Service Manager

Brainkind; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 43,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Pension and Life Assurance

Eye care voucher and parking

Long service awards

Training & progression

Job summary

Brainkind is seeking a Service Manager to lead Brownswood, our 9-bed specialist residential service in Milton Keynes. The role involves day-to-day operational leadership, governance, and ensuring safe, person-centred care for eight residents with acquired brain injuries and complex neurological conditions.

Two career paths are recognised: a Deputy/Acting Manager aiming to progress to a Registered/Service Manager role, or an experienced Service Manager preferring a smaller specialist setting

Qualifications

• 2-3 years' consistent Deputy, Acting or Service Management experience in adult social care.
• Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care, or nearing completion.
• Experience supporting adults with acquired brain injury or neurological conditions.
• Strong knowledge of CQC regulations and safeguarding.
• Experience leading, supervising and developing care teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead, support and develop the staff team.
• Maintain CQC compliance and quality standards.
• Oversee staffing, recruitment, supervision and development.
• Manage service budgets and operational performance.
• Build relationships with families, commissioners and professionals.
• Promote independence, rehabilitation and community participation.
• Drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
• Create a positive culture for colleagues and the people we support.

Skills

Management experience

Diploma in Health & Social Care

Brain injury care

CQC regulations

Leadership & supervision

Operations management

Full UK driving licence

Education

Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care

Job description

Service Manager – Specialist Neurological Residential Care

Milton Keynes | £41,000 - £43,000* | 35 Hours | Monday-Friday | On-site

Ready to step up – or looking to lead a smaller specialist service?

At Brainkind, we're passionate about helping people rebuild their lives following acquired brain injury and complex neurological conditions.

We're looking for a Service Manager to lead Brownswood, our small and well-established specialist residential service in Milton Keynes.

This opportunity could be an excellent fit for either:

• An experienced Deputy Manager or Acting Manager with 2-3 years' consistent management experience who is ready to progress into their first Service/Registered Manager role; or
• An established Registered or Service Manager who would welcome the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service, perhaps closer to home in Milton Keynes, while remaining hands‑on and connected to their team and the people they support.

Whichever stage you're at, you'll have the support, guidance and infrastructure of Brainkind behind you.

About Brownswood

Brownswood is a specialist 9-bed residential service, currently home to 8 adults living with acquired brain injuries and complex neurological conditions.

The people we support have made Brownswood their home for many years, with the shortest current placement being approximately four years. They lead active and fulfilling lives, regularly accessing their local community, appointments, activities, hobbies and social opportunities.

Brownswood is a stable, established service with strong foundations and is currently rated Good by CQC.

You’ll also join an experienced and committed staff team, including long‑standing leadership within the service, providing excellent continuity and knowledge of both Brownswood and the people we support.

This isn't a turnaround role. It is, however, an important leadership position requiring someone who can maintain high standards, confidently lead the service and team, manage regulatory and operational responsibilities and continue developing the quality of support provided.

For a Deputy Manager, it's an opportunity to take that next career step with experienced support and guidance around you.

For an established Service Manager, it offers the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service where you can work closely with your team, residents and families while continuing to hold full responsibility for quality, compliance and service performance.

The Role

As Service Manager, you'll take responsibility for the day-to-day operational leadership of Brownswood, ensuring the service continues to provide safe, effective and person-centred care.

You’ll be a visible and approachable leader, working alongside an established team while maintaining strong standards of governance, quality and regulatory compliance.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading, supporting and developing the staff team.
• Maintaining CQC compliance and quality standards.
• Overseeing staffing, recruitment, supervision and development.
• Managing service budgets and operational performance.
• Building relationships with families, commissioners and professionals.
• Promoting independence, rehabilitation and community participation.
• Driving continuous improvement and positive outcomes.
• Creating a positive culture for colleagues and the people we support.

About You

We're open to candidates at two different stages of their management career.

You may already be an experienced Registered/Service Manager looking to lead a smaller specialist service, or you may be an established Deputy Manager who has built strong operational experience and is now ready to progress.

We’re looking for:

• At least 2-3 years' consistent Deputy, Acting or Service Management experience within adult social care.
• Level 5 Diploma in Health & Social Care, or currently in the final stages of completing it.
• Experience supporting adults with acquired brain injury, neurological conditions, neurorehabilitation or related complex care needs.
• Strong knowledge of CQC regulations, safeguarding and quality standards.
• Experience leading, supervising and developing care teams.
• Good operational, organisational and workforce management skills.
• A passion for high-quality, person-centred care.
• Full UK driving licence (ideally)

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to become part of Brownswood – building relationships with the people we support and their families, supporting an established team and continuing to make the service a great place to live and work.

Why Join Brainkind?

Brainkind is the UK's leading charity specialising in brain injury rehabilitation and neurological care.

For someone progressing from Deputy Manager, you'll have the opportunity to develop into your first Service Manager position with support and guidance from experienced colleagues and the wider Brainkind team.

For an experienced Service Manager, Brownswood offers the opportunity to lead a smaller specialist service while remaining closely involved with your team and the people you support, alongside the infrastructure and development opportunities of a national specialist organisation.

What We Offer

• Salary of £41,000 - £43,000 per annum.
• Full-time, 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
• 38 days annual leave, inclusive of Bank Holidays.
• Buy and sell up to 5 days annual leave.
• Simplyhealth healthcare plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Company pension and Group Life Assurance.
• Eye care voucher scheme and free parking.
• Long Service and Staff Awards.
• Excellent training, development and career progression.

All successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory DBS, Right to Work and employment reference checks.

Brainkind is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported.