Service Manager

Children & Young People Now Jobs; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government service in England is seeking a dynamic leader to manage a multidisciplinary team focused on supporting young people. This role requires a proven track record in operational performance management and the ability to thrive in fast-paced environments. Responsibilities include strategic leadership and engagement with a variety of stakeholders including schools, colleges, and local councils. The ideal candidate will be JNC qualified or possess a Level 6 Careers Guidance qualification along with a full driving license.

Qualifications

• JNC qualified or Level 6 Careers Guidance qualified.
• Strong leadership and current successful operational performance management experience.
• Evidence of thriving in a fast‑moving multidisciplinary environment.
• Full driving Licence and daily access to a vehicle.
• Competence in ICT including data and performance analysis.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Careers Education IAG Advisers and Youth Workers.
• Drive the strategic lead across service priority areas.
• Develop high performance and achievement culture.
• Innovate and engage with a variety of partners.

Skills

Leadership

Operational performance management

Data and performance analysis

Negotiation

Flexibility

Education

JNC qualified or Level 6 Careers Guidance qualified

Job description

About the team

Our vision is to meet the needs of young people who face challenges in education, their community or home life, to ensure a successful transition to adulthood.

Hertfordshire County Council Services for Young People (SfYP) supports young people to achieve their potential by delivering high-quality youth work, careers education, information, advice and guidance, as well as work‑related learning and work experience opportunities. We review and maintain Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) for young people aged 16 and over, ensuring they receive the support they need post year 11.

The service works in schools, colleges, community venues and young people’s centres, using a variety of approaches and methods during the day, evenings and weekends.

About the role

Responsible for a multi‑disciplinary team of Careers Education IAG Advisers, Youth Workers, EHCP Coordinators, Employment Training Advisers, and other professionals across Stevenage and North Herts.

You will have strong recent and relevant operational performance management experience and skills and a proven track record of developing a culture of high performance and achievement, at pace.

As a member of the senior leadership team, you will have countywide strategic lead responsibilities for one or more service priority areas.

In addition to core funded work, the team delivers contracted services in schools and colleges such as careers guidance and work‑related learning.

You will be required to show strong leadership; be innovative, flexible, motivational, have good attention to detail, work at speed, and can engage and negotiate with a wide range of partners from schools / colleges, employers / businesses, district / borough councils, the voluntary sector, other education providers and elected members.

About you

Essential

• JNC qualified or Level 6 Careers Guidance qualified.
• Strong leadership and current successful operational performance management experience
• Thrive in a fast‑moving multidisciplinary environment - successfully achieving deadlines, at pace.
• Full driving Licence and daily access to a vehicle.
• ICT competent including data and performance analysis

To hear more about this opportunity please contact [e-mail]

for an informal discussion about the role.

Interview Date: 3rd February 2026

Benefits of working for us