Service Manager

Leonard Cheshire; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care services organization in Maidstone is looking for a passionate Service Manager to oversee the operation of Sobell Lodge. You will provide leadership and management ensuring high-quality care while maintaining compliance with health standards. The ideal candidate possesses a nursing or social care qualification and strong people management skills. The role offers a salary between £42,000 and £47,000, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Access to 40% of earned pay before payday

Free Blue Light Card

Free DBS / PVG / AccessNI check

Contributory pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Cash Health Plan

Comprehensive training opportunities

Career development programs

Cycle-to-work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Proven management or supervisory experience within a care environment.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and regulatory compliance.
• Experience across a range of departments (e.g. therapies, catering, administration) is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Provide clear leadership, management, and supervision for your staff team.
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards and health & safety requirements.
• Deliver person-centred, high-quality care focused on independence and choice.
• Manage budgets and maintain a financially sound service.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance development.

Skills

Leadership

Management

Communication

Organizational skills

People leadership

Budget management

Education

Recognised nursing or social care qualification

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care

Job description

As Service Manager at Sobell Lodge, you'll lead with passion, professionalism, and empathy to ensure your service runs smoothly and delivers exceptional care.

What You'll Do

• Provide clear leadership, management, and supervision for your staff team
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards and health & safety requirements
• Deliver person‑centred, high‑quality care focused on independence and choice
• Manage budgets and maintain a financially sound service
• Oversee recruitment, training, and performance development
• Drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for residents
• Hold registration for the service

Qualifications

• Recognised nursing or social care qualification and registration (as appropriate)
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
• Proven management or supervisory experience within a care environment
• Strong communication, organisational, and people leadership skills
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and regulatory compliance
• Confidence in managing budgets and operational priorities
• Experience across a range of departments (e.g. therapies, catering, administration) is advantageous
• Disability confident

Disability Confident Employer

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal and high‑peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non‑disabled people. For more details please go to .

Salary and Hours

£42,000 – £47,000 depending on experience | Full Time | Sobell Lodge – London

Quote

"It’s more than a job – it’s about creating a home where every person can live life their way."

That's how one of our Service Managers describes their role at Leonard Cheshire. If you’re an experienced care leader with a strong understanding of safeguarding, excellent management skills, and a passion for person‑centred care, we’d really love to hear from you.

A Home, Not Just a Service

Sobell Lodge is a specialist registered residential care home providing support for 23 adults with physical disabilities, complex needs, and sensory impairments.

We’re proud to be one of the highest‑rated providers of care and supported living services in the UK, with 84 % of our services rated “Good” or “Outstanding” by regulators.

For over 75 years, Leonard Cheshire has supported disabled people to live, learn, and work as independently as possible. We provide residential care, supported living, and community‑based services across the UK – all focused on choice, inclusion, and empowerment. With over 1,600 people supported every day, our mission is simple: to help people live life on their own terms.

Benefits

• Stream – access up to 40 % of your earned pay before payday
• Free Blue Light Card – enjoy exclusive discounts and perks
• Free DBS / PVG / AccessNI check (as applicable)
• Excellent contributory pension scheme with 3× salary life cover
• Generous annual leave, with the option to buy and sell leave
• Cash Health Plan – claim back dental, optical, and other healthcare costs
• Comprehensive training and recognised qualifications
• Career development through apprenticeships and leadership programmes
• Cycle‑to‑work scheme (salary sacrifice)
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 wellbeing support

Full Time – Flexible Hours

We offer flexible hours across weekdays, with occasional weekend availability to support the effective running of the service.

Why You’ll Love Working Here

At Leonard Cheshire, you’ll find a workplace where your leadership truly makes a difference. We’ll support your wellbeing, personal growth, and professional development every step of the way.