Service Manager – East and West Sussex

Providing strong operational leadership to the teams working in our services.

Key Information

Position: Service Manager
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £38,912 – £43,974 per annum
Location:
East and West Sussex
Hours per week:
37.5 hours per week
Application Closing Date:
08/06/2026

About Emerging Futures CIC

Emerging Futures began in 2014, born from a belief that recovery is possible for everyone, and that those who have walked that path should lead the way forward.

From modest beginnings, Emerging Futures expanded across the UK, to a growing and diverse team of staff and volunteers, many with lived experience themselves. Offering support to people affected by homelessness and drug and alcohol use, Emerging Futures has helped thousands through housing, coaching and therapeutic programmes.

Using compassion and courage, Emerging Futures believes that recovery is not just a word, it’s a promise that anything is possible. Together, we’re working for a world where everyone has somewhere to live, something to do, and someone to love.

About the role

The Service Manager will be an experienced manager with a proven track record in leading substance misuse, recovery, and/or housing services.

As part of the Sussex Leadership Team, you will oversee and develop detox and family services with support from your manager’s guidance.

You will manage contracts with Changing Futures, the Local Authority and other local partners to develop coaching models, deliver behaviour change and psychosocial programs and provide housing services across your area.

You will plan, deliver, and monitor services for individuals who are socially marginalised but are on a path of recovery and rehabilitation.

The role also involves leading on further business priorities such as quality and development, as agreed by the Joint Leadership Team.

Working with the Head of Operations, you will foster a supportive culture and provide clear, values-based leadership to your teams.

You’ll work across our bases across East and West Sussex with some flexibility to work from home when required.

Download Job Description

About you

For this role, you will have experience of managing adult social care services within the third or public sector in line with budgetary constraints and resources. You may also have:

  • Excellent leadership and line management skills and the ability to enthuse, motivate and develop a team to deliver results
  • Experience of developing partnerships and working collaboratively with other organisations.
  • Excellent skills and demonstrable experience in report writing and incident reporting.
  • Experience of managing outreach work or housing/tenancy related support.
  • Exceptional communication skills and relationship management abilities.

How to apply

To apply for this role, click the ‘apply now’ button and complete our online application form.

Our online application form consists of a set of “getting to know you” questions that are specific to each role. For most of our positions, we also ask that you upload a CV.

Download the job description for a full list of duties, along with a person specification detailing essential and desirable skills.

See below for our step-by-step guide to completing your application, and some useful tips to help you understand what we look for.

Key Dates

Deadline – 08/06/2026
Interview – 17/06/2026

A guide to completing your application

STEP 1

Copy and save the URL at the bottom of the form

So that you can revisit your application at a later date.

STEP 2

Complete your personal details

In order for us to contact you about your application.

STEP 3

Answer our ‘about you’ questions

To help us understand your values, skills and experience.

STEP 4

Upload your CV

Not all roles require a CV. This will not be visible if it is not required.

STEP 5

Complete the declarations

About any adjustments, GDPR, your legal right to work, and DBS checks.

STEP 6

Don’t forget to click ‘submit’

Wait until you see the “application successful” message.

Useful tips

Read these useful tips to help you prepare your application.

Read these useful tips to help you prepare your application.

  • Our job applications are submitted on an online form by clicking the “apply now” button. As with all online webpages, if you lose your internet connection the page can crash, and you risk losing your application.
  • To avoid this happening, we’d advise writing the answers to our ‘getting to know you’ questions offline first, either on your computer or phone. Once you’re happy and ready to submit, you can paste them into the online form. Alternatively, copy the form URL displayed at the bottom of the form by the “submit” button, and use this to revisit your application online later.
  • It’s always worth double checking that your email address and phone number are correct. If there are typos here, we won’t be able to contact you about your application after we have shortlisted to interview.
  • Write your ‘getting to know you’ responses in your own words. Imagine you’re speaking to the person who you hope might hire you. The more we know about the real you, your values, and your experiences the better (so don’t let ChatGPT answer for you!).
  • Read through your responses a few times before you send the final application and correct any spelling errors or add anything you may have missed. We’re not looking for seasoned copywriters, but it shows you’ve taken care over your application.
  • Not all our jobs require you to upload a CV, but if you are asked to, please make sure it’s in a format that we can read. Accepted formats: pdf, doc, jpeg, jpg, png, txt, docx.
  • Once you have submitted your application, wait until you see the “application successful” message. You’ll also receive an email confirming the application has been received, which has a link to complete our Equality and Diversity short survey.

Working in our Sussex services

By joining the Emerging Futures workforce, you become part of a nationwide team dedicated to providing addiction recovery support services throughout the United Kingdom. This role joins part of a larger team in Sussex, with colleagues working across our services in Worthing, Bognor Regis, Hastings, Eastbourne, Littlehampton, and Southwick

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2026_05 SM Sussex

Application Form

Thank you for your interest in applying for a role at Emerging Futures CIC.

Below is our digital application form. Please complete all fields in the online application form before submitting.

As with all online webpages, if you lose your internet connection the page may crash, and you risk losing your application. To avoid this happening, we’d advise writing the answers to our ‘getting to know you’ questions offline first. Once you’re happy, you can paste them into the online form and submit your application.

Alternatively, click the "save for later" button at the bottom of this form and copy the URL link it displays. You can use this to return to your application online later.

Once submitted, please wait for a confirmation message before closing the page.

Whilst a digital application is preferred, if you would prefer to complete your application via a Microsoft word document, please email recruitment@emergingfutures.org.uk and a member of the team will respond.

*all fields marked with an asterisk are required fields. 

Personal Details

Role Applying For
 

Getting to know you*

This is your chance to tell us more about yourself. The following questions are designed to help us understand your background, motivations, and how you approach challenges. Your responses will give us insight into how you might fit within the team and contribute to the role. We encourage you to write in your own voice and be authentic with your answers, so please avoid using ChatGPT.

Question 1*

How would you describe yourself as a manager?

Question 2*

Tell us about a time when you faced an ethical dilemma in the workplace.

Question 3*

How would you handle a performance problem with your best employee?

Upload CV*

Please upload your CV using the ‘Upload File’ button below.

Accepted format: pdf, doc, jpeg, jpg, png, txt.

Files should not exceed 50MB.

Adjustments/Arrangements for interview

Data Protection*

Right to work*

DBS / Criminal Record*

Emerging Futures CIC encourages applications from candidates with lived experience of the criminal justice system, and a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from being offered a role; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role.

To discuss any convictions beforehand, contact recruitment@emergingfutures.org.uk. All information will 
be dealt with according to the Emerging Futures Confidentiality Policy.

Declarations*

Submit Application

Thank you for completing the application, click submit and wait for a confirmation
 message before closing the page. You will also receive a confirmation email confirming the application has been received, which has a link to complete our Equality and Diversity short survey.