Area Service Manager

Inclusion is one of our core values. Our goal is to be a diverse, inclusive organisation where our people thrive and meet our customers’ needs with fairness and empathy. We know having a range of ideas and opinions makes a difference. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds to support this mission. We will make adjustments throughout your application process, in line with Sanctuary’s commitment to our Disability Confident employer status.

Area Service Manager

Across Essex (predominantly Colchester, Thurrock, Clacton, Basildon, Grays)

£57,002 - £59,991 per year

37.5 hours per week

Make a difference where it matters most

We’re proud to be recognised as the 2025 Housing with Care Employer of the Year – and we’re excited to welcome a new Area Service Manager.

You’ll lead compassionate, community-focused teams that put people first – every single day.

As a not-for-profit organisation, we reinvest in our people and our services, celebrating individuality and helping you thrive both personally and professionally.

Your role

• Leading and supporting numerous supported living services with different client groups.
• Lead and grow high-quality, sustainable services that meet customer needs and business goals
• Support strategic planning and help develop new services through identifying growth opportunities
• Support with implementing new services as well as potential acquisitions
• Oversee budgets and financial performance to ensure targets are achieved
• Ensure safe service delivery by meeting all legal and regulatory standards
• Monitor trends and insights to inform service development
• Build and manage stakeholder relationships, addressing service gaps effectively
• Audit performance, resolve issues, and implement improvements
• Recruit, manage, and develop staff to meet operational needs

Your skills

• Leadership and motivation: inspire teams, develop staff, create positive culture and foster high retention.

• Proven experience in working in a fast-paced environment where the need to manage a range of conflicting demands effectively is essential

• Good organisational skills, supporting multiple sites and priorities effectively

• Housing management, understanding the unique operational needs of a variety of supported living services which include regulated sites and Retirement Communities

• Strong understanding of relevant legislation, guidance and best practice

• Skilled in understanding financial targets, budgeting and managing costs effectively for multiple locations

• Effective at building community relationships with a wide range of stakeholders and fostering a supportive environment.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

Your rewards

You deserve more than the basics. That’s why, alongside 25 days’ annual leave pro rata (rising to 30, including bank holidays), occupational sick pay linked to length of service, and a contributory pension scheme, we’ve created a package to help you thrive:

• Health and wellbeing support – including Aviva Digicare+ with virtual GP appointments, plus an Employee Assistance Programme offering medical, financial, and legal advice, as well as short-term counselling
• Company-paid life insurance
• Parental leave arrangements and annual leave purchase scheme
• Company-funded training and ongoing career development opportunities
• Flexible working options and an inclusive culture where everyone belongs, supported by our staff networks including PRISM, Disability, Race Equality and Parent networks
• Exclusive retail discounts, Cycle to Work, and salary sacrifice arrangements

Some rewards are subject to a qualifying period or other criteria – visit our website for more information.

Ready to #BeYourBest? Apply today and start an inspiring career with Sanctuary Supported Living. Curious about what it’s like to work with us? Discover our values, culture, and real stories from our teams at www.sanctuary-supported-living.co.uk/jobs or follow us on socials.

Before you apply

• We can only accept applications from individuals with the right to work in the UK.
• All roles require safeguarding and pre-employment checks, including criminal records and overseas police checks if needed; for more information, please get in touch.
• Internal candidates should apply via their internal careers account.
• We may close this advert early, so please apply as soon as possible.

Inclusion is one of our core values. We’re committed to being a diverse and inclusive organisation where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process in line with our Disability Confident employer status.

We work closely with the Home Office in order to prevent illegal working.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be necessary in the event of a successful application which we will pay for.

Sanctuary Supported Living is a trading name of Sanctuary Housing Association and Sanctuary Home Care Limited, both exempt charities.