Service Manager

Leonard Cheshire; Colchester; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days annual leave

Health cash plan

Contributory pension

Career development

Free DBS check

Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Leonard Cheshire offers a Service Manager role in Colchester, leading the Essex Community Support and Enabling Service - Heathcroft. The post is a full-time, fixed-term position with a 6-month FTC and a salary of £36,000–£40,000 pro rata.

The role requires a recognised nursing or social care qualification and Level 5 Leadership for Health and Social Care. You will manage staff, ensure regulatory compliance, and engage with families and external agencies to improve services.

Qualifications

• Recognised nursing or social care qualification and registration (as appropriate).
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent).
• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within care.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills.
• A warm, supportive, and motivating approach.
• Flexibility to travel and participate in on-call duties as required.

Responsibilities

• Hold and maintain the appropriate registration for the service(s)
• Lead and inspire a team to deliver outstanding, person-centred care
• Manage recruitment, training, development, and performance of staff
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and Health & Safety requirements
• Oversee budgets, financial performance, and resource deployment
• Work closely with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies
• Develop innovative approaches to improve services and share best practice
• Step in to provide hands-on support where needed

Skills

Leadership

Team motivation

Communication

Organisational skills

On-call flexibility

Education

Nursing or social care qualification and registration

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care

Job description

Service Manager
Location: Colchester
Service name: Essex Community Support and Enabling Service - Heathcroft
Closing date: 07-10-26
Job type: Full-Time
Employment type: Fixed Term/Secondment
Salary: £36,000 - £40,000 (pro rota)
Description and requirements
Full-time | Essex Community Support - 6 month FTC
“It’s about leading by example – supporting my team so they can give the very best care every single day.”
That’s how one of our Service Managers describes their role. If you’re a confident, compassionate leader who’s ready to inspire others and make a real difference, we’d love to hear from you.
A home, not just a service
Our Essex Community Support service helps adults with learning disabilities and additional needs to live their lives their way. We’re a relaxed, supportive, people-focused service where every day is different – from helping someone achieve a new personal goal to celebrating milestones together.
Your working hours
This is a full-time role, working 9am-5pm with some flexibility.
What you’ll do

• Hold and maintain the appropriate registration for the service(s)
• Lead and inspire a team to deliver outstanding, person-centred care
• Manage recruitment, training, development, and performance of staff
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, safeguarding, and Health & Safety requirements
• Oversee budgets, financial performance, and resource deployment
• Work closely with families, healthcare professionals, and external agencies
• Develop innovative approaches to improve services and share best practice
• Step in to provide hands-on support where needed

What helps you shine here

• Recognised nursing or social care qualification and registration (as appropriate)
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
• Proven experience in a supervisory or management role within care
• Excellent leadership, communication, and organisational skills
• A warm, supportive, and motivating approach
• Flexibility to travel and participate in on-call duties as required

Why you’ll love working here
As well as providing support for your wellbeing and development, we offer a fantastic range of benefits:
33 days annual leave (25 days plus 8 bank holidays), increasing by 1 day for each completed year of service, up to a maximum of 38 days.

• Stream: Access up to 40% of your pay before payday
• Free Blue Light Card: Exclusive discounts and benefits
• Contributory Pension Scheme & competitive life cover
• Health cash plan: Affordable healthcare at your fingertips
• Career development: Opportunities for recognised qualifications and leadership training
• Free DBS check
• Employee Assistance Programme – support when you need it most

About Leonard Cheshire
Established over 75 years ago, we exist to support disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible.

Ready to apply?
Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible your requirements for reasonable adjustments.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post. References will be obtained for all roles.
Visa sponsorship is not available at this time. Applicants must have the unrestricted right to work in the UK at the time of application. We are unable to progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship or are awaiting a visa decision.