Service Manager for Adult Early Support and Business Support

Working Hours:

35 Hours Per Week

Contract Type:

Temporary, 7.5 Months

Working Style:

Hybrid

Additional Payments:

Casual Car User Allowance

Closing Date:

11.59pm, 13 October 2026

Interview Method:

Face to Face

Applicants must have existing right to work in the UK, as visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

This Role is Subject to:

• Legal right to Work: In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment
• 2 References - Where possible we require 3 years' history
• Qualification - Social Work Qualification and registration with Social Work England
• Medical Clearance - Pre-placement health assessment (PPHA)
• Casual Car Documentation - The successful candidate will be a designated Casual Car User which means that car journeys may be necessary on an occasional basis, but are not essential to the role. If you do drive, you must always hold a full valid driving licence and provide your own car for use at work, as well as provide all the appropriate documentation. You will receive an allowance per mile of business use
• DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Clearance - This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (amended in 2013). Appointable candidates will be required to apply for an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Information provided by you or the DBS will be dealt with in a confidential manner and in accordance with the DBS Code of Practice

Manchester is one of the UK's most ambitious cities, committed to delivering outstanding support for residents through a strengths-based, person-centred approach. Through the Manchester Local Care Organisation, social care and health services work together with a shared vision: helping people live healthier, more independent and fulfilling lives.

Manchester Adult Social Care is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced leader to join us as a Service Manager for Adult Early Support and Business Support on a fixed term basis.

As Service Manager, you will play a pivotal role in shaping and embedding Adult Social Care's front door model, influencing future integration with health and community partners across the city. This is an exciting opportunity to lead high-profile front door services that are central to helping adults access the right support at the right time while ensuring safeguarding concerns are effectively managed and addressed.

You will provide strategic leadership across key services, working to shape the future of Adult Social Care at the front door in Manchester and take the lead on developing Civil Contingency arrangements on behalf of Adult Social Care.

The Adult Early Support Team (AEST) promotes an early intervention ethos, to maintain independence and connecting citizens with local resources. Our aim is to provide effective, strengths-based support from the first point of contact, aiming to prevent, reduce, or delay the escalation of needs, identify and mitigate risk, and promote the independence of Manchester residents, whilst keeping residents of Manchester who are deemed to be vulnerable adults, safe and free from harm, abuse and neglect, contributing to the delivery of the city's prevention strategy and trauma informed agenda.

As Service Manager, you will:

• Lead and develop the adult early support team and its offer, delivering early intervention, prevention and safeguarding services.
• Provide oversight of Adult Early Support Team, Business Support for adult social care and lead on developments for Civil Contingencies for adult social care.
• Ensure effective risk management and timely decision making at the front door of Adult Social Care.
• Drive continuous improvement, performance management and quality assurance.
• Lead service redesign, transformation programmes and strategic partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with the Care Act 2014, safeguarding duties, legal frameworks and corporate governance requirements.
• Manage budgets, workforce planning and service performance.
• Represent Adult Social Care at senior internal and external partnership forums

Manchester is a city with ambition, innovation and a commitment to tackling inequality. We are investing in prevention, neighbourhood working and partnership approaches that support people to live safe, independent and fulfilling lives. Joining our leadership team means having the opportunity to influence strategic developments, shape future services and make a genuine difference to residents across the city.

Essential Criteria for the role:

• Has a strong track record of managing risk, performance and complex operational services.
• Can lead and motivate diverse teams through change and transformation.
• Has experience of service improvement, quality assurance and performance management
• Has significant management experience within Adult Social Care

The following would be advantageous but are not essential:

• Demonstrates excellent knowledge of the Care Act 2014 and safeguarding legislation.
• Is skilled in partnership working across agencies and professional disciplines.
• Is committed to strengths-based practice, inclusion and delivering excellent outcomes for adults

Working for Manchester City Council is a chance to make a real difference in a diverse city that leads change and improves lives. Whether you’re supporting communities or improving public services, you’ll help create opportunities and shape a better future for everyone

Benefits we offer

• Up to 26 days’ annual leave, rising to 31 days after five years’ service
• Buy up to two extra weeks’ leave
• Up to 3 days’ volunteering leave
• A 35-hour work week for full-time roles
• We review pay each year and recognise three trade unions
• The UK’s largest local government pension scheme
• Enhanced parental and carers leave
• Employee discounts and perks
• Good Employment Charter member

Manchester City Council values equality and works to provide a fair and inclusive environment for a workforce that is as diverse as the communities it serves. We want to further increase the diversity of our workforce, in particular the number of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic staff and disabled staff at all levels of the Council. This advert is open to all applicants, and we would particularly welcome applications from candidates identifying with one or both of those characteristics.

Guaranteed Assessment Scheme

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care.
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term condition
• Have you completed the GM Elevate (Leadership Development) Programme or any MCC positive action programmes?

When You Join Us

We’re a Disability Confident Employer, offering:

• A workplace adjustment hub which provides specialist support, advice and guidance to ensure you have the adjustments needed to thrive at work.
• Disabled Staff Network, Neurodiversity Staff Network and Mental Health Staff Network that provides a safe inclusive space to share experiences and opportunities to influence council practice.
• A strong commitment to ensuring all information adheres to accessibility standards and that our workplaces are accessible and disability-friendly.

For more information about the role or any adjustments, email

What we will need from you if you’re successful

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. This is not a role we consider to be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route based on Manchester City Council policy. Candidates are therefore encouraged to consider their own right to work options without the requirement for Manchester City Council sponsorship.

Other relevant information

We want everyone to be able to be themselves at work and give their best. If you need additional support to undertake the duties of the role, we’ll make every effort to source any necessary aids, adaptations or equipment. If, however, any task proves to be unachievable, we will look at redesigning parts of the role.

GM Elevate Programme

If you have completed the GM Elevate ( Leadership Development) Programme, please indicate this within the 'Personal Statement' section or 'Supporting Statement' section of your application.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application. However, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

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