Job Title: Centre Manager
We are seeking an experienced leader with key skills in line management, bid-writing, and safeguarding, preferably with a qualification in social work. The ideal candidate will be emotionally resilient, compassionate, and empathetic, with a proven background in managing people and overseeing service delivery. Responsibilities include ensuring service quality, developing operational strategies and policies, providing high-level support to a dedicated team of staff and volunteers, and securing long-term funding through bid writing.
The charity supports vulnerable parents with pre-school children in Gravesham, assisting up to 85 families at any time. Services include 1:1 support, peer group sessions, structured family sessions, access to clinics, counselling, and courses, operating 5 days a week, 50 weeks a year.
Reporting to the Chair of Trustees, you will collaborate with the team, trustees, and external providers to deliver impactful services and foster strong partnerships to meet local family needs.
The Centre Manager is expected to work mainly from the centre to maintain a presence with families and staff. Occasionally, remote work may be permitted to meet deadlines, but this is not a regular pattern.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Lead, manage, and coordinate Waterside Parents’ Centre to ensure smooth service operations.
2. Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead.
3. Manage daily operations, ensuring high-quality service delivery and compliance with best practices.
4. Support and supervise a dedicated team, providing training and professional development.
5. Be visible and approachable to families, especially during family sessions.
6. Write successful bids to secure funding and monitor funding outcomes.
7. Build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, funders, and partners.
8. Develop and implement strategic plans aligned with the organisation’s mission.
9. Ensure policies and procedures comply with legislation and regulations.
10. Collaborate with the Finance Officer to ensure accurate financial reporting.
Skills and Experience:
Desirable: Experience in a social work environment.
Required:
* Experience leading services in the charity or social care sector.
* A non-judgmental approach focused on acceptance and understanding.
* Proven ability to manage diverse funding contracts and reporting requirements.
* Strong leadership skills, emphasizing collaboration and staff development.
* Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.
* A commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
What We Offer:
Waterside is a family-centric employer providing a supportive and engaging environment. We offer ongoing training, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible and hybrid working options, a contributory pension scheme, and free on-site parking.
Location: Gravesend, predominantly centre-based
Hours: Full-time (35 hours/week)
Contract: Fixed-term until August 2027, with funding-dependent renewal thereafter
Waterside is committed to safer recruitment, equality, diversity, and opportunity. The role is subject to DBS checks.
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