At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dedicated team to empower young people towards independence and positive futures.
- Company: Join Orwell Housing Association, a values-driven team focused on people first.
- Benefits: Enjoy 22 days annual leave, ongoing training, and a supportive wellbeing programme.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and personal growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing teams and a passion for supporting vulnerable individuals.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 38500 £ per year.
Shape Futures. Empower Young People. Lead with Purpose. Can you inspire a team while helping young people build brighter futures? Christchurch House is a 37-bedroom supported housing service in Ipswich, providing accommodation and personalised support for young people aged 18-24 experiencing homelessness. We are looking for an exceptional Service Manager to lead the service, support our talented team, and help young people take positive steps towards independence. This is a rewarding leadership opportunity for someone who brings warmth, empathy and determination, along with the ability to create a positive culture where young people and colleagues can achieve their full potential.
What you’ll be doing:
- You’ll lead all aspects of service delivery, ensuring young people receive high-quality, person-centred support that builds confidence, resilience and independence.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Inspiring, developing and empowering a dedicated support team.
- Creating a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for vulnerable young people.
- Promoting excellent safeguarding and risk management practices.
- Working collaboratively with local authorities, education providers, health services and community partners.
- Driving continuous improvement and delivering outstanding outcomes for customers.
- Ensuring the service operates effectively, efficiently and in line with organisational values.
About you
You’ll be an experienced people-focused leader who has:
- Experience managing teams within homelessness, housing, supported living or related services.
- A strong understanding of safeguarding, risk management and supporting vulnerable individuals.
- Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.
- A collaborative leadership style that motivates and develops others.
- The ability to remain calm, decisive and solution-focused in a fast-paced environment.
Most importantly, you'll understand that great leadership starts with empathy, respect and a genuine belief in people's potential. If you're a compassionate leader who wants to empower young people, support an exceptional team, and create lasting positive change, we want to hear from you.
More benefits of joining #TeamOrwell:
- 22 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays (Please note that bank-holiday work may be required as part of this role).
- Reward and recognition awards.
- Free DBS checks.
- Cashback Health plan.
- Access to Blue Light Card - membership fees apply.
- Ongoing training and development & opportunities to progress in your role through the Orwell Academy Wellbeing programme.
Person Specification:
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 9-4 / A-C or equivalent)
- Leadership qualification or willingness to gain a qualification in the Orwell Academy.
- A full driving licence is desirable.
Closing date for applications: 6th September 2026. Interview date: 11th September.
Before applying… Orwell is committed to safeguarding and safer employment and the principles of empowerment. Please note Orwell Housing Association does not provide visa sponsorship. You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply. You will be required to provide the relevant right to work documentation if successfully appointed to the role. This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check with Children's Barred List.
Apply with Confidence. Orwell is proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We believe in creating an accessible and supportive environment, where every team member can thrive and contribute. Join us in our commitment to building a workplace that celebrates diversity and empowers all individuals to reach their full potential.
Service Manager in Ipswich employer: Orwell Housing Association
Orwell Housing Association is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and growth of its staff, offering flexible home care shifts that allow for a healthy work-life balance. With a strong emphasis on empathy and creativity, employees are encouraged to develop their skills in a supportive environment, making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals in Loddon. The organisation fosters a collaborative work culture, providing opportunities for professional development and a rewarding career in social care.
Contact Details:
Orwell Housing Association Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Ipswich
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Orwell Housing Association.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Orwell Housing Association.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Orwell Housing Association.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Orwell Housing Association. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Orwell Housing Association. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Service Manager, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Orwell Housing Association
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Orwell Housing Association. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
