At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape the future of residential care for vulnerable children in Suffolk.
- Company: Suffolk County Council, dedicated to improving lives in diverse communities.
- Benefits: Generous leave, competitive pension, flexible working, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to safeguarding and promoting welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of children in care while leading a passionate team.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in children's homes and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60135 - 60135 € per year.
At Suffolk County Council, every role is a chance to create positive change. We're not just a local authority; we're a team of dedicated individuals working together to improve lives across our diverse communities. As our new Service Manager for Residential Care, you will lead Suffolk County Council’s Children’s Homes Service across the county, providing strategic and visible leadership and shaping the future development of our in‑house residential provision. You will have a unique opportunity to influence county‑wide service delivery, working at a senior level to improve outcomes for Children in Care.
Your role and responsibilities:
- Lead and promote good practice, developing a clear vision for the service.
- Have the ability, creativity and commitment to deliver a high‑quality, safe and sustainable residential care service for some of the most vulnerable children in our community.
- Provide strategic leadership across the Children’s Homes Service, with responsibility for people, performance, budgets and safeguarding.
- Work in partnership across the council and with external agencies to deliver statutory, regulatory and corporate parenting priorities.
You will need extensive experience within children’s homes and the knowledge and practical use of Children Act 1989 and Children Act 2004, Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and related regulations and guidance to be able to demonstrate a sound working knowledge of the Children’s Act, the Care Standards Act, the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 and the current issues facing Children in Care. Proven track record of providing management and oversight within children’s services. Excellent organisational and communication skills to successfully manage a senior leadership role of this scale.
About the team:
The Children’s Homes Service is part of Suffolk County Council’s Corporate Parenting service and provides residential care for children and young people aged 8–17 with a range of social, emotional and mental health needs. The service is committed to delivering safe, nurturing and high‑quality provision, working in partnership across Children and Young People’s Services to continually improve outcomes for children in care.
Empowering Everyone:
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
Benefits:
- Up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days.
- Membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits.
- Performance‑related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost‑of‑living pay increase.
- Training and encouragement to expand your knowledge.
- A variety of career development opportunities across our organisation.
- Diverse and active staff networks.
- Flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day.
Closing date: 11.30 pm, 12 May 2026.
Commitments:
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.
Service Manager in Suffolk employer: Suffolk County Council
Suffolk County Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating positive change within our diverse communities. As a Service Manager for Residential Care, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values flexibility, professional development, and the well-being of its employees, alongside competitive benefits such as generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for career advancement. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of vulnerable children while enjoying a fulfilling and rewarding career in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Manager in Suffolk
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its values. Understand Suffolk County Council's mission and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills with a friend or mentor. Get comfortable talking about your experience and how it relates to the role of Service Manager. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our process.
We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager in Suffolk
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Service Manager. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Service Manager, leadership is key! Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, especially in children's services. We want to see your ability to drive change and improve outcomes.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to submit your application through our official website! This ensures that we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Children Act 1989 and 2004, as well as the Children’s Homes Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these laws confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge and practical understanding required for the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your ability to drive change and improve outcomes, especially in children's services. This will demonstrate your strategic leadership capabilities, which are crucial for the Service Manager position.
✨Understand the Role's Impact
Research Suffolk County Council’s current initiatives and challenges within the Children’s Homes Service. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their goals and improve service delivery for children in care. This shows your commitment to making a positive change.
✨Prepare for Partnership Discussions
Think about how you would work with external agencies and senior managers. Prepare to discuss your experience in collaboration and how you can foster partnerships to meet statutory and corporate parenting priorities. This will highlight your ability to work effectively across different teams.
