Youth & Adventure Play Team Manager

Merton Council; Merton; On-site; GBP 48,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Merton Council is seeking an experienced Youth and Adventure Play Team Manager to lead high-quality youth work and adventure play provision across our youth centres and adventure playground in Merton.

You'll lead and motivate staff teams, champion safeguarding and quality practice, build partnerships, and help create positive, inclusive spaces where children and young people can explore, develop confidence, build relationships and reach their full potential.

Qualifications

• Experience leading youth work and adventure play services.
• Strong safeguarding experience and commitment to safety.
• Proven ability to develop staff teams and drive quality improvement.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-quality youth work and adventure play provision across youth centres and adventure playgrounds.
• Lead and motivate staff teams, champion safeguarding and quality practice.
• Build partnerships and create inclusive spaces for young people to grow and develop.
• Monitor, drive quality standards, and ensure safe, engaging sessions, trips and events.

Skills

Leadership

Youth work

Safeguarding

Team management

Partnership building

Job description

Grade/Salary: ME13 - £48,003 - £52,194 per annum

Do you have a passion for working with children and young people and the drive to lead services that make a real difference?

We're looking for an experienced and inspiring Youth and Adventure Play Team Manager to lead high-quality, safe and inclusive youth work and adventure play provision across our youth centres and adventure playground in Merton.

This is an exciting opportunity to combine hands-on youth work with leadership and service development. You'll lead and motivate staff teams, champion outstanding safeguarding and quality practice, build strong partnerships, and help create positive, inclusive spaces where children and young people can explore, develop confidence, build relationships and reach their full potential.

As a visible and approachable leader, you'll maintain a strong presence across our youth centres, adventure playground and wider provision. You'll support and develop staff teams, model best practice, monitor and drive quality standards, and ensure children and young people receive safe, inclusive and engaging experiences. While you'll regularly be present at sessions, outreach activities, trips and events, your focus will be on leadership, coaching, quality assurance and continuous improvement across our services.

We're looking for a confident, organised and values-driven professional with experience in youth work, adventure play, safeguarding and team management, and a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

If you're ready to lead passionate teams, inspire children and young people and shape the future of youth and adventure play services in Merton, we'd love to hear from you.