Service Manager - Community & Partnerships

Service Manager – Community and Partnerships

3‑month contract – Immediate start
£450 per day
Inside IR35 (via umbrella)
On‑site working, 5 days per week

CVs are being reviewed immediately and interviews will be taking place week commencing 20 April.

This is an opportunity to step into a high‑impact leadership role where you will shape how communities are supported, connected and empowered. As Service Manager – Community and Partnerships, you will report directly into the Head of Service, lead a small team of senior managers and take responsibility for services that sit at the heart of community life, including libraries and community partnerships. You will oversee multi‑million‑pound budgets, drive service improvement and play a visible role in delivering outcomes that genuinely matter to residents.

This contract is ideal if you thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy being hands‑on and want to make an immediate difference. As Service Manager – Community and Partnerships, you will balance strategic leadership with operational grip, working closely with partners across the public and voluntary sectors to reduce inequality and strengthen local communities.

Your role as Service Manager – Community and Partnerships:

• Lead and inspire community, libraries and partnership services with clear accountability for performance
• Manage significant budgets and resources, ensuring value for money and financial sustainability
• Build strong partnerships across the council, voluntary sector and health to deliver shared outcomes
• Drive service improvement using insight, data and community feedback
• Champion inclusion and wellbeing, ensuring services are safe, welcoming and accessible

You will be highly visible, politically astute and confident operating in complex stakeholder environments. This is a role where decisions matter and leadership is felt across the organisation and beyond.

Your experience as Service Manager – Community and Partnerships:

• Senior management experience within community, engagement or partnership‑led services
• Proven leadership of front‑facing teams in a fast‑moving, operational environment
• Strong financial acumen, including budget management and resource prioritisation
• Track record of partnership working and influencing at senior level
• Local authority experience, with an understanding of political and governance contexts

This assignment offers an immediate start, on‑site working and the chance to leave a lasting imprint over the course of the contract. Service Manager – Community and Partnerships roles of this scope and visibility don’t stay available for long.

If you’re interested in discussing this opportunity in more detail, or know someone who would be a strong fit, please contact George Batson on 0117 313 7110 or apply today.

(We offer a senior referral scheme upon successful placement of your recommendation, so please do get in touch.)

Our clients are committed to creating a diverse workforce and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant. Recruiting decisions are based on experience and skills, and reasonable adjustments will be fully supported throughout the process.