At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a supportive team in delivering high-quality care for individuals with learning disabilities.
- Company: Join Leading Lives, an employee-owned social enterprise dedicated to making a difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy award-winning training, health support, and up to 8% pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a values-driven, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 5 in Health and Social Care and experience managing care teams required.
- Other info: Flexible hours, supportive culture, and opportunities for personal growth await you.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
22.5 hours per week
Employee‑Owned Organisation
About The Role
Location: Leading Lives, Lowestoft Community Hub, Rotterdam Road, Lowestoft, Suffolk
Fixed Term – Approximately 9‑month Maternity Cover
We’re looking for a committed and steady pair of hands to provide maternity leave cover for our Supported Living service in Lowestoft. This is a vital role focused on maintaining consistency, supporting the team and ensuring our well‑established systems and processes continue to run smoothly.
Join Leading Lives, a not‑for‑profit, employee‑owned social enterprise where staff are empowered and customers are at the heart of everything we do.
Why Join Us?
- Award‑winning training & development opportunities
- Become part of our employee‑owned organisation
- Up to 8% employer pension contribution
- Health & wellbeing support, including an Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work scheme, retail discounts and more
- A rewarding role where you can support a great team and maintain high‑quality care
Key Responsibilities
- Maintain Service Quality & Operations
- Continue established processes for audits, incident reporting and quality monitoring
- Ensure compliance with safeguarding, CQC requirements, GDPR and health & safety standards
- Monitor existing service budgets and maintain accurate reporting
- Provide Supportive Leadership
- Offer clear guidance and practical support to Team Supervisors and staff
- Conduct supervisions, appraisals and return‑to‑work meetings as required
- Maintain strong communication and a positive team culture
- Ensure Stability & Continuity
- Keep established systems and service approaches running consistently
- Manage referrals and maintain appropriate occupancy levels
- Liaise with families, carers and external professionals to ensure ongoing customer wellbeing
What You’ll Need
- Level 5 qualification in Social Care
- Experience leading teams in a social care setting
- Strong organisational, communication and problem‑solving skills
- Experience supporting people with learning disabilities
- A calm, consistent, person‑centred approach
Your Journey With Us
You’ll receive a supportive, structured induction and work closely with the wider management team to ensure a smooth transition into the role. Employment is subject to enhanced DBS and safer recruitment checks.
About The Company
Company Culture
- Values‑Driven: Leading Lives not only talks about their values but actively embodies them in their daily operations.
- Employee Testimonials: The company encourages feedback from employees to showcase the positive impact of their values on staff.
- Authenticity: Leading Lives emphasizes authenticity in their values, highlighting that they are not just empty words but a lived reality within the organization.
We’re a Disability Confident Committed employer. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments whenever possible. Please do let us know if you need any support/ adjustments with your application and the process.
Criteria
- Required Criteria
- Level 5 in Health and Social Care
- Experience in Managing a Care Team
- Desired Criteria
Closing Date: Monday 23rd February, 2026
Contract Type: fulltime
Salary: Starting from ÂŁ18.19 Hourly
Service Manager in Lowestoft employer: Leading Lives
Contact Detail:
Leading Lives Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Lowestoft
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social care sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at Leading Lives. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Leading Lives and their values. Show us how your experience aligns with our mission of providing high-quality care and supporting our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your responses to common interview questions, especially around leadership and team management. We want to see how you handle challenges and support your team effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Lowestoft
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves providing supportive leadership, don’t forget to include examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. We want to see your calm and person-centred approach in action!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your skills and experiences shine through without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Leading Lives
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re familiar with the key responsibilities of a Service Manager in a social care setting. Brush up on your knowledge of safeguarding, CQC requirements, and the importance of maintaining service quality. This will show that you’re not just interested in the role but also understand what it entails.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully led a team or managed a project. Highlight how you provided guidance and support to your team, especially in challenging situations. This is crucial for demonstrating your ability to maintain a positive team culture.
✨Communicate Clearly
During the interview, focus on your communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Remember, as a Service Manager, you’ll need to liaise with families, carers, and external professionals, so showing that you can communicate effectively is key.
✨Emphasise Your Person-Centred Approach
Be ready to discuss how you’ve supported individuals with learning disabilities in the past. Share specific examples that illustrate your calm and consistent approach. This will resonate well with the values of Leading Lives and demonstrate your commitment to customer wellbeing.