your past experiences align with what we’re looking for in this role.

Craft a Compelling Covering Paragraph:Use the short covering paragraph to give us a snapshot of your skills and knowledge. This is your chance to stand out, so make it engaging and relevant to the position!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep everything organised!

How to prepare for a job interview at Hertfordshire County Council

Know Your Stuff

Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the role and the services provided for young people. Familiarise yourself with Hertfordshire County Council's mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in a multi-disciplinary environment. Think about times when you've motivated a team or driven performance improvements, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.

Engage with Real Scenarios

Be ready to discuss real-life scenarios where you’ve had to engage with various stakeholders, such as schools, employers, and local councils. This will demonstrate your ability to negotiate and collaborate effectively, which is crucial for this role.

Ask Thoughtful Questions

Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, current challenges, and future projects within the Services for Young People. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.