Service Manager - Support Services

Novelus Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Novelus Ltd in Luton is seeking a Service Manager to lead and develop Support Services across the area, in a 12 months FTC. You will drive performance, develop teams and maintain high standards of care and safeguarding.

You will work with the Regional Manager to ensure contractual targets are met, build strong partnerships with commissioners and partners, and place people receiving services at the heart of delivery.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing a service, contract or project within charity/social care/support services.
• Experience leading, supervising and developing teams and driving performance.
• Understanding of challenges faced by vulnerable individuals (homelessness, mental health, substance misuse).
• Experience collaborating with external agencies, stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Strong organisational and project management skills with ability to manage priorities and deadlines.
• Experience monitoring performance, analysing information and producing detailed reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with ability to engage at all levels.
• Strong IT skills including MS Office and databases/management systems.
• Proactive, flexible and solution-focused in overcoming challenges.
• Commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and person-centred services.
• Knowledge of criminal justice system and rehabilitation pathways beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day management and delivery of the service contract.
• Lead, support, coach and develop a high-performing team.
• Monitor performance, ensure targets and quality standards are met.
• Build relationships with commissioners, partners, and local organisations.
• Identify opportunities to improve and grow services.
• Promote person-centred support tailored to individual needs.
• Manage employee performance and development.
• Ensure services comply with policies, safeguarding and regulatory standards.
• Produce performance reports and provide updates to senior management.
• Support implementation of operational plans and wider organisational objectives.
• Encourage continuous improvement and sharing best practices.

Skills

Service management

Team leadership

Contract management

Stakeholder engagement

Project management

Performance reporting

Communication

IT skills

Tools

Microsoft Office

Databases/Management systems

Job description

Service Manager - Support Services - 12 months FTC - Luton

Are you an experienced Service Manager with a passion for making a real difference to people's lives?

We are looking for a motivated, approachable and forward-thinking Service Manager to lead and develop services across Luton, Bedfordshire.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced manager who enjoys leading teams, building strong partnerships and delivering high-quality, person-centred services that make a genuine difference to individuals facing challenging circumstances.

Working closely with the Regional Manager, you will take responsibility for the successful delivery, performance and ongoing development, ensuring services meet contractual requirements while maintaining the highest standards of care, support and professionalism.

The Role

As Service Manager, you will play a key role in leading and motivating your team, managing operational performance and developing strong relationships with partner organisations and external stakeholders.

You will be responsible for ensuring services are delivered effectively, contractual targets are achieved and the people accessing the service remain at the heart of everything you do.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversee the day-to-day management and successful delivery of the service contract.
• Lead, support, coach and develop a high-performing team, creating a positive and inclusive working environment.
• Monitor service performance, ensuring contractual targets, quality standards and key performance indicators are achieved.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with commissioners, partner agencies, local organisations and other stakeholders.
• Identify opportunities to improve, develop and grow services to better meet the needs of the people being supported.
• Promote a person-centred approach, ensuring individuals receive high-quality support tailored to their circumstances.
• Manage employee performance, identifying development opportunities and addressing concerns appropriately.
• Ensure services operate in line with relevant policies, procedures, safeguarding requirements and regulatory standards.
• Produce accurate performance reports, analyse data and provide regular updates to senior management.
• Support the implementation of operational plans and contribute to wider organisational objectives.
• Encourage continuous improvement, innovation and the sharing of best practice across the team.

About You

We are looking for a confident and compassionate leader who can balance operational performance with a genuine commitment to helping people achieve positive outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience managing a service, contract or project, ideally within the charity, social care, rehabilitation or support services sector.
• Experience leading, supervising and developing teams, with the ability to motivate others and drive performance.
• A good understanding of the challenges faced by vulnerable individuals, including homelessness, mental health, substance misuse and involvement with the criminal justice system.
• Experience working collaboratively with external agencies, stakeholders and partner organisations.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Experience monitoring performance, analysing information and producing detailed reports.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with people at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and experience using databases or management systems.
• A proactive, flexible and solution-focused approach to overcoming challenges.
• A commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion and delivering high-quality, person-centred services.
• Knowledge of the criminal justice system, Probation services and rehabilitation pathways would be particularly beneficial.

Additional Requirements:

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle with appropriate business insurance.
• Flexibility to travel across Luton to meet operational requirements.
• A strong understanding of safeguarding and a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals.

Why Apply?

This is more than just a management position. It is an opportunity to lead a service that supports individuals to overcome barriers, rebuild their confidence and make positive changes in their lives.

You will have the opportunity to influence service delivery, develop a committed team and work alongside organisations that share a passion for making a difference.

If you are an experienced manager who thrives on developing people, improving services and achieving meaningful outcomes, we would love to hear from you.