Area Manager – Supported Living – South London

Lifeways is one of the UK’s leading providers of specialist support services for people with learning disabilities, autism, and complex neurodiverse needs.

Title: Area Manager

Location: South London

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Area Manager with a strong operational leadership background to lead and inspire our Supported Living services across South London. This is an opportunity for a motivated healthcare leader to drive quality, performance, and positive outcomes across a diverse portfolio of services while empowering teams to deliver exceptional person‑centred support.

What you’ll bring to Lifeways Group as Area Manager:

• Proven experience leading multi‑site residential and/or supported living services within a Health & Social Care environment, ideally supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, or mental health conditions.
• A strong track record of improving service quality, health & safety, and regulatory compliance, with demonstrable success in achieving and maintaining full compliance with CQC standards.
• Experience in financial management, including budget oversight, business planning, and involvement in tendering, service transitions, and mobilisation of new services.
• Calm, resilient, and solutions‑focused leadership approach when managing safeguarding concerns, whistleblowing cases, or other complex operational challenges.
• Evidence of driving performance improvement, identifying service issues, and successfully implementing and embedding effective remedial action plans.
• Proven ability to lead, develop, and inspire multi‑site teams, ensuring consistent standards, high‑quality care delivery, and strong operational governance across services.
• A relevant professional qualification at Level 4 or above in Health & Social Care, Leadership, or Management (or equivalent experience).
• Significant experience supporting adults with complex needs, including acquired brain injury, learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and/or mental health needs.

Why Join Lifeways?

• A supportive, inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Wellbeing resources and mental health support
• Reward and Recognition Schemes
• Discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards
• Access financial wellbeing tools with Stream, including real‑time pay tracking and early access to earned wages

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