Job Description

We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Service Manager to play a pivotal role in our Single Homelessness Prevention Service in London.

Sounds great, what will I be doing? This role leads the delivery of a high-performing, payment-by-results service focused on preventing and relieving homelessness. You will drive performance against KPIs and contractual outcomes, ensuring compliance with financial, legislative, and organisational requirements. Providing strong leadership, you will motivate and develop your team while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.

You will build effective partnerships with local authorities, landlords, and external agencies to increase access to sustainable accommodation, including driving property procurement strategies. The role includes overseeing budgets, resolving complex cases and complaints, and ensuring accurate performance reporting. You will ensure all service delivery aligns with housing legislation, safeguarding, and health and safety standards while maintaining excellent stakeholder relationships.

What do I need to bring with me? You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring a relevant qualification in Housing, Business, or a related field, or equivalent experience in homelessness prevention, housing procurement, or support services. You will have in-depth knowledge of housing legislation, welfare benefits, landlord and tenant law, and the Homelessness Reduction Act, alongside a strong understanding of business strategy, financial planning, and contract management within outcomes-based services. You will have proven experience managing services that prevent or relieve homelessness, including delivery within payment-by-results frameworks, and a strong track record of leading, motivating, and developing high-performing teams.

You will be experienced in developing property procurement strategies, securing accommodation through private landlords and agents, and working collaboratively with Local Authorities and external partners. You will bring strong financial management skills, including overseeing budgets, ensuring accuracy, and meeting or exceeding contractual targets. Confident in managing complex challenges such as complaints, service user crises, and service performance, you will be a proactive and solutions-focused leader. With excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills, you will be able to influence effectively and produce high-quality reports and data analysis. Strong IT skills, including case management systems and Microsoft Office, are essential, along with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.