Service Manager

Lifeways; Chobham; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Real-time pay tracking (Stream)

Inclusive workplace culture

Matched pension scheme

Wellbeing resources

Recognition schemes

CHOICE Rewards discounts

Job summary

Lifeways is seeking a Service Manager to lead a newly acquired supported living service in Cobham, Surrey, delivering person‑centred care to young adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs. You will provide strong operational leadership and build on what is already in place.

You’ll work with a dedicated Area Manager and Regional Director, driving high standards, developing teams and achieving meaningful outcomes for the people we support.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading care teams and managing services.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop your team of support workers and team leaders to deliver outstanding care and support within the service.
• Oversee the delivery of high-quality care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.
• Drive service improvements and quality standards.
• Build strong relationships with families and communities.

Skills

People management

Operational leadership

Driver's license

Compassionate leadership

Education

Level 3 Health & Social Care qualification

Level 5 qualification desirable

Job description

Service Manager

As part of our continued growth, we are excited to welcome a newly acquired supported living service in Cobham, Surrey, and are looking for an experienced and passionate Service Manager to lead the service into its next chapter.

The service delivers approximately 700 commissioned hours per week, supporting young adults with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs across its supported living schemes.

This is an exciting opportunity to join us at an important stage of the service’s journey, providing strong operational leadership while helping to build on what is already in place.

You’ll be supported by a dedicated Area Manager and Regional Director, while having the autonomy to lead in your own style — driving high standards, developing strong teams and achieving meaningful outcomes for the people we support.

We’re looking for a leader who:

• Leads with positivity, compassion, and confidence
• Inspires teams to deliver outstanding, person-centred support
• Champions quality, safety, and continuous improvement
• Understands the complexities of supporting individuals with learning disabilities, physical disabilities, personality disorders, psychosis, and behaviours of concern, including self-harm

In this role, you will:

• Support, inspire, and develop your team of support workers and team leaders to deliver outstanding care and support within this supported living service.
• You will oversee the delivery of high-quality care and support for individuals with learning disabilities, autism, behaviours of concern, and physical disabilities, each with their own unique and complex needs.
• Drive service improvements and quality standards
• Build strong relationships with your team, families, and communities

You’ll lead with purpose, inspire your teams, and deliver the highest standards of care while shaping the future of services.

What You’ll Bring

• A minimum Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care with Level 5 desirable, or working towards it
• Strong experience in operational and people management
• A valid UK driver’s licence and willingness to travel locally
• A genuine passion for quality care — and the ability to lead by example

We’re looking for individuals who embody empathy, courage, honesty, equality, and passion. If that sounds like you, we’d love to welcome you to the team.

Why Join Lifeways?

When you join Lifeways, you step into a leadership role in a company that values and invests in its people. Our shared values guide everything we do: Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal.

You’ll get:

• Enjoy financial wellbeing tools with Stream — real-time pay tracking, savings features, and instant access to earned pay when you need it.
• A supportive, inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support
• Reward and Recognition Schemes
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards

At Lifeways, you’re not just anyone. You’re a leader who can make a difference every single day.