Service Manager - Children's Homes

About the role

We are seeking a passionate and experienced Service Manager and Responsible Individual to lead and develop our Children’s Residential Services. This is a pivotal role in shaping the future of care for children and young people, ensuring high standards of safeguarding, service delivery, and continuous improvement across a designated portfolio. You will be responsible for strategic planning, operational leadership, and performance management, ensuring services are aligned with both local and national priorities.

We welcome the opportunity to speak to any interested candidates so please feel free to email: Jessica.Mitchell@nctrust.co.uk and they can agree a mutually agreeable time to call you

In person interviews will be held Friday 19th June

What will you be doing?

As a Service Manager, you will lead and inspire a group of teams delivering high-quality children’s social care services. You’ll develop and implement service and team plans that align with council objectives, ensuring continuous improvement and excellent outcomes for children and families.

You’ll manage budgets and contracts, making sure resources are used effectively and in line with financial regulations. You’ll build strong partnerships with external agencies, contribute to safeguarding arrangements, and play a key role in shaping integrated services.

You’ll also be responsible for driving a performance culture, supporting staff development through supervision and workforce planning, and ensuring that the voices of children and families are central to service design. You’ll lead change initiatives and contribute to strategic planning.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, we encourage you to submit your application as early as possible.

About you

You will have extensive experience in the regulated residential sector, statutory social care and leadership. You have a strong track record of managing children’s services.

You’re a confident leader who can motivate teams, manage performance, and deliver results. Your communication and negotiation skills are excellent, and you’re comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders, including children, families, and partner agencies.

You understand the regulatory landscape and have experience with inspections and service improvement. You’re strategic, adaptable, and committed to making a real difference in the lives of children and young people.

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore subject to an enhanced DBS certificate. It is also a regulated activity and will be subject to a Barred List check.

When applying please ensure your supporting statement details how you fulfil the essential criteria set out in the person specification as this will be used for shortlisting. You will need to provide a full employment history including any gaps since leaving full time education.

Our benefits

We are committed to continuous improvement, building a skilled, knowledgeable, and flexible workforce alongside promoting innovation and creativity whilst keeping children, young people and families at the heart of all we do.

We really value our workforce and offer you a great benefits package including:

• 28 days annual leave, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time) and an additional 5 days, after 5 years
• Local Government Pension Scheme plus immediate life cover (3 times your annual salary from day one) and ill-health pension protection.
• Opportunity to purchase up to 25 days annual leave
• Employee Assistance Programme

About us

At Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, children, young people and families are at the heart of all we do – in every decision we make and every action we take. Our mission is driven by the unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for them. The Trust is wholly owned and funded but operationally independent from the Councils.

Our workforce are our most valuable asset and are pivotal to making the services and support we offer to children, young people and families who need us to be the absolute best we can be.

We value our colleagues and empower them to be able to do the best job of their lives every single day, working in a culture of support and kindness where achievements are celebrated and creativity is very much welcomed.

At NCT equality, diversity and inclusion are part of us and in everything we do, to enable all colleagues to develop and thrive in our organisation. We are a disability confident employer and have a commitment to care leavers who we guarantee an interview if they meet the essential criteria.

Join our dedicated team and be a part of an organisation where your work makes a real difference.