Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop mental health services, ensuring high-quality support for the community.
- Company: Bradford District and Craven Mind, a thriving mental health charity.
- Benefits: Generous salary, 25+ days leave, health cash plan, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting mental wellbeing.
- Qualifications: Management experience in relevant fields and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to inclusion and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 32240 - 39865 £ per year.
Salary scale: £32,240 - £39,865 per annum DOE
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Base: Kenburgh House, 28 Manor Row, Bradford BD1 4QU
Probationary Period: 6 Months
Closing Date: Monday 9th February 2026
Interview Date: Tuesday 17th February 2026
About Us
Bradford District and Craven Mind is a thriving, independent mental health charity with a clear purpose to promote positive mental wellbeing and empower and help people experiencing issues with their mental health to manage and work towards recovery and fulfilment.
We do this through:
- Building community and individual resilience for better mental wellbeing
- Providing early intervention advice and support
- Supporting people in crisis
- Empowering and helping people to recover and sustain improved wellbeing
Benefits:
- 25 days annual leave per year, rising to 28 days with length of service plus bank holidays
- Up to two additional leave days to use each year to support your wellbeing
- Simply Health Cash Plan to claim back on personal health costs including dental, optical, prescriptions, physiotherapy and more
- Employee Assistance Service including 24/7 confidential mental health support and access to structured therapy sessions
- Generous pension scheme and employer contribution to help you plan for a secure future
- Discount schemes including Company Shop and Blue Light Card
- Excellent personal development opportunities including access to Clinical Supervision
- Enhanced sick pay after your six-month probation
- Accredited employer with Mindful Employer, Disability Confident and Real Living Wage
Role Background
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Service Manager to oversee the effective delivery, growth, and impact of our two key services: Guide-Line and Kids Time. Both services play a vital role in supporting the wellbeing of people of all ages within our community, and this role is central to ensuring they continue to thrive.
Guide-Line is our confidential telephone and live chat helpline, available to people of all ages who are seeking emotional support, guidance, or someone to talk to during challenging times. Kids Time is our inclusive, family-focused workshop programme designed to support children, parents, and carers affected by mental health challenges within the family.
Working closely with the Head of Service, you will contribute to the strategic development of Guide-Line and Kids Time, helping to shape service priorities, enhance delivery models, and strengthen our impact across the communities we serve. You will use insight, feedback, and performance data to drive continuous improvement and ensure both services remain accessible, safe, and responsive to need.
Role Purpose
As a Service Manager, you’ll lead the delivery and development of our mental health services, ensuring they run effectively and make a real difference. You’ll manage a dedicated team, providing guidance and support to ensure high-quality care for the people we support. With a focus on service performance, engagement, and innovation, you’ll oversee operations, build strong relationships with partners, and ensure services meet all required standards. Your leadership will help create a positive, supportive environment where both staff and service members can thrive.
Role Outcomes
- Lead your team to deliver safe, high-quality services, ensuring they meet regulatory standards, performance targets, and deliver real impact, in line with the quality assurance framework, operational plan and organisation mission
- Harness meaningful relationships with service members, partners, commissioners, and stakeholders, strengthening collaboration and ensuring your services meet local needs
- Ensure robust operational and financial controls are in place, including service risk assessment and safeguarding responsibilities, which are closely monitored and meet auditing requirements
- Drive data collection and analysis, producing high quality reports to lead service developments
- Supporting senior and executive leadership to identify new business development opportunities
- Lead the successful delivery of new and evolving projects, ensuring they align with BDC Mind goals
- Lead your team to be high performing by fostering clear communication and taking a proactive problem-solving approach, in alignment with our mission, objectives, policies and core values: Caring Always, Working Together, Supporting Everyone, Enabling All and Continually Improving
- Promoting inclusion, diversity and equity in creation, development and delivery of services
- Actively supporting and promoting all aspects of the service and enhance the public image of BDC Mind
- Support the on-call rota to ensure all staff have access to support and guidance out of hours
- Actively engage in supervision, team meetings and company events to contribute to a well-connected, informed and supportive team environment
- Successfully complete all mandatory and role-specific training to ensure best practices in safeguarding, data protection, health and safety and mental health awareness
- Adapt to evolving service needs by taking on additional responsibilities as required, ensuring a cohesive and effective team approach
Person Specification
Bradford District and Craven Mind is committed to promoting mental health awareness, reducing stigma, and improving the quality of life for people with mental health challenges. We value diversity, inclusion and lived experiences when recruiting our staff and volunteers.
Experience:
- At least 1 year’s management experience in a relevant field
- Leading change in services and driving service developments
- Supporting a team or mentoring/coaching others
- Building and maintaining relationships with external partners
- Working in a health, social care or other relevant setting
Skills and Abilities:
- Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
- Excellent IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office packages and online systems
- Data analysis and report writing skills
- Able to manage a diverse range of competing priorities and meet deadlines
- Able to work autonomously and as part of a team
Knowledge:
- Understanding of key current issues within mental health
- Up to date knowledge of best practice approach to safeguarding adults and children
Attitude and Personal Attributes:
- Passionate and enthusiastic
- A solution-focussed approach and can-do attitude
- Commitment to personal and professional development
- Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Dedicated to collaborative working
- Willingness to work flexibly
- Commitment to and alignment with BDC Mind core values: Supporting everyone, Caring Always, Continually Improving, Enabling all and Working Together
- Experience managing a remote team
- Experience of managing CYP and/or All-Age Services
How to apply
Please click the 'Apply for this job' button and follow the steps to fill out the application form. Upload your CV and a cover letter showing how your experience and skills match the Job Description and Person Specification.
We’re unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted. We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. All successful candidates will need to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a right to work in the UK check.
Service Manager - Guide-Line and Kids Time in Bradford employer: mindinbradford
Contact Detail:
mindinbradford Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager - Guide-Line and Kids Time in Bradford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to mental health services. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Bradford District and Craven Mind. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or family member to do a mock interview with you. This will help you get comfortable talking about your skills and experiences, making you more confident when it’s the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager - Guide-Line and Kids Time in Bradford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Service Manager. Highlight your management experience and any relevant skills that align with the job description. We want to see how your background fits with our mission at Bradford District and Craven Mind!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about mental health and how your experience can contribute to our services. Keep it engaging and personal, showing us your enthusiasm for the role.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out the application form, be sure to showcase your experience in leading teams and driving service developments. We’re looking for someone who can manage diverse priorities and make a real impact, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website by clicking the 'Apply for this job' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re following the right steps. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at mindinbradford
✨Know Your Services Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the Guide-Line and Kids Time services. Familiarise yourself with their objectives, target audience, and how they contribute to mental wellbeing. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're ready to lead these vital services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Service Manager, you'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to highlight your management experience. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your ability to foster communication, drive performance, and support staff development. Be ready to discuss how you can create a positive environment for both staff and service users.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage competing priorities or handle challenging situations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and clearly illustrate your thought process.
✨Align with Their Values
Bradford District and Craven Mind values diversity, inclusion, and collaboration. During the interview, express your commitment to these principles and share experiences that reflect your dedication to equity and community engagement. This will show that you not only fit the role but also align with their mission and values.
