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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to provide exceptional care and support for residents.
- Company: Join Leonard Cheshire, a respected charity with over 75 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, and a range of health and wellbeing perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in care management and a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and supports personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 44000 £ per year.
£42,000 - £47,000 depending on experience | Full Time | Sobell Lodge – Tonbridge
“It’s more than a job – it’s about creating a home where every person can live life their way.” That’s how one of our Service Managers describes their role at Leonard Cheshire. If you’re an experienced care leader with a strong understanding of safeguarding, excellent management skills, and a passion for person-centred care, we’d really love to hear from you.
A Home, Not Just a Service
Sobell Lodge is a specialist registered residential care home providing support for 23 adults with physical disabilities, complex needs, and sensory impairments. We’re proud to be one of the highest-rated providers of care and supported living services in the UK, with 84% of our services rated ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’ by regulators. At Sobell Lodge, we work together to create a positive, inclusive home where people are empowered to make their own choices, develop skills, and enjoy meaningful connections within their local community.
Your Working Hours
Full Time - We offer flexible hours across weekdays, with occasional weekend availability to support the effective running of the service.
Why You’ll Love Working Here
At Leonard Cheshire, you’ll find a workplace where your leadership truly makes a difference. We’ll support your wellbeing, personal growth, and professional development every step of the way. You’ll also enjoy a great range of rewards and benefits, including:
- Stream – access up to 40% of your earned pay before payday
- Free Blue Light Card – enjoy exclusive discounts and perks
- Free DBS check
- Excellent contributory pension scheme with 3x salary life cover
- Generous annual leave, with the option to buy and sell leave
- Cash Health Plan – claim back dental, optical, and other healthcare costs
- Comprehensive training and recognised qualifications
- Career development through apprenticeships and leadership programmes
- Cycle-to-work scheme (salary sacrifice)
- Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 wellbeing support
What You’ll Do
As Service Manager at Sobell Lodge, you’ll lead with passion, professionalism, and empathy to ensure your service runs smoothly and delivers exceptional care. You will:
- Provide clear leadership, management, and supervision for your staff team
- Ensure compliance with CQC standards and health & safety requirements
- Deliver person-centred, high-quality care focused on independence and choice
- Manage budgets and maintain a financially sound service
- Oversee recruitment, training, and performance development
- Drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for residents
- Hold registration for the service
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real impact while further developing your leadership career in a respected national charity.
What Helps You Shine Here
- Recognised nursing or social care qualification and registration (as appropriate)
- Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
- Proven management or supervisory experience within a care environment
- Strong communication, organisational, and people leadership skills
- Sound understanding of safeguarding and regulatory compliance
- Confidence in managing budgets and operational priorities
- Experience across a range of departments (e.g. therapies, catering, administration) is advantageous
About Leonard Cheshire
For over 75 years, Leonard Cheshire has supported disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible. We provide residential care, supported living, and community-based services across the UK – all focused on choice, inclusion, and empowerment. With over 1,600 people supported every day, our mission is simple: to help people live life on their own terms.
Ready to Apply?
Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with disabilities and will support your requirements for reasonable adjustments wherever possible. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland, or equivalent) and references are required for this position.
Service Manager in Tonbridge employer: Leonard Cheshire
Contact Detail:
Leonard Cheshire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Tonbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the care sector and let them know you're on the lookout for a Service Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to leadership and person-centred care. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or family to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for care during interviews! Share specific examples of how you've made a difference in previous roles, especially around safeguarding and empowering individuals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Leonard Cheshire.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Tonbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your passion for person-centred care shine through. We want to see how you connect with our mission of creating a home where everyone can live life their way.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase your management experience and any relevant qualifications. We’re looking for leaders who understand safeguarding and can demonstrate their ability to manage teams effectively.
Be Person-Centred: Tailor your application to reflect our values. Use examples that illustrate how you've empowered individuals in your previous roles, as this aligns perfectly with what we do at Sobell Lodge.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Leonard Cheshire
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Leonard Cheshire's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their approach to person-centred care and safeguarding. This will help you demonstrate your alignment with their ethos and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on your communication and organisational skills. Be ready to discuss specific situations where you drove positive outcomes for residents.
✨Understand the Regulatory Landscape
Brush up on CQC standards and health & safety requirements relevant to the care sector. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you’re not only knowledgeable but also committed to maintaining high standards in care.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about the team dynamics, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. It shows that you’re engaged and thinking critically about how you can contribute to Sobell Lodge.
