Deputy Service Manager

Wdp; London Borough of Redbridge; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Via is recruiting a Deputy Service Manager for the adult drug and alcohol service in Redbridge. You will work closely with the Service Manager to run day-to-day operations, develop staff, and strengthen performance to ensure a safe, effective service.

You will deputise for the Service Manager when needed, represent the service at partnerships, and take ownership of key improvement areas to help the workforce thrive and deliver high-quality support.

Qualifications

• Experience supervising or managing staff in health, social care or related fields.
• Strong leadership and people development capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage performance and have constructive conversations.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a positive team culture within the service.
• Support and manage staff to deliver a safe, high-quality service.
• deputise for the Service Manager and represent the service in meetings.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Performance management

Recruitment

Stakeholder engagement

People development

Job description

Job Reference JOB0430 Location Redbridge Salary £43,471.00 per annum, including London Weighting Vacancy Type Permanent/Full Time Working Hours 37.5 Application Deadline Sunday, November 8, 2026

Job Summary

Who we are

At Via, our mission is to provide the best health and wellbeing support to as many people as possible, helping them to change their lives for the better.

Last year, we supported over 11,000 people across the UK affected by alcohol and drug use.

Everything we do is driven by our values:

• • Care. Care for people is at the heart of everything we do.
• • Be human. We are accessible, genuine and humble. Always learning.
• • Do the right thing. We’re open, honest and inclusive. We get things done.

We want to recruit the very best talent. We believe in nurturing a positive workplace culture where our colleagues feel valued, recognised, empowered, and supported.

What we're looking for

We’re looking for a Deputy Service Manager to join the leadership team of our adult drug and alcohol service in Redbridge. This is an exciting opportunity to take the next step in your career, grow your leadership skills and make a real difference by helping our team thrive and develop.

Working closely with the Service Manager, you’ll play a key role in leading the day-to-day running of the service, developing staff and strengthening performance. You’ll deputise for the Service Manager when needed, represent the service at partnership and stakeholder meetings, and take ownership of key areas of work that will help shape and improve the service.

A key part of the role will be developing our workforce, helping staff build their skills and confidence, strengthening recruitment and retention, and creating a positive working environment where people can thrive

Key responsibilities

Leading and developing people: Building a positive, supportive team culture where colleagues feel valued and able to develop. You'll help build staff skills and confidence, set clear expectations and support colleagues to perform at their best.

Building a strong and effective team: Working with the Service Manager to attract, develop and retain our great people, supporting recruitment and helping create an environment where people continue to stay and grow.

Supporting colleagues and managing performance: Building positive working relationships and providing clear, supportive management. Where concerns or performance issues arise, you'll help address these fairly, constructively, with appropriate support.

Helping lead a safe, effective service: Working alongside the Service Manager to maintain service quality and performance, manage risk, strengthen partnerships and contribute to continuous improvement so that we provide effective and responsive support.

You’ll suit this role if you:

• · Have experience of supervising or managing staff in substance use, health or social care.
• · Are a confident leader who can develop people, manage performance and handle challenging conversations constructively.
• · Understand the challenges of recruitment and retention and are committed to creating a positive working environment.
• · Can balance people management with the demands of delivering a safe, effective and high-quality service.
• · Can build strong relationships with service users, colleagues and external partners.
• · Are committed to continuous improvement and helping people reach their potential.

Alongside a rewarding role and the opportunity to work with a diverse and inclusive team, we offer an excellent range of benefits, making this a great time to join us.

This is not just a job: you'll help people rebuild their lives, reconnect with their family and friends, return to work or education, and much more.

We're looking for individuals with compassion, good communication skills and the ability to stay calm under pressure.

If you're someone who is a good listener, stays curious, and wants to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Deadline: 8 November 2026 at midnight

Salary: £43,471. Inclusive of Outer London Weighting

Vacancy type: Permanent

Working hours: 9-5 Monday-Friday with some late clinic in rotation with other colleagues

Our Service Manager is happy to talk through this role, what a typical day might look like, development opportunities, and Via’s national network. you can reach Richelle Marks on [e-mail].

Job Profile Job Profile document