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- Tasks: Lead a new Supported Living service for a young person with autism and learning disabilities.
- Company: Pivotal People, focused on a family ethos and high professionalism.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 23 days holiday, life insurance, and discretionary bonus.
- Why this job: Build a supportive home from the ground up and make a real difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in complex autism and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Enjoy a supernumerary role with no sleep-ins and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 45000 £ per year.
Service Manager. Supported Living - Learning Disabilities & Autism
Location: Eastbourne, BN21, East Sussex, UK
Base Salary: to £45,000 per annum + bonus
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, 40hrs a week
Start date: Ideally April 2026 but will allow for working notice periods
Closing date: 28/03/2026 (interviews will happen on a rolling basis as applications are received, so may close earlier)
Employer: Pivotal People is exclusively recruiting for this role on behalf of our client
About the Opportunity:
I am looking for a Service Manager to lead a brand-new Supported Living service in Eastbourne. The property has already been bought and is currently being tailored specifically for one young person with autism (PDA features) and moderate learning disabilities. This business is operated with a family ethos, avoiding the corporate style while maintaining a high level of professionalism. They focus on getting the environment and the staffing right from day one, rather than trying to fix things later. This is a "ground-up" post where you’ll be responsible for recruiting your own team and setting the house's culture. You aren’t inheriting someone else’s setup; you are building this from the start.
The Role & Rota Structure:
- The Rota & Ratios: You will be primarily supernumerary. This home is set up for high-intensity support, starting at 3:1 and moving to 2:1 as the individual settles and builds trust with the team.
- Staffing Structure: There are two waking night staff, so there are no sleep-ins to worry about. I’m looking for a manager who has the time to actually lead and mentor their staff, rather than just covering gaps in the rota.
- The Transition: You’ll lead the final setup phase, ensuring the routines and the environment are exactly what this individual needs to feel safe and regulated.
Experience Requirements:
Who Fits This Service Manager Role? You’ll have a background in complex autism and a real understanding of PDA. You need to be a manager who leads by example—someone who stays calm when things are challenging and knows how to keep a team focused on the person, not just the paperwork. Crucially, you need to be someone who has the experience and the confidence to step in and work alongside your team when required. Whether you are an established Service Manager or an experienced Deputy Manager (3+ years) ready for your first Registered post, the main thing is your approach to care. We need someone who sees "behaviour" as communication and reacts with common sense and kindness.
Benefits & Support for this Service Manager role:
- Support: Local and area support and the benefits of a local HQ
- 23 days holiday (plus bank holidays)
- Life insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
How to Apply:
If you want a role where you have the autonomy to build a home the right way, let’s have a proper chat. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and DBS clearance. Apply with your CV or call Mike Tait for a confidential conversation.
Supported Living Manager in Eastbourne employer: PIVOTAL PEOPLE
Contact Detail:
PIVOTAL PEOPLE Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Supported Living Manager in Eastbourne
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Research their values and mission, especially since this role is all about building a supportive environment. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a positive impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your responses to common interview questions, but keep it natural. Think about how your experience with complex autism and PDA can shine through in your answers. We want to see your passion for care and how you lead by example!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to prepare some questions for them! Ask about their vision for the new service and how they see your role in shaping it. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you’re keen on being part of something meaningful.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed quickly, especially since interviews are happening on a rolling basis. Let’s get you in front of the right people!
We think you need these skills to ace Supported Living Manager in Eastbourne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Supported Living Manager role. Highlight your background in complex autism and any relevant management experience to show us you’re the right fit.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Don’t just send a generic cover letter! Use this opportunity to express why you’re passionate about building a supportive environment for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. Let us see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, give us a glimpse of how you lead by example. Share examples of how you’ve managed teams in challenging situations and how you keep everyone focused on the person rather than just the paperwork.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you one step closer to joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at PIVOTAL PEOPLE
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the specifics of supported living, especially around autism and PDA. Brush up on relevant legislation and best practices in care. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely knowledgeable about the field.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Since this role involves building a team from scratch, be ready to discuss your leadership approach. Share examples of how you've led teams in the past, particularly in challenging situations. Highlight your ability to mentor and support staff while maintaining a calm environment.
✨Emphasise Person-Centred Care
Prepare to talk about how you view behaviour as communication. Share specific instances where you've successfully implemented person-centred care strategies. This will demonstrate your understanding of the individual needs of those with learning disabilities and autism.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the service's vision and culture. This shows your genuine interest in creating a supportive environment and helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you too.