Service Manager

Service Manager

Guildford Full-Time 32000 - 44800 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead engaging activities for children with additional needs and manage a dedicated team.
  • Company: Join a well-established provider of inclusive youth services making a real difference.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, casual dress, free parking, and a supportive team culture.
  • Why this job: Make an impact in the lives of young people while developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: 2+ years experience with children or young people with learning disabilities required.
  • Other info: Full-time role with school holiday and weekend work; perfect for passionate individuals.

The predicted salary is between 32000 - 44800 £ per year.

We’re working with a well-established provider of inclusive youth services to recruit a Services Manager. This hands-on leadership role focuses on delivering engaging, safe, and inclusive activities for children and young people with additional needs, including afterschool clubs, playschemes, teen sessions, and evening groups.

As a Services Manager, you will:

  • Oversee the planning and delivery of sessions, ensuring they are age-appropriate and inclusive
  • Manage session staffing and provide leadership, coaching and guidance to Team Leaders and support workers
  • Liaise with families, carers, and professionals to ensure individual needs and risk plans are up to date
  • Source resources and manage budgets to support a diverse range of activities
  • Maintain safeguarding, incident reporting and compliance using internal systems
  • Track outcomes and measure the impact of the programmes delivered
  • Lead on behaviour and inclusion strategies, and provide direct support where needed

What we’re looking for:

  • At least 2 years’ experience supporting children or young people with learning disabilities
  • Experience managing services, teams or structured youth programmes
  • Strong communication and organisational skills
  • Ability to deliver and promote safeguarding best practice
  • A positive, flexible and hands-on approach to service delivery

What we offer:

  • Flexible working patterns (part-time or full-time)
  • Casual dress and relaxed working environment
  • Free on-site parking
  • Company pension and staff discount scheme
  • Regular team events and a supportive culture
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Contact Detail:

The Graduate Project Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Service Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of children and young people with additional needs. Understanding SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) will not only help you in interviews but also show your commitment to the role.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the field of youth services. Attend local events or online forums related to SEND to connect with others who share your passion and may provide insights or referrals for the position.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences managing teams. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully led a team or managed a programme, as this is crucial for the Services Manager role.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the organisation's current programmes and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their existing services will allow you to tailor your conversation during interviews and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.

We think you need these skills to ace Service Manager

Leadership Skills
Team Management
Communication Skills
Organisational Skills
Safeguarding Knowledge
Experience with SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Budget Management
Programme Delivery
Behaviour Management Strategies
Coaching and Mentoring
Risk Assessment
Stakeholder Engagement
Flexibility and Adaptability
Conflict Resolution

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in managing services for children and young people, particularly those with additional needs. Use specific examples that demonstrate your leadership skills and ability to deliver inclusive activities.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for working with children and young people with learning disabilities. Mention your hands-on approach and how your previous experiences align with the responsibilities of the Services Manager role.

Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your strong communication and organisational skills in both your CV and cover letter. Provide examples of how you've successfully managed teams or structured programmes in the past.

Showcase Your Understanding of Safeguarding: Demonstrate your knowledge of safeguarding best practices in your application. Include any relevant training or certifications you have completed, and explain how you have implemented these practices in previous roles.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Graduate Project

✨Showcase Your Experience

Be prepared to discuss your previous experience working with children and young people, especially those with additional needs. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed teams or delivered inclusive programmes.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Services Manager, leadership is key. Share instances where you've led a team, provided coaching, or resolved conflicts. This will show your ability to guide and inspire others in a challenging environment.

✨Understand Safeguarding Practices

Familiarise yourself with safeguarding policies and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure the safety and well-being of the children and young people in your care, as this is a critical aspect of the role.

✨Prepare Questions

Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers about their current programmes, team dynamics, and future goals. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if the organisation aligns with your values.

Service Manager
The Graduate Project
Location: Guildford
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