Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a local charity, supporting families and managing a dedicated team.
- Company: Home-Start Guildford, a family-friendly charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, pension contributions, and ongoing training.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on families' lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in management, strong people skills, and fundraising knowledge.
- Other info: Opportunity for home-based work and excellent career growth.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 43000 £ per year.
Working hours: 4-5 days per week (hours negotiable)
Directorate: Partnership
Please note that this vacancy is not part of Surrey County Council, we are advertising this on behalf of a partnership organisation.
The salary range for this role is £42,000 to £43,000 per annum based on a 4-5 day working week, hours to be negotiated.
Rewards and Benefits
- Flexible working (within service need)
- Generous annual leave
- Pension contribution
- Free parking
- Ongoing training and professional development
- The opportunity to lead a well-respected local charity making a meaningful difference to families' lives
About the Organisation
Home-Start Guildford is a local, independent charity supporting families with at least one child under the age of five. Through our team of trained volunteers and staff, we offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and give their young children the best possible start in life.
We are now seeking an experienced, inspiring and values-led Manager to lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
About the Role
As Manager, you will provide overall leadership and direction for Home-Start Guildford, ensuring our services remain high-quality, safe and impactful for local families. You will work closely with our Board of Trustees, lead and support a dedicated staff team, and oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers. You will also play a key role in our funding strategy, strengthening partnerships, building community relationships, and representing the charity locally. This is a pivotal position for someone who is passionate about early childhood, understands the challenges faced by families, and thrives in a varied and rewarding leadership role.
We're looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in a management or leadership role, ideally in the voluntary or community sector
- Strong people management skills, including supporting staff and volunteers
- Experience of fundraising, grant applications or income generation
- A solid understanding of safeguarding and working with vulnerable families
- Excellent communication and relationship building abilities
- Strong organisational and financial oversight skills
- A commitment to the values and ethos of Home-Start
- A clean driver's licence and access to a car
(Desirable: knowledge of the local Guildford voluntary sector, experience working with families with young children, or experience reporting to a Board.)
Additional information
Some home-based working is possible, however you will need to be in the office with staff and attending external meetings regularly throughout the week. This post requires an Enhanced DBS check with Child Workforce barred list information. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and DBS. We will only discuss or request criminal record details once a conditional offer has been made, in line with Home-Start's Safer Recruitment Policy. Home-Start Guildford is committed to safeguarding and to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people with disabilities and anyone who may need adjustments or support to complete the application process is encouraged to contact us during the recruitment process.
Contact Information
If you would like to contact us about the role, please contact Louisa Tompkins, Business and Administration Manager, with opportunity to speak to the existing Manager or a Trustee, contact Louisa, louisat@hsguildford.org.uk.
Schedule and Interview Process
Closing date: Midday, Friday 13 February 2026
Shortlisting: Candidates notified by end of day, Tuesday 17 February 2026
Interviews:
- Part One – Staff Engagement Exercise: Tuesday 24 February 2026 (presentation)
- Part Two – Formal Interview: Friday 27 February 2026 (panel interview & presentation)
Both parts will take place in person at the Home-Start Guildford offices.
To apply for this role, please submit a completed application form, outlining your suitability for the role and an up-to-date CV to louisat@hsguildford.org.uk.
Manager in Guildford employer: Surrey County Council
Contact Detail:
Surrey County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the charity sector, especially those who know Home-Start Guildford. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by understanding their mission and values. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in supporting families. Tailor your examples to highlight your leadership and community engagement skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a follow-up! After your interview, drop them a thank-you email. It’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and remind them why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for any additional resources or tips we might have on landing a job in the charity sector. We’re here to help you shine and make a real impact!
We think you need these skills to ace Manager in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that match the Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant work with families or in the voluntary sector.
Showcase Your Passion: Let us see your enthusiasm for early childhood development and supporting families. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a difference in this area.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your CV and cover letter so we can easily see how you meet the requirements of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. Make sure to include all required documents and double-check everything before hitting send!
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County Council
✨Know Your Organisation
Before the interview, take some time to research Home-Start Guildford. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they face in supporting families. This will not only help you answer questions more effectively but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare for the Staff Engagement Exercise
Since the interview process includes a staff engagement exercise, think about how you can demonstrate your leadership style and people management skills. Prepare a short presentation that highlights your experience and how you would engage with staff and volunteers to foster a positive working environment.
✨Showcase Your Fundraising Experience
Given the importance of fundraising in this role, be ready to discuss your previous experiences with income generation and grant applications. Have specific examples at hand that illustrate your success in these areas, as this will be crucial for the panel.
✨Emphasise Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key for this position. Be prepared to share examples of how you've built relationships with stakeholders, managed teams, or communicated effectively in challenging situations. This will demonstrate your ability to represent the charity and strengthen partnerships.
