Area Service Manager
1. Location: Gloucester
2. Salary: £38,000
3. Closes: 20/03/2026
4. Hours: 40
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Area Support Manager to join our Operations team within one of our larger supported living services. This role supports services delivering 5,000–6,000+ hours of support per week and/or services operating across multiple geographical locations.
Working closely with – and deputising for – the Registered Manager, you will provide leadership, oversight and quality assurance across regulated and non-regulated supported living services for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.
This is a pivotal role that enables service growth while maintaining high standards of care, compliance, financial control and person-centred practice. It is also an excellent development opportunity for those looking to progress their career within social care and make a meaningful impact on the lives of the people we support.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & Management
5. Provide visible, values-led leadership across support workers, team/service managers and administrators (where applicable)
6. Role model positive practice, professionalism and inclusive leadership
7. Support recruitment, supervision, appraisal and vocational development of staff
8. Deputise for the Registered Manager as required
Quality, Compliance & Regulation
9. Ensure services consistently meet and exceed CQC, contractual and regulatory requirements
10. Lead and prepare for CQC inspections, contract monitoring visits and internal audits
11. Proactively identify and mitigate risks, ensuring accurate notifications and reporting
Person-Centred Care
12. Oversee the development and review of high-quality, person-centred care and support plans
13. Promote choice, independence and wellbeing
14. Work collaboratively with families, advocates and representatives
Staff Development
15. Build, support and retain high-performing teams
16. Promote training, professional development and positive workplace culture
17. Act as a resource and coach to managers and frontline staff
Financial Oversight
18. Support the Registered Manager with budget management and efficiency planning
19. Monitor financial performance, identify overspends and support recovery actions
Health & Safety
20. Ensure robust application of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 in supported living environments
21. Promote a strong safety culture without compromising tenancy rights or freedoms
Communication & Partnership Working
22. Maintain effective communication with internal teams, external agencies, commissioners, regulators and stakeholders
23. Act as a professional ambassador for the organisation
Continuous Improvement
24. Drive ongoing improvements in service quality, outcomes, environments and performance
Role Scope & Expectations
25. No direct budget holding authority; authority is delegated through the Registered Manager
26. Expected to deliver support hours when required and, where possible, cover uncovered shifts to maintain service continuity
27. Weekend working and unsociable hours form part of the role
28. Flexibility is essential to ensure full oversight of the service across the week
Essential Criteria
Qualifications & Knowledge
29. Social care management qualification
30. Strong knowledge of relevant regulations and standards
31. Excellent understanding of the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974
32. Working knowledge of employment law
Skills
33. Strong leadership and communication skills
34. Confident report writing and data interpretation
35. IT literate (MS Office, Teams, Outlook, SharePoint)
36. Commitment to person-centred, safe services
37. Ability to develop care, support and risk management plans
Experience
38. Minimum 3 years’ experience in a supervisory or care management role
39. Experience within adult, specialist adult or children’s social care
40. Site management experience
41. Working with social workers and primary care professionals
Desirable Criteria
42. Previous CQC / CI / CIW / RQIA registration
43. Registered Manager award or equivalent
44. Health & Safety qualification (IOSH / NEBOSH / NVQ / CIEH Level 3)
45. Experience leading regulated services or supported living provision
46. Financial awareness and ability to interpret management accounts
47. Investigation, safeguarding and chairing meeting experience