Registered Cluster Manager

The Kent Autistic Trust; Ashford; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Job summary

The Kent Autistic Trust in Ashford is seeking a Cluster Manager to lead two registered services and drive high-quality, person-centred support. You will work closely with the Head of Operations to uphold service quality, regulatory compliance and safeguarding.

This hands-on leadership role is community-facing, requiring visibility in services, coaching and developing Assistant Managers, managing budgets and staffing, and building strong relationships with families, professionals and

Qualifications

• Experience leading two registered services.
• Strong people leadership and coaching skills.
• Ability to drive quality and compliance across services.

Responsibilities

• Lead two Registered Services to deliver safe, high-quality, person-centred support.
• Create a positive, accountable and inclusive culture across the cluster.
• Support, mentor and develop Assistant Managers and leadership talent.
• Drive continuous quality improvement and service excellence.
• Maintain CQC compliance and inspection readiness.

Skills

Leadership

People management

Two-site management

Budgeting

Relationship building

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care

Job description

£45,000 | Full Time | Ashford, Kent - based in service

At The Kent Autistic Trust, we believe great leadership creates great outcomes. We are seeking an exceptional Cluster Manager to lead two established Registered Services within our Ashford catchment area.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, visible and people-focused leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding support for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. We are looking for someone who champions quality, inspires their teams, and creates a culture where people supported and staff can thrive.

About the Role

You will have overall responsibility for two registered services, dividing your time equally between both locations. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will lead service quality, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, staffing, budgets and continuous improvement across the cluster.

Both services benefit from strong and experienced staffing teams, providing a solid platform from which to develop excellent outcomes. Each service also has an established Assistant Manager who provides day‑day operational support. A key part of this role will be building a strong partnership with these Assistant Managers, developing their leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and professional support whilst promoting consistency of practice across the cluster.

This is not a desk‑based management role. We are looking for a visible leader who enjoys spending time in services, knows the people we support, understands the challenges teams face and works alongside colleagues to drive improvement and success.

What You’ll Be Responsible For

• Leading two Registered Services to deliver safe, high-quality, person‑centred support.
• Creating a positive, accountable and inclusive culture where staff feel valued and motivated.
• Supporting, mentoring and developing Assistant Managers and wider leadership talent.
• Driving continuous quality improvement and service excellence.
• Maintaining CQC compliance and inspection readiness across both services.
• Leading safeguarding, risk management and incident response.
• Ensuring effective workforce planning, rota management and staffing stability.
• Managing service budgets and operational performance.
• Building strong relationships with families, professionals, commissioners and stakeholders.
• Championing The Kent Autistic Trust's values and strategic objectives.

About You

You will be an experienced social care leader with a track record of developing high‑performing teams and improving service quality.

You'll be:

• A confident and inspiring leader who brings people with you.
• Passionate about person‑centred support and achieving meaningful outcomes.
• Skilled at coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Visible, approachable and able to build strong relationships quickly.
• Organised and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Committed to continuous improvement and driving positive change.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding, CQC requirements and social care legislation.
• Experience of managing services within health or social care.
• Strong leadership and people management experience.
• Knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and quality standards.
• Experience of leading service improvement and managing performance.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between services.
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards).

Why Join Us?

At The Kent Autistic Trust, we are committed to creating services where autistic people can live fulfilling lives and where our staff feel supported to develop and succeed.

In return, we offer:

• The opportunity to lead and influence two established services.
• Strong operational and senior leadership support.
• A culture focused on quality, innovation and continuous improvement.
• Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are an ambitious and values‑driven leader who can inspire teams, develop future leaders and deliver exceptional quality, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape outstanding services across our Ashford cluster.

Closing Date:Friday 16 October 2026

Our approach is to review adverts as they are submitted.

The Kent Autistic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and right to work checks.