Service Support Manager – Adopt South West

About the job

Key information

Location: County Hall, Exeter

Make a Difference Where It Matters Most

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and families? Do you thrive in a flexible and supportive team environment? If you are ready to lead a regional team that helps children find loving, permanent homes, we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Service Support Manager to manage our business support functions, a role that combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational delivery.

What will I be doing?

As one of two Service Support Managers, you will lead a team of business support administrators across five local authorities, ensuring our regional adoption agency runs smoothly and effectively. You will oversee recruitment, performance, and development of staff, while also managing key operational processes, data systems, and office logistics. You’ll work closely with senior managers, social workers, and external partners to ensure our services meet statutory requirements and deliver the best outcomes for children and families. This is a varied and rewarding role that combines leadership, problem-solving, and service improvement.

Agile working options are available, though you will need to have a regular office presence, and the ability to travel to other locations where Adopt South West is based (Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Torbay, Plymouth)

About Adopt South West

Adopt South West is a Regional Adoption Agency bringing together the expertise of Cornwall, Devon, Plymouth, Somerset & Torbay councils. We work together to provide high-quality adoption services that are child-focused, inclusive, and supportive. Our mission is to ensure every child has the opportunity to grow up in a safe and loving family.

To find out more about the role, and Adopt South West, please contact Thomas Johnson on Thomas.Johnson@devon.gov.uk or 01392 383972.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage business support staff across the region
• Oversee recruitment, induction, and training of business support staff
• Monitor performance and support staff development
• Ensure consistent and effective business processes
• Provide operational support including risk assessments and equipment procurement
• Maintain accurate data and quality assurance systems
• Support meetings, panels, and project workstreams
• Manage office logistics, facilities, and agile working systems
• Ensure compliance with financial regulations and health & safety standards
• Promote continuous improvement and service excellence

What kind of experience or qualifications do I need?

Skills & Qualities We Need

• Proven experience in line management and staff development
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Excellent communication and interpersonal abilities
• Confident decision-maker with a solution-focused mindset
• Skilled in Microsoft 365 and modern office technologies
• Calm, resilient, and adaptable in a changing environment
• Ability to work collaboratively across agencies and teams
• Committed to equality, diversity, and continuous improvement
• Financial awareness and budget management experience

What is in it for me?

• Incremental increase in salary up to top of grade
• Flexible working hours and agile working locations
• Excellent health & wellbeing culture
• Membership in the Local Government Pension Scheme
• Access to the Vivup employee benefits platform, which includes lifestyle savings, home and electronic items, electric vehicle leasing, and more
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Ongoing internal learning, development, and training opportunities
• 26 days of annual leave per year (increasing with length of service) plus Bank Holidays
• Employee Assistance Programme
• The chance to make a real difference in the lives of children and families

Supporting documents and information

Interested in Joining Our Dynamic Service? Apply Now!

During your application, you will be asked to type a ‘supporting statement’. This statement is crucial for the selection process, including the interview stage. Please review the job description and person specification to demonstrate your relevant skills and qualities.

Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Exeter on 22/07/2025

Internal Applicants, please note: If you are an existing DCC employee, please use your iTrent Employee Self Service (ESS) details to log in and apply.

Apply on the Devon County Council website

Apply now