Service Manager (Interim - Homeless Services)

Location: Manchester
Rate: £300 per day (flexible up to £325)
Contract: 3 months (with potential extension to 6)
Sector: Housing Charity

The Opportunity

We are working in partnership with a leading youth homelessness charity, to recruit an experienced Service Manager to lead a portfolio of community-based (non-accommodation) services supporting young people.

This is a key interim leadership role during a period of organisational restructure, where you will provide strong operational oversight while supporting service development and continuous improvement.

The Role

As Service Manager, you will take responsibility for the day-to-day operational delivery of four services supporting young people aged 18-25.

This is a hands-on leadership role, combining operational oversight with a strong frontline presence.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the operational management of 4 services
• Direct line management of 4 Service Managers / Team Leaders
• Supporting wider teams, including Support Workers across services
• Driving performance, ensuring KPIs, outcomes and quality standards are met
• Maintaining a visible, hands-on leadership style, engaging directly with teams and services
• Monitoring and improving service delivery through data, reporting and quality assurance
• Supporting delivery through a period of organisational restructure, contributing to service redesign and development plans
• Embedding a culture that ensures services are inclusive, trauma-informed and person-centred
• Working collaboratively with senior leadership and external partners to ensure best outcomes for young people

Services

• Community-based / non-accommodation services
• Supporting young people aged 18-25
• Focus on housing support, independence and wellbeing
• Supporting individuals with complex and multiple needs

About You

We are looking for an experienced, confident operational leader who can step into a service during change and provide stability, direction and support.

Essential experience:

• Proven experience in a Service Manager / multi-service leadership role
• Strong background in housing and homelessness services
• Experience working with young people (18-25)
• A background in Social Work or Social Care is desirable
• Experience supporting individuals with complex needs
• Demonstrable experience managing multiple services and managers
• Strong operational management experience, including KPIs, performance frameworks and service quality
• Experience supporting or delivering organisational change / restructure

Highly desirable:

• Experience in community-based or non-accommodation services
• Experience within the charity / third sector
• Experience working in interim or fast-paced environments

What We're Looking For

• A values-led leader
• Someone who can operate at a "Head of Service-light" operational level
• A hands-on, visible manager comfortable supporting both managers and frontline teams
• Strong people leadership - able to coach, challenge and develop others
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach during periods of change

Why Apply

• Opportunity to work with a nationally recognised charity making meaningful impact
• Play a key role in shaping services during a period of transformation
• Immediate start with potential contract extension