Children's Centre Manager

ReedInvernessreedpublished 10/26/2026
Must-have:LeadPrincipal

About the company

Lead a Service That Changes Lives Are you an experienced leader who believes every young person deserves the opportunity to grow up safely within their family and community?

We are seeking a passionate and driven Service Manager to lead an innovative Intensive Family Support Service across the Highlands. This is a unique opportunity to shape and develop a service that delivers meaningful change for young people aged 12-18 who may be at risk of criminal exploitation or being accommodated away from home.

This is more than a management role. It's an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of children, young people and families across the Highland region.

Why Apply? This role offers the chance to join a service that is making a real impact at a critical time in young people's lives.

Your tasks

As Service Manager, you will lead a dedicated team providing intensive, person-centred support to young people and their families. Through early intervention, partnership working and strength-based practice, the service aims to reduce crisis situations, strengthen family relationships and help young people remain safely at home wherever possible.

  • Providing inspiring leadership, guidance and support to a team of staff and volunteers.
  • Creating a positive culture that promotes collaboration, accountability and high-quality practice.
  • Ensuring young people and families receive flexible, responsive support tailored to their individual needs.
  • Working closely with Social Work, Education, Health, Police and third-sector partners to achieve the best possible outcomes.
  • Maintaining excellent standards of safeguarding, child protection and service quality.
  • Managing budgets, performance targets, reporting requirements and service development plans.
  • Leading continuous improvement initiatives and identifying opportunities to enhance service delivery.
  • Acting as a key ambassador for the service and developing strong relationships with stakeholders across the region.

Requirements

You are an experienced people leader with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for children, young people and families.

You will bring

  • A relevant SVQ Level 4 qualification (or equivalent at SCQF Level 9 or above).
  • Experience managing and developing teams within social care, children and families' services, community services or the third sector.
  • Strong knowledge of safeguarding, child protection and GIRFEC principles.
  • The ability to build trusted relationships with professionals, families and partner agencies.
  • Excellent organisational and decision-making skills.
  • A proactive, solution-focused approach and the confidence to manage complex situations.
  • A passion for leading services that place people, dignity and positive outcomes at their heart.

What we offer

In return, you'll receive

  • Salary up to £38,896 per annum
  • Full-time permanent contract (35 hours per week)
  • Generous annual leave entitlement
  • Pension scheme
  • Flexible working opportunities
  • Ongoing learning and development
  • Funded qualifications where appropriate
  • Health and wellbeing support
  • Cycle to Work Scheme
  • Blue Light Card access and additional employee benefits

How to apply

Apply today and help shape a service that creates brighter futures for children, young people and families across the Highlands.

Other

Children's Service Manager - Intensive Family Support Service

Highland | Full Time | Permanent | Up to £38,896

Location Based in Inverness, with travel across the Highland region as required.