At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage diverse support services, ensuring high standards and compliance.
- Company: Join GIPSIL, a community-focused organisation making a real difference in Leeds and Wakefield.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape trauma-informed services and empower young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and a passion for driving organisational change.
- Other info: Inclusive culture valuing diversity and lived experience; we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity to join our Senior Management Team as an Assistant Director of Services. In this role, you will be responsible for the strategic and operational direction of the organisation and for providing leadership to the whole of GIPSIL’s services, fulfilling our mission and core values and leading by example with a commitment to improving outcomes for those we support.
Are you an experienced leader passionate about driving service excellence and organisational development? GIPSIL is seeking an Assistant Director of Services to join our Senior Leadership Team, supporting the strategic and operational direction of our diverse support services.
Key Responsibilities- Provide leadership and management to designated service areas, ensuring delivery to the highest standards of quality, compliance, and performance.
- Deputise for the Director of Services, representing GIPSIL both internally and externally.
- Lead and support Service Managers, Team Leaders and operational staff, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and best practice.
- Champion trauma-informed practice and help embed this approach across all services, supporting GIPSIL’s aim to be a trauma-informed organisation by 2030.
- Ensure compliance with all legal, regulatory and contractual requirements, including Health & Safety, Ofsted and Safeguarding legislation.
- Develop and implement systems for quality assurance, performance monitoring and service user feedback.
- Build effective relationships with partners, commissioners, stakeholders and networks.
- Contribute to organisational change initiatives and business planning, supporting staff and teams through periods of transition.
- Proven experience in service management, leadership and operational oversight within a relevant sector.
- Strong understanding of compliance, quality assurance and performance management.
- Excellent communication, relationship-building and team development skills.
- Commitment to promoting diversity, trauma-informed practice, and restorative approaches.
- Ability to manage budgets, monitor performance and drive organisational change.
- Competitive Salary
- Generous Annual Leave: 29 days per year, rising incrementally to 33 days after 5 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays.
- Professional Development: Opportunities for training, induction and ongoing learning to support your growth and proficiency in the role.
- Supportive Environment: Work collaboratively with a dynamic Senior Leadership Team, with high support and challenge to help you thrive.
- Impactful Work: Play a key role in shaping trauma-informed services and making a real difference to the lives of service users, especially young people.
- Inclusive Culture: Be part of an organisation that values diversity, restorative practice and continuous improvement.
GIPSIL works with children, young people, and families in the most disadvantaged communities in Leeds and Wakefield to provide them with the support and resources they need to thrive. At GIPSIL, we believe that community is the foundation of success. We are proud to lead four consortiums, Our Way Leeds, Elevate, CHP and Engage. Each consortium addresses different vulnerable issues in Leeds and supports the community with programs designed to uplift and empower individuals who may be struggling. We strive to create an inclusive environment where everybody feels valued and heard.
As an organisation, we are committed to the following principles in recruitment to ensure we can effectively achieve our aim of providing equal opportunities and safer recruitment:
- We recruit for potential, not perfection.
- We are a values-based recruiter.
- We value lived experience as a demonstration of capability for a role.
- We only utilise truly “essential” criteria in recruitment.
- We are committed to safer recruitment practice.
We are committed to FREDIE principles — Fairness, Respect, Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and Engagement — in everything we do. We aim to reflect the communities we work in and welcome applicants from all backgrounds and life experiences. Language skills that help us connect with our communities — particularly Polish, Arabic, Romanian, Urdu, Punjabi or Portuguese — are a plus, though not essential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and encourage applications from disabled people; if you need any reasonable adjustments during the process, please let us know when you apply.
How To ApplyTo arrange an informal conversation about this role please contact Chelcey Huxley via email: chelcey.huxley@gipsil.org.uk. Click here to apply online and obtain a full job description and person specification. Please note that you will need to set up an account before you can apply. Please note that GIPSIL will not accept CVs or agencies.
Shortlisting: 19 February 2026
Interviews: Week commencing 2 March 2026
Closing Date: 18 February 2026 at 12:00 noon
Assistant Director of Services in Leeds employer: Homeless Link
Contact Detail:
Homeless Link Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Services in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching GIPSIL and its mission. Understand their values and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your leadership stories! Be ready to share examples of how you've driven service excellence and managed teams. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at GIPSIL.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Services in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for service excellence shine through. We want to see how your values align with ours and how you can contribute to our mission of supporting those in need.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience in service management and leadership. We love seeing how your unique skills can help us drive organisational development and improve outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need to complete your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Homeless Link
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into GIPSIL’s mission and values. Understand their commitment to trauma-informed practice and how it shapes their services. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with their core principles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare specific examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in service management. Highlight how you've driven service excellence and fostered a culture of continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss how you can support and develop teams effectively.
✨Be Ready for Compliance Questions
Brush up on your knowledge of compliance, quality assurance, and performance management. Expect questions about how you’ve ensured adherence to legal and regulatory requirements in previous roles. Demonstrating your understanding here will be crucial.
✨Build Relationships
GIPSIL values relationship-building, so think about how you can demonstrate your ability to connect with partners and stakeholders. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used to build effective relationships and how you can contribute to their collaborative environment.