Job title: Service Manager - Supported living (Learning Disabilities)
Location: Eastbourne, East Sussex (Commutable from Polegate, Bexhill, and Hastings) BN26, UK
BaseSalary: to £45,000 per annum + bonus
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent, 40hrs a week
Start date: March 2026
Closing date: 28/02/2026 (interviews will happen on a rolling basis as applications are received, so may close earlier)
Employer: Pivotal People is exclusively recruiting for this role on behalf of our client
About the Service Manager role:
Are you an experienced Service Manager who leads with calm, compassion, and clarity? This is a unique opportunity to build and shape a brand-new, bespoke supported living service tailored to a single individual's needs.
The provider will source a property specifically for this individual, allowing you to design the home environment, routines, and staffing model from the ground up. You will oversee support for a young adult with autism (PDA features) and moderate learning disabilities, focusing on creating a structured, low-arousal environment to support regulation.
Key Responsibilities of this Supported Living Service Manager role:
* Service Commissioning: Open and establish a bespoke single-occupancy service from day one.
* Team Leadership: Recruit, induct, and develop a dedicated support team; manage staff supervisions and reflective practice.
* Clinical Oversight: Embed consistent routines that reduce demand-related stress and lead to positive risk management (including de-escalation).
* Compliance & Quality: Drive CQC standards, safeguarding, and Mental Capacity Act (MCA) best practices.
* Stakeholder Management: Build strong partnerships with families, clinicians, and local authorities.
Skills and Experience Requirements for this Service Manager role:
To be successful in this role, you will need:
* Experience: Proven leadership in specialist learning disability or autism settings.
* Skills: Expertise in de-escalation, co-regulation, and trauma-informed care.
* Knowledge: Deep understanding of MCA, Best Interests, and safeguarding processes.
* Background: Ideally, currently a Service Manager or a Deputy Manager (3+ years experience) ready for a step up.
* Location: Must be able to work fully on-site in the Eastbourne / East Sussex area.
Service Model & Benefits
* BaseSalary: c.£43,000 – £45,000 (DOE and negotiable for the right person).
* Supernumerary Focus: Primarily a supernumerary role with flexibility to support the rota when required.
* Rota: Initial model includes two waking night staff (no sleep-ins initially).
* Culture: A values-led, non-corporate organisation that prioritises reflective practice and sustainable growth.
Location
The role is based Full-time on‑site in East Sussex, ideally within reach of Eastbourne / Polegate; we welcome applications from those based in Bexhill or Hastings with a reliable commute.
How to Apply
If you’re an experienced Service Manager — or a confident Deputy Manager ready for the step up — and you want to build a service the right way, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential conversation.
Pivotal People Care is recruiting on behalf of our client. All enquiries are handled in confidence. We believe in person‑centred, values‑led recruitment and welcome applications from experienced leaders across specialist learning disability and autism services