Service Manager

Service Manager 

Sutton Council

£32.71 PAYE per hour (exclusive of holiday pay)

£45.20 LTD per hour (inclusive of holiday pay)

About the RoleSutton Council is seeking an experienced and dynamic Service Manager to lead within its Children’s Services Locality Team. This is a key leadership role focused on ensuring statutory responsibilities are met while driving continuous improvement and delivering high-quality, child-centred services.
You will play a pivotal role in ensuring safeguarding is prioritised and that children, young people, and families remain at the heart of practice.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership and expert guidance to a multidisciplinary team, ensuring safe, effective, and compliant service delivery
• Lead on service improvements to achieve the best possible outcomes for vulnerable children and families
• Apply professional judgement to interpret and implement policies in line with local and service needs
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including staff supervision and performance management
• Ensure all statutory duties are fulfilled and safeguarding standards are upheld
• Manage complex or large service areas with responsibility for multiple delivery functions
• Deputise for the Head of Service (HoS) and participate in the on-call duty rota

Operational & Strategic Duties

• Drive continuous improvement and innovation across the service
• Lead projects and implement change initiatives within agreed cost, time, and quality parameters
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery using data to inform decision-making and future planning
• Ensure all cases and workflows are managed in line with statutory and departmental requirements
• Maintain oversight of service quality, ensuring timely, legally compliant practice

Budget & Resource Management

• Manage service budgets under the direction of the Head of Service
• Ensure effective allocation and use of resources to deliver value for money
• Support operational efficiency while maintaining high-quality standards

Risk & Performance Management

• Identify and manage risks, significant incidents, and emerging trends
• Analyse performance data to understand demand and improve service delivery
• Develop and implement robust improvement plans where required

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within Children’s Services
• Strong knowledge of statutory frameworks, safeguarding, and early help interventions
• Experience managing complex teams and service delivery areas
• Excellent leadership, decision-making, and communication skills
• Ability to drive performance, manage risk, and deliver measurable outcomes

Why Apply?

• Competitive hourly rates
• Opportunity to lead impactful services supporting vulnerable children and families
• Work within a forward-thinking and improvement-focused local authority
• Influence service delivery at a strategic level

📩 Apply now to take the next step in your leadership career and make a real difference in Children’s Services.

Email your CV to Delanie.heyes@servicecare.org.uk or call 01772 208964