Location: Newcastle – leading an Independent Supported Living (ISL) service
Salary: Competitive salary plus Service Manager Bonus Scheme

The Opportunity
We are looking for an experienced and ambitious Service Manager with strong Independent Supported Living (ISL) experience to lead a Lifeways service in Newcastle, providing high-quality, person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and complex support requirements.

This is an exciting opportunity for a confident and passionate leader who understands what excellent ISL looks like and is committed to enabling people to live as independently as possible, with choice, dignity and control over their lives.

You will take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and performance of the service, developing a strong and positive team culture, maintaining excellent standards of care and compliance, and ensuring the people we support achieve the best possible outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, performance and development of the service
• Lead, motivate and develop your team to deliver safe, effective and genuinely person-centred support
• Champion the Independent Supported Living model, promoting independence, choice, dignity and community inclusion
• Build a positive culture where people are supported to achieve their personal goals and maximise their independence
• Ensure consistently high standards of care, safeguarding, compliance and quality assurance
• Build strong relationships with the people we support, their families, colleagues and external stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement and identify opportunities to enhance both the service and the experience of the people we support
• Develop your team through coaching, supervision, performance management and visible, supportive leadership
• Monitor service performance and take ownership of key operational, quality and financial objectives
• Ensure the service environment remains safe, welcoming and reflective of the high-quality support we aim to provide

What You’ll Bring

• Proven management experience within Independent Supported Living (ISL) – essential
• Strong understanding of the principles and benefits of Independent Supported Living
• Experience supporting adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs and/or complex support needs
• Strong knowledge of CQC requirements, safeguarding and quality standards
• A confident, hands-on leadership style with the ability to inspire, develop and hold teams accountable
• Experience managing and developing a team within a supported living environment
• The resilience and confidence to manage challenges, lead change and drive continuous improvement
• Strong organisational, operational and people-management skills
• NVQ Level 5 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent), or willingness to work towards it
• A genuine passion for enabling people to live fulfilling, independent lives

Why Join Lifeways?
This is an exciting opportunity to take ownership of an established Independent Supported Living service, with the autonomy to lead, develop and make a real impact while being supported by an experienced wider leadership team.

You'll have the opportunity to shape the culture of the service, develop your team and help create an environment where the people we support can truly thrive.

We offer:

• Strong leadership support and ongoing professional development
• Clear career progression opportunities
• A positive, values-led culture where your contribution is recognised
• Annual Service Manager Bonus Scheme
• Competitive pension scheme with employer contributions
• Wellbeing and mental health support resources
• Recognition schemes that celebrate your impact
• Retail, travel and lifestyle discounts through CHOICE Rewards

Our values guide everything we do: Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal.