Deputy Manager

Sapphire House is located in Maidstone, in Kent. The home supports six autistic males and females, who may also have a learning disability. We are on a quiet street, off a main road, near the town centre. Our team are committed to empowering and encouraging the people we care for to develop the skills they need to live as independently as possible. Together we will work towards building independent skills and confidence, to assist them in meeting their potential.

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives while supporting and leading a dedicated care team? We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Deputy Home Manager to join us. In this role, you’ll work closely with the Home Manager to ensure our home is a warm, safe, and welcoming place for residents and their families. You’ll lead by example, supporting our senior team, guiding new colleagues, and making sure we always deliver the very best standards of care.

As a Deputy Manager you will be confident enough to make autonomous decisions, while collaborative enough to work as part of a team. You will ideally have significant previous Deputy Manager experience and demonstrate true commitment both to your own personal development and to the development of your wider team. This role will consist of 26 hours on the floor and 16 hours as supernumerary. You will be caring and having a professional approach goes without saying, as does your strong work ethic, reliability and ability to build solid working relationships.

In return, you will receive the support of some of the most outstanding nurse leaders in the sector, market-leading rates of pay and almost limitless opportunity. This is the perfect step for someone with experience in care leadership who’s ready to take on more responsibility in a supportive and rewarding environment.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Supporting the Home Manager to make sure our home runs smoothly and always meets regulatory standards (CQC/RQIA).
• Leading, guiding, and inspiring the senior care team to provide outstanding, person-centred support.
• Building strong relationships with residents, families, colleagues, and external professionals.
• Holding regular staff meetings, keeping communication open and positive.
• Helping new staff settle in with thorough inductions, ongoing training, and plenty of encouragement.
• Overseeing risk assessments and safety checks to make sure our home is safe and compliant.
• Playing a key role in quality checks and audits, always looking for ways we can improve.
• Working alongside regional managers to develop and introduce new ideas and services.
• Ensuring our staff feel valued, supported, and motivated to do their very best.

What you'll bring to the role:

Our work is rewarding but can be challenging, so resilience is key. No two days are the same! Your natural empathy will help you support others through both the highs and lows.

About You:

• You’ve worked as a Senior Support Worker, Team Leader, or Deputy Manager and are ready for the next step.
• You’re a natural leader — approachable, supportive, and great at bringing out the best in others.
• You’re passionate about high-quality care and know how important it is to residents and their families.
• You’re organised, proactive, and confident in managing the practical side of care (risk assessments, audits, compliance).
• Most importantly, you care deeply about people — both the residents we support and the colleagues you’ll be working alongside.

What we will give you in return:

• We want you to succeed at Priory and thrive in your role. You will be well supported with regular career conversations.
• We also offer full training and numerous pathways into leadership and qualified clinical positions to help you shape your career with us.
• Contributory pension scheme
• Flexible benefits including reduced rates and access to new schemes including gym membership, IT technology (laptops / tablets / smartphones) and Healthcare Cash Plan (Simply Health Scheme)
• Access to development opportunities
• Sponsorship of professional qualifications through our Individual Professional Development (IPD) panel
• Leadership & management development
• Long service award
• Refer a friend bonuses

Shortlisting may begin upon receipt of applications, and the Recruiting Manager may close the vacancy early if enough suitable candidates are identified.