Are you an experienced Registered Service Manager with a passion for delivering exceptional, person‑centred care?
Do you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, leading from the front and setting the standard for quality, compassion, and accountability?
Are you the kind of leader who truly walks the walk – inspiring teams through action, energy, and a relentless focus on positive outcomes?
Gillespie Recruitment are delighted to be working with a highly respected, values‑driven social care provider as they look to appoint an experienced Registered Service Manager to lead an established learning disability and mental health service in St Albans, Hertfordshire.
This is an excellent opportunity for a hands‑on, high‑energy Registered Manager to take full ownership of a service, drive standards, and make a genuine difference to people’s lives.
The Role
As the Registered Service Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance, and quality of the service, ensuring people are supported in line with robust person‑centred practices.
You will be the CQC Registered Manager, accountable for compliance, safeguarding, and service excellence, while leading and motivating a multi‑disciplinary team to deliver outstanding care and support.
This is a varied, demanding, and rewarding role, ideal for someone who enjoys being visible, proactive, and closely involved in day‑to‑day service delivery while maintaining strong operational oversight.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership & People Management
- Lead, inspire, and develop a committed care and support team
- Recruit, supervise, appraise, and retain high‑quality staff
- Manage rotas and staffing resources effectively
- Address all employee relations matters, including absence management, disciplinary, and grievance processes, in line with policy and HR guidance
- Build a positive, accountable, and high‑performing team culture
Quality, Compliance & Governance
- Hold CQC registration and ensure the service meets or exceeds regulatory standards
- Maintain compliance with all statutory, contractual, and legal requirements
- Complete audits, quality assurance checks, and KPI reporting
- Promptly identify, report, and manage safeguarding concerns in line with legislation and best practice
- Drive continuous improvement and prepare the service for inspections
Operational & Financial Management
- Manage service budgets and apply agreed financial processes
- Ensure accurate management of all service finances, including people supported’s money
- Report financial performance and any variances appropriately
- Ensure resources are used effectively to achieve the best outcomes
Practice Leadership
- Promote and embed person‑centred, outcome‑focused support
- Ensure support plans are current, reflective, and responsive to changing needs
- Support people to access meaningful opportunities, including employment, community involvement, and independence
- Complete assessments for new people supported and support appropriate transitions
Stakeholder & Relationship Management
- Maintain strong relationships with families, commissioners, and external agencies
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and support functions
- Act as a positive ambassador for the service and organisation within the community
About You
Essential
- Proven experience as a Registered Manager or experienced Deputy ready to step up (Learning Disabilities and/or Mental Health)
- Strong working knowledge of CQC regulations and KLOEs
- Confident, visible leader who leads by example
- Experience managing teams, budgets, and service delivery in social care
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Fully IT‑literate and comfortable using care and reporting systems
- Flexible and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities
- Willing and able to participate in on‑call rotas
Qualifications
- NVQ Level 4 in Health & Social Care Management (or equivalent) or Registered Manager’s Award
- Right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
Attributes & Behaviours
- Passionate, energetic, and values‑driven
- Calm, confident, and decisive under pressure
- Approachable, professional, and trustworthy
- Committed to safeguarding and high‑quality care
- Focused on continuous development — for yourself and your team
What’s on Offer
- Salary £43,500 including Registered Manager payment
- Full‑time, permanent role (37.5 hours per week)
- Opportunity to lead an established, impactful service
- Supportive organisational culture with strong values
- A role where your leadership genuinely changes lives
