Service Manager

The Forward Trust; Kingston upon Hull; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social enterprise in Hull is seeking a Service Manager to oversee Dependency & Recovery services across Yorkshire & Humber. The ideal candidate will lead a team focused on supporting adult males in the criminal justice system facing substance misuse challenges. This impactful role requires strong leadership and strategic skills, driving recovery initiatives and building relationships with key stakeholders. A competitive salary and a supportive work environment with excellent benefits are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working

Training and development opportunities

Wellbeing Days

Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays

Contributory Pension Scheme

Critical Illness Insurance

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing services in substance misuse or criminal justice.
• Strong leadership and remote team oversight skills.
• Excellent relationship-building skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead D&R services across Yorkshire & Humber.
• Oversee team delivering motivational interventions.
• Ensure audit-compliance and delivery of service standards.

Skills

Leadership

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

People management

Job description

Service Manager (Yorkshire and The Humber)

Location: Hull

Salary: £35,344 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time

Closing Date: 20 Aug 2025

About The Role

Lead with purpose. Drive recovery. Transform lives.

We’re looking for a strategic and people-focused Service Manager to lead our Dependency & Recovery (D&R) services across Yorkshire & the Humber. This is a high-impact leadership role supporting adult males in the criminal justice system who are navigating substance misuse challenges.

You’ll oversee a team delivering timebound, motivational interventions that bridge the gap between probation and community treatment services—empowering individuals to engage in recovery and rebuild their lives.

• Do you have proven experience managing services in substance misuse, criminal justice, or related fields.
• Do you have strong leadership and people management skills, including remote team oversight.
• Do you have a strategic mindset with the ability to drive performance and innovation.
• Do you have excellent relationship-building skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Are you committed to trauma-informed, person-centred care.
  
  

If you said yes to the above we would love to hear from you.

In return you will be part of a mission-led organisation making a real impact in communities and shaping the future of recovery services in the criminal justice system whilst enjoying a varied, autonomous role with opportunities for growth and development.

Key Responsibilities Include

Strategic Leadership

• Act as an ambassador for The Forward Trust, building strong relationships with Probation Services, Local Authorities, NHS, and other partners.
• Contribute to the success of Forward Connect and the development of peer mentorship and recovery communities.
• Develop and implement stakeholder engagement strategies and borough-level directories of services.
• Support future service development and bidding activity in collaboration with senior leadership.
  
  

Service Delivery

• Ensure delivery of high-quality, mixed-modality interventions (1:1, group, peer-led, virtual) in line with HMPPS standards.
• Meet all contractual KPIs including timely assessments, interventions, and action plans.
• Lead on continuity of care from custody to community and develop throughcare pathways.
• Ensure services are audit-compliant and aligned with the Refer and Monitor system.
  
  

Performance & People Management

• Line manage Team Leaders and oversee recruitment, supervision, and development of staff.
• Monitor service performance against SLAs and contractual targets.
• Address underperformance and promote a culture of accountability and continuous improvement.
• Develop training and succession plans to support staff growth and retention.
  
  

Operational Oversight

• Manage budgets, resources, and service delivery across multiple sites.
• Attend governance and quality assurance meetings, escalating risks and sharing best practice.
• Ensure accurate data collection and reporting for audits, commissioners, and internal stakeholders.
• Maintain compliance with all legal, regulatory, and ethical standards.
  
  

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits -

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme - Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
  
  

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for the Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.