At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support residents in achieving independence and stability.
- Company: Join SPEAR, a charity dedicated to ending homelessness in South West London.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, health support, career development, and family-friendly policies.
- Other info: Be part of a passionate team in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience with homelessness support and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 42000 £ per year.
Help lead a high-quality supported housing service and make a real difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness. Join SPEAR as our Hostel Manager and play a key role in supporting residents to achieve stability and move towards independent living.
SPEAR is a charity working to end homelessness across South West London. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring, and our teams work every day to support people into safe, stable accommodation.
We are looking for an experienced and motivated manager to lead a 14-bed, 24-hour supported hostel service in Richmond. You will oversee the day-to-day running of the service, ensuring it operates safely, effectively, and in line with SPEAR's values, while delivering high-quality, trauma-informed support to residents with complex needs.
About the roleThis is a practical leadership role where you will:
- Lead and manage a team, including a Team Leader and Support Workers
- Ensure safe staffing levels and effective rota management
- Oversee safeguarding, risk management, and incident response
- Drive high standards of service delivery and resident support
- Build strong relationships with local authorities and partner agencies
- Ensure compliance with health and safety, including fire safety and building standards
- Support residents to progress towards independence and move-on opportunities
You will combine operational leadership, staff management, and service development to create a safe, respectful, and recovery-focused environment.
About youWe are looking for someone who:
- Has experience working with people experiencing homelessness or complex needs
- Has managed or supervised staff in a supported housing, hostel, or similar setting
- Has strong knowledge of safeguarding, risk assessment, and trauma-informed practice
- Can lead and motivate a team in a fast-paced environment
- Is confident managing complex and high-risk situations
- Has excellent communication and organisational skills
At SPEAR, you'll be part of a passionate, skilled team dedicated to ending homelessness. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.
Your benefits- Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising to 31 days with length of service
- Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money and legal advice
- Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required)
- Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice
- Season ticket loan – Interest-free loan for annual travel passes
- Moving house day – Extra day's leave when you move home
- Financial security – Life assurance (4x salary) and interest-free emergency staff loan
- Family-friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options
- Career development – Ongoing training, learning and progression opportunities
- Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants and services
Hostel Manager employer: Webrecruit - Client Branded
Contact Detail:
Webrecruit - Client Branded Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Hostel Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the sector, attend local events, and engage with online communities. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching SPEAR and understanding their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their values. We want to see your passion for ending homelessness shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build your confidence. Focus on articulating your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in challenging environments.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at SPEAR and making a difference.
We think you need these skills to ace Hostel Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Hostel Manager role. Highlight any relevant experience in supported housing or working with people experiencing homelessness, as this will show us you understand the job.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about ending homelessness and how your leadership style aligns with our values at SPEAR. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead a team and manage complex situations. Numbers and outcomes can really make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Webrecruit - Client Branded
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the ins and outs of homelessness support services. Familiarise yourself with SPEAR's values and how they align with your own experiences. This will help you demonstrate your passion for the role and show that you're the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to motivate staff and handle complex cases, as this is crucial for the Hostel Manager position.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle specific situations, like safeguarding issues or conflict resolution among residents. Think through your responses ahead of time, using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the hostel's operations or the team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.