Area Manager - Supported Living - Manchester

The Lifeways Group is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist support services for people with learning disabilities and neurodiverse needs. Additionally, Lifeways specialises in complex care for those requiring high levels of positive behaviour support. We have invested in new quality assurance and governance, along with digital rostering and care mapping. We are making a difference in people’s lives by being a provider that values both empathy and progress.

We are seeking a passionate Area Manager with a proven operational background to lead and inspire our services across Greater Manchester. Our services make a huge difference to people and families who want a care provider that is person led, focused on quality and on making a difference every day. We’re committed to your personal and professional growth. As an Area Manager, you’ll be part of our regional leadership team, where your ideas will help shape the future of care. We will invest in your development through tailored leadership coaching.

The role would suit an experienced Registered Manager looking for their next step up, or an experienced Area Manager seeking a new challenge.

What you’ll bring to Lifeways:

• You must have proven experience of managing multi-site residential and/or supported living services in a Health & Social Care setting.
• Experience in complex care and learning disabilities is beneficial.
• You will have proven examples of driving up quality, health & safety and compliance, achieving all Care Inspectorate (CI) regulatory requirements.
• Financial budget and planning, tender process, transition and mobilisation planning.
• Resilient and calm when supporting safeguarding or whistle blowing issues with a solution focused approach.
• You will have proven experience achieving business improvements where any issues arise, developing, implementing and completing appropriate remedial action plans.
• You will have a track record of leading multisite teams, and embedding consistent standards and quality.
• You will have a relevant professional qualification at Level 4 or higher in Care or Management.
• Experience of managing services for adults with complex needs (i.e. acquired brain injury, learning disability, autism, physical disabilities and mental health).

Why Join Lifeways?

When you join Lifeways, you step into a leadership role in a company that values and invests in its people. Our shared values guide everything we do: Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal.

You’ll get:

• Leadership development programmes & progression pathways
• A supportive, inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support
• Reward and Recognition Schemes
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards
• Access financial wellbeing tools with Stream, including real-time pay tracking and early access to earned wages

Why Now?

We are on a bold journey to become the Care Provider of Choice — and this is an exciting time to join us. We listen closely to our team members through surveys and forums and act on their ideas, continuously improving how we support both our people and the individuals in our care. As a leader, you’ll have the authority, resources, and support to shape your team’s culture and the quality of care they deliver. We invest in your growth through leadership development and promote a workplace where wellbeing, diversity, and inclusion are more than just words — they’re lived values. At Lifeways, you’re not just anyone. You’re a leader who can make a difference every single day.