Operational Service Manager

Mind in Bradford; Bradford; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative organization is seeking a passionate Operational Service Manager to lead a vital mental health service. In this role, you'll oversee the delivery of compassionate support, ensuring a safe environment for individuals in crisis. You'll manage a dedicated team, foster partnerships, and promote a culture of inclusion and respect. This position offers opportunities for professional growth while making a significant impact on the community. Join a forward-thinking team that values collaboration and continuous improvement in mental health care.

Benefits

Clinical Supervision

Supportive Management

Hybrid Working

25 Days Holiday

4% Contributory Pension Scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Blue Light Card Eligibility

Life Assurance Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience in mental health services or social care.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day operations of the Safe Spaces service.
• Ensure high-quality support and compliance with standards.

Skills

Leadership

Communication Skills

Data Analysis

Mentoring

Risk Management

Education

Relevant Degree or Equivalent Experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

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Job Description

• Salary: £28,753 to £36,806
• Contract: Permanent
• Hours: 37 hours per week, including some evenings and weekends
• Probation: 6 months
• Closing Date: 10am Tuesday 6th May 2025
• Interview Date: Week commencing 12th May 2025

What we offer

• Clinical supervision
• Supportive, values-led management team
• Staff engagement forum and casual dress
• Opportunities for progression and development
• Hybrid working
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• 4% contributory pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme including healthcare expenses and GP access
• Blue Light Card eligibility
• Life Assurance scheme

A typical day for a Service Manager

The Service

Safe Spaces is an innovative, all-age, crisis alternative service, delivered through a unique partnership between BDC Mind and The Cellar Trust and funded by the NHS. We're here 365 days a year, from 12pm to 2:30am, offering vital support to people across Bradford, Airedale, Wharfedale and Craven.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide safe, welcoming, non-clinical spaces where people in emotional distress can feel heard, supported, and guided to the next step. Whether it's through one-to-one support or open-access crisis cafés, we help people feel grounded in moments of crisis-and connected to the right ongoing care.

Collaboration is at the heart of what we do. We work closely with trusted partners to deliver support in local communities, and with key services such as NHS crisis teams, hospitals, police and the local authority. Together, we're building a compassionate, joined-up response to mental health crisis, and playing a vital role in Bradford District and Craven's Healthy Minds Strategy.

Role Purpose

As Operational Service Manager, you'll play a key role in leading Safe Spaces day-to-day, ensuring we consistently deliver high-quality, compassionate support. Employed by BDC Mind and working closely with the Cellar Trust's Quality Service Manager, you'll oversee the smooth running of our hubs in Bradford, Shipley and Keighley, along with some community-based outreach.

You'll lead from the front-supporting and developing a dedicated team, strengthening partnerships, and driving the service forward. This is a hands-on leadership role that blends operational oversight with big-picture thinking. You'll be instrumental in creating a positive culture, where staff feel valued and the people we support feel safe, respected, and empowered.

Role Outcomes

• Deliver a safe, high-quality service that meets local needs, performance targets and regulatory standards, by providing strong, values-led operational leadership in partnership with the Quality Service Manager.
• Ensure a skilled and well-supported workforce by providing effective line management to Team Leaders, overseeing rota planning, supervision, and staff development.
• Foster a cohesive, responsive team culture by maintaining a visible leadership presence across all sites.
• Strengthen access and local partnerships by building meaningful relationships with service members, stakeholders and referrers, and contributing to the development of referral pathways.
• Maintain a safe and compliant service through robust operational and financial oversight, including safeguarding and risk management.
• Embed new and innovative service models by leading the implementation of pilots and projects aligned with organisational priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement through effective data collection, reporting and analysis, supporting the Quality Service Manager to turn insights into meaningful service development and demonstratable impact.
• Contribute to the organisation's sustainability by supporting senior leaders with business development and identifying opportunities for service growth.
• Create a high-performing team culture by championing values-led practice, proactive communication, and a "can-do", solutions-focused approach.
• Enhance the profile and reach of the service by actively promoting Safe Spaces and BDC Mind in local forums and public settings.
• Ensure consistent staff support by participating in the out-of-hours on-call rota.
• Promote equity, inclusion and diversity to ensure services are welcoming, accessible and representative of the communities we serve.
• Support a connected and informed team by engaging in supervision, team meetings and organisational events.
• Uphold best practice standards by completing all mandatory and role-specific training in key areas such as safeguarding, data protection and health and safety.
• Respond to evolving service needs by adapting flexibly and taking on additional responsibilities where required.

Person specification

Essential requirements

Knowledge

• A relevant degree, equivalent qualification, or significant equivalent experience
• Knowledge and understanding and/or lived experience of the challenges facing people who have difficulties relating to their mental health.
• Knowledge of a range of mental health conditions and services.
• Practical and current understanding of safeguarding and managing risk in a clinical setting.

  Experience

• Recognising and responding to risk and safeguarding concerns for adults, children & young people
• Leading change and development in services
• Monitoring and evaluating work and demonstrating outcomes
• Mentoring/coaching others or supporting a team
• Track record of building and maintaining relationships with a range of stakeholders and delivering successfully in partnership with other organisations.
• Working with children, young people or adults in a health, social care or other relevant setting
• Working in a multi-agency way

Skills & abilities

• Leadership, supervisory and people management skills, including coaching and mentoring
• Excellent written, verbal and non-verbal communication skills
• Excellent IT skills including the use of Microsoft Office packages and online systems
• Data analysis and report-writing skills for relevant audiences.
• Able to manage a diverse range of completing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Able to work autonomously and as part of a team

Attitudes and personal attributes

• A firm belief that all people matter and deserve respect.
• Passionate and enthusiastic, a solution-focused approach and "can-do" attitude
• A commitment to personal and professional development
• Dedicated to collaborative working
• An evidenced belief that everyone can change.
• A track record on delivering on your commitments.
• Willing to work flexibly
• A personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

How to apply:

• Please click the 'Apply for this job' button and follow the steps to fill out the application form.
• Upload your CV and a cover letter showing how your experience and skills match the Job Description and Person Specification under.
• We're unable to provide feedback to applicants who are not shortlisted.
• We are committed to safeguarding vulnerable children and adults. All successful candidates will need to apply for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a right to work in the UK check.