At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve youth services, ensuring young voices shape decisions and opportunities.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, committed to equality and community empowerment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days annual leave, a competitive pension, and support for your development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and collaboration across sectors.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and shape community assets.
- Qualifications: Experience in youth services, leadership, and managing substantial budgets required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
In Southwark, we’re proud to be a borough that’s ambitious for its people and its place — and determined to tackle inequality and injustice. That commitment shapes how we work, how we lead, and how we serve our communities. The Youth and Play Service is central to that ambition. It includes three youth centres and three adventure playgrounds, a large and diverse commissioning programme, and Southwark’s key youth voice structures — including the Youth Parliament and our borough‑wide Youth Digital Hub — so young people can shape decisions and access positive opportunities.
Southwark isn’t standing still. We continue to invest in young people and the buildings that support them, with capital investment in youth centres and adventure playgrounds alongside strong commissioning and partnership work. For leaders in the sector, this is a chance to shape high‑profile community assets and see your ideas translated into real, felt improvements for young people and communities. This is a role for someone who believes that every young person should feel they belong, be safe, be heard, and have access to positive activities and opportunities — and who wants to lead the systems, partnerships and services that make that real at scale. You’ll be joining a council that values openness, accountability and fairness, and that expects its leaders to help make Southwark more equal and just.
The Youth and Play Service Manager is a senior, borough‑shaping leadership role. You’ll be responsible for developing and delivering Youth and Play Services across Southwark, aligning them with corporate priorities and driving continuous improvement. This is a strategic, outward‑facing post. You’ll work with key partners across the council and beyond to embed learning from the London Youth Transformation pilot into service improvements — strengthening commissioning, quality assurance and impact, and building young people’s voice into design and decision‑making. You’ll lead service planning and redesign and coordinate youth and play programmes so delivery is joined up and effective. You’ll be accountable for the safe, smooth day‑to‑day running of our direct youth provision, alongside commissioning and grant programmes, procurement activity, and significant capital investment programmes for youth and play buildings. You’ll oversee a portfolio of council owned assets, manage complex risks, and secure external funding opportunities. You’ll also provide professional advice to senior officers and elected members and deputise for the Head of Culture when required.
In This Role, You Will
- Set the direction for Youth and Play and lead service improvement, including business planning, service reviews and change programmes that strengthen quality, consistency and outcomes.
- Align in‑house delivery, commissioned provision and cross‑council activity, building strong partnerships (schools, VCSE, health/public health and others) to deliver a joined‑up offer.
- Champion youth voice and co‑production, embedding young people’s lived experience in service design, delivery and wider council decision‑making.
- Ensure the day‑to‑day operation of our directly delivered youth centres and adventure playgrounds is safe, well‑run and compliant, with strong safeguarding, health & safety and risk management.
- Lead youth and play commissioning, grants and procurement, with robust performance, outcomes and contract management to assure quality, value for money and impact.
- Deliver and de‑risk capital investment programmes for youth centres and adventure playgrounds, ensuring buildings are safe, welcoming, fit for purpose and future‑ready.
- Source and secure external funding and income opportunities to support sustainability and growth of the youth and play offer.
- Provide clear, confident professional advice to senior officers and elected members on youth and play matters.
- Lead, support and develop your senior management team, creating a positive, inclusive and high‑performing culture.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for a strategic, values‑led leader who combines strong system leadership with a deep understanding of what great youth and play services look like on the ground.
You Will Bring
- Degree‑level qualification or equivalent through relevant experience, alongside continued professional and leadership development.
- In‑depth knowledge of youth and play services, including current challenges, risks and opportunities, and experience of service redesign and innovation.
- Senior management experience within a large or complex organisation, with responsibility for staff leadership and substantial budgets.
- A strong track record of leading complex programmes and change in a political or partnership environment.
- Experience of commissioning, procurement and contract management, with the confidence to work with a wide range of providers.
- Sound financial management skills, including oversight of revenue budgets of £1m+ and capital programmes.
- Proven ability to build trusting, productive relationships and influence senior stakeholders across sectors.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences, including elected members.
- A leadership style that is inclusive, organised and resilient, able to manage competing priorities and uncertainty.
- A strong commitment to equity, inclusion and ensuring that no young person is left behind.
Additional Information
Recruitment Timeline
- Closing date: 14 June 2026
- Shortlisting: 18 June 2026
- Interviews: 07 July 2026
We will be hosting an information webinar on 29 May at 13:30am, where you can learn more about the role and ask questions. The session will be anonymous—attendees will not be able to see who else is participating.
Benefits
Working for Southwark Council – Southwark
There are shift enhancements for out of hours and weekend working associated with this post. Benefits include: 29 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays, competitive pension scheme and excellent support for learning and development.
Youth and Play Service Manager employer: Southwark Council
Southwark Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and continuous improvement. As the Youth and Play Service Manager, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative initiatives that directly impact young people's lives in a vibrant borough committed to tackling inequality. With generous benefits including 29 days of annual leave, a competitive pension scheme, and robust support for professional development, Southwark Council is the ideal place for passionate leaders looking to make a meaningful difference in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Youth and Play Service Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the youth services sector. Attend local events, workshops, or webinars to meet potential colleagues and partners. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, let your enthusiasm for youth services shine through. Share your ideas on how to improve services and engage young people – it’ll make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for those tricky questions! Research common interview questions for leadership roles in youth services and practice your responses. Think about your experiences and how they align with Southwark’s values – this will help you articulate your vision clearly.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities and updates about the Youth and Play Service. Let’s get you on board!
We think you need these skills to ace Youth and Play Service Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the Youth and Play Service Manager role. Highlight your understanding of youth services and how your values match Southwark's commitment to equality and community.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:This role is all about leadership, so don’t hold back! Share examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in complex environments. We want to see your ability to inspire and manage diverse groups.
Emphasise Collaboration:Since this position involves working with various partners, make sure to highlight your experience in building strong relationships. Talk about how you’ve collaborated with schools, health services, or community organisations to achieve common goals.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the necessary details there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of youth and play services, especially in the context of Southwark. Familiarise yourself with current challenges and opportunities in the sector, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires strong leadership skills, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led teams and managed complex programmes. Highlight your inclusive approach and how you’ve built trusting relationships with stakeholders.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Southwark values partnerships, so demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with various organisations. Share specific instances where you’ve successfully aligned services or worked with schools, health providers, or community groups to achieve common goals.
✨Champion Youth Voice
Since the role involves embedding young people's voices into service design, come equipped with ideas on how to engage youth effectively. Discuss any past experiences where you’ve successfully included young people in decision-making processes.
