Service Manager (Kent West Cluster)

Service Manager – Safe Havens

Location: Kent & Medway, East Berkshire (Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Dartford, Gillingham, Slough). Hours: 37.5 per week, including evenings up to 11pm and weekends. Salary: £39,357 m.p. with progression to £43,791. Role: Provide visible, accountable leadership across Safe Havens to deliver safe, high‑quality, recovery‑focused support.

Key Responsibilities

• Own operational performance, quality, workforce and financial sustainability of services.
• Make decisions balancing quality, safety, demand and resources with delegated authority.
• Create positive, inclusive cultures where staff feel valued, supported and empowered.
• Lead and develop Team Managers and wider teams, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement.
• Support local growth and development in partnership with commissioners, partners and communities.
• Position services within neighbourhood and place‑based models and contribute to strategic opportunities.

Required Experience and Qualifications

• Proven managerial experience in mental health, health, social care or related environment.
• Track record delivering against KPIs, contractual requirements and quality standards.
• Experience managing performance, workforce challenges and service improvement.
• Ability to work with local partners, commissioners and stakeholders.
• Financial awareness and experience managing budgets and resources.
• Knowledge of governance, safeguarding, risk management and compliance frameworks.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to support, challenge and develop others.
• Data‑driven approach to performance and continuous improvement.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• Commitment to recovery‑focused, person‑centred support and co‑production.
• Visible, authentic and values‑led leadership, building positive relationships and fostering respectful environments.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries with annual review.
• 25 days annual leave (increasing with service length) plus bank holidays.
• Enhanced occupational sick pay.
• Access to workplace pension scheme.
• Family‑friendly and flexible working arrangements.
• Wellbeing offer including EAP, virtual GP and resources.
• Life assurance and free will‑writing service.
• Blue Light Card and charitable worker discounts.
• Access to tickets for Good and employer recognition schemes.
• Tailored induction programme and bespoke personal development and career pathways.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Mental Health Matters is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities it serves. All decisions are based on merit, competence and qualifications, and the employer will not discriminate on any grounds protected under the Equality Act 2010.

#J-18808-Ljbffr…