At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support individuals experiencing homelessness and improve service delivery.
- Company: Join Providence Row, a charity dedicated to helping the homeless in East London since 1860.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, pension contributions, and a cycle to work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing day-centre operations and leading diverse teams is essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from all backgrounds; your unique perspective is valued.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As Day Centre Manager, you’ll lead a flagship service at the frontline of London’s homelessness response – a hub visited by hundreds each month. You’ll shape how we welcome, assess, and connect people to life-changing support, while driving service improvements that influence best practice across the sector.
About the role
- Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team – line-manage a Coordinator, Support Worker, volunteers and peer mentors; set clear rotas, coach great practice and keep morale high.
- Oversee the welcome & triage desk – make sure every visitor is greeted, assessed and signposted to the right help without delay.
- Keep the building safe and calm – partner with our on-site hostel, manage incidents professionally and ensure health-and-safety checks never slip.
- Build strong partnerships – schedule outreach agencies, host funder visits and champion the Service User Forum so lived experience drives change.
- Embed a culture of continuous improvement – using data and client feedback to refine services.
What you’ll bring
- Hands-on experiencerunning a busy day-centre welcome/triage or similar drop-in intake .
- Proven ability to lead diverse teams, set clear performance expectations, and nurture talent
- Resilient and decisive in challenging situations, with a calm, solutions-focused approach.
- Strong partnership-building skills across statutory, voluntary, and community sectors.
- Solid grasp ofsafeguarding, equality and facilities basics – or the curiosity to learn fast.
Benefits
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension – 5% employer, 3% employee
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loan
- Employee assistance programme
- Monthly reflective practice
- Wide range of learning & development opportunities
Help us turn first contact into real change
Providence Row has championed people experiencing homelessness in East London since 1860. Our Resource Centre is the heartbeat of that mission – a safe, respectful space where visitors can eat, shower, charge phones, see health professionals and get expert advice, all under one roof.
To apply
Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification. CV’s without a covering letter will not be considered.
Research shows some people, especially women and marginalized groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.
Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.
Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.
Application deadline: Friday 19th September 2025
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Day Centre Manager employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Day Centre Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current issues surrounding homelessness in London. Understanding the challenges faced by individuals in this sector will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals already working in similar roles or organisations. Attend relevant events or workshops to connect with others in the field, as personal recommendations can often give you an edge in the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in challenging environments. Be ready to discuss your leadership style and how you motivate and support your team, as this is a key aspect of the Day Centre Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Providence Row and their approach to homelessness. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to align your answers during the interview, showing that you're not just looking for any job, but are genuinely interested in contributing to their cause.
We think you need these skills to ace Day Centre Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Day Centre Manager position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role in your application.
Craft a Tailored Covering Letter: Write a covering letter that specifically addresses how your experience meets the job specification. Use examples from your past roles to demonstrate your leadership, partnership-building, and problem-solving skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasise any hands-on experience you have in managing day-centre operations or similar environments. Include details about your ability to lead diverse teams and manage challenging situations effectively.
Showcase Your Commitment to Improvement: Mention any previous initiatives you've led that focused on service improvements or client feedback. This will demonstrate your commitment to continuous improvement, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Day Centre Manager, you'll be leading a diverse team. Be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in managing teams, setting performance expectations, and how you've nurtured talent in others. Use specific examples to illustrate your leadership style.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires resilience and a calm approach in challenging situations. Think of scenarios where you've successfully managed crises or difficult interactions. Highlight your solutions-focused mindset and how you maintained a safe environment.
✨Emphasise Partnership-Building Experience
Building strong partnerships is key in this role. Prepare to talk about your experience collaborating with various sectors, such as statutory, voluntary, and community organisations. Share examples of how these partnerships have led to successful outcomes.
✨Understand the Importance of Continuous Improvement
The job involves using data and client feedback to refine services. Familiarise yourself with methods of continuous improvement and be ready to discuss how you've implemented changes based on feedback in past roles.