At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and inspire teams to improve lives through substance misuse services.
- Company: Join a respected national charity dedicated to rebuilding lives.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent position, and the chance to influence service development.
- Other info: Exciting opportunity to manage a newly awarded contract and drive innovation.
- Why this job: Shape the future of vital community services while leading an experienced team.
- Qualifications: Senior leadership experience in substance misuse or social care required.
Location: Derbyshire
Rate: £43,920 - £54,160
Start Date: ASAP – Summer 2026
Duration: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Lead Change. Inspire Recovery. Transform Lives.
Supporting Futures is delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a leading national harm reduction charity, for an exceptional Area Manager to lead substance misuse services across Derby.
Our client has recently been awarded the Pan-Derby City contract, creating a unique opportunity to lead its mobilisation while supporting an established, high-performing service through an exciting new phase. You will inherit experienced teams, strong local partnerships and well-developed pathways, while using your leadership to help shape the future of service delivery.
This is a pivotal leadership role for someone who is passionate about improving lives and driving excellence across substance misuse services.
The Opportunity
As Area Manager, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across the Derby service, ensuring safe, effective and innovative delivery while acting as the registered CQC Manager. Working alongside an experienced Senior Leadership Team, you'll lead on performance, governance, workforce development, partnership working and continuous improvement, ensuring the service delivers outstanding outcomes for people affected by alcohol and drug use.
This role offers the rare opportunity to combine the stability of an established service with the excitement of leading a newly awarded contract and helping shape its future direction.
We're Looking For
You’ll bring:
- Senior leadership experience within substance misuse, health, CQC registered services/homes or social care
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and complex services
- Strong knowledge of CQC regulation, governance and safeguarding
- A proven ability to deliver high-quality services and lead organisational change
- Excellent relationship-building skills with commissioners and partner agencies
- A compassionate, values-led leadership style that inspires teams to thrive
Why work for our client?
They are a respected national charity with an ambitious vision to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives. Joining them means becoming part of an organisation that champions innovation, collaboration and compassionate leadership, empowering both the people it supports and the colleagues who deliver its services.
Why Apply?
- Permanent senior leadership opportunity
- Competitive Salary
- Lead the mobilisation of a newly awarded contract
- Manage an experienced, established workforce
- Influence strategy, innovation and service development
- Join a forward-thinking charity making a genuine difference
If you're an experienced leader looking for an opportunity where you can build on strong foundations while shaping the future of a vital community service, we'd love to hear from you.
Should wish to apply/find out more information please send your CV to Ria at or call on (phone number removed) for a confidential discussion.
Supporting Futures Consulting acts as both an employer and an agency.
Area Manager (Substance Misuse Services) in Derby employer: Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd
Supporting Futures is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead substance misuse services in Derbyshire while being part of a respected national charity dedicated to rebuilding lives. With a focus on innovation, collaboration, and compassionate leadership, employees are empowered to make a genuine difference in the community, supported by competitive salaries and opportunities for professional growth within a stable yet dynamic environment.
Contact Details:
Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Area Manager (Substance Misuse Services) in Derby
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Area Manager (Substance Misuse Services) in Derby
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Supporting Futures Consulting Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
