Are you an experienced social care leader looking for your next challenge?

Wokingham Borough Council has a fantastic opportunity available for a Service Manager to join our award-winning Adult Social Care team on a full time, permanent basis.

 As Service Manager, you'll provide strategic and operational leadership across our long-term Adult Social Care services, with management oversight of the Review & Reassessment, West and Sensory Needs teams. Working with colleagues across health, housing and other organisations, you'll make sure people get the right support at the right time. You'll look for ways to improve how we work, monitor performance and make sure our services are meeting people's needs, meeting our legal responsibilities and providing good value for money.

We are an Award‑Winning Local Authority and were recently recognised by the Care Quality Commission as one of the best adult social care services in the country and ranked 2^nd nationally in the Impower Productivity Index.

We are proud to be part of the Social Care Future movement working towards a place where everyone can live in a home they love, stay connected to the things that matter and feel part of their community.

⭐ Staff Benefits ⭐

You’ll have access to an excellent benefits package, including:

• 31 days annual leave, rising by five days after five years’ local government service, plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• GP helpline, seven days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme, including 24/7 confidential support
• Free eye tests and flu vaccines
• Free onsite gym (Shute End, Wokingham)
• Salary sacrifice schemes – including car and cycle to work
• Local and lifestyle discounts
• Move through Menopause course
• Sports and social clubs – running, football, cricket and more
• Learning and development opportunities
• Employee networks
• And more!

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and support teams to deliver safe, effective services for local people.
• Drive service improvements and help shape how we work in the future.
• Manage budgets carefully and identify financial risks early.
• Build strong partnerships to make sure services meet legal requirements and quality standards.
• Provide guidance on complex cases and support decisions about care, support and funding.
• Work with partners across health, social care and the voluntary sector to improve outcomes for residents.
• Review and improve policies, learn from what doesn't go well, and use that learning to make services better.

Candidate Requirements:

• A recognised social work/OT or health qualification, with current professional registration (such as Social Work England or HCPC).
• Experience of leading and managing teams, or a relevant management qualification.
• A strong understanding of adult social care law, policy and national changes, and the ability to put these into practice.
• Ability to lead and support people from different professional backgrounds, staying calm and making sound decisions in busy and challenging situations.

Our area

Wokingham Borough is a thriving area in the heart of Berkshire, offering great transport links, excellent schools, strong communities, and beautiful countryside.

.With a growing economy and low crime, it’s a great place to live and work. We’re also committed to becoming a Marmot Borough, focusing on prevention, early intervention, and reducing inequalities across our diverse community.

For an informal chat about the role please contact:

Alice Bateman (Head of Complex Care & Support Service) - alice.bateman@wokingham.gov.uk 

Closing date: 4^th October 2026, 11pm

Interview date: W/C 12^th October 2026

AI in Applications:
We recognise that candidates may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support the preparation of their job applications. When used appropriately, AI can be a helpful aid in structuring responses, checking clarity, and improving presentation.

However, applications must reflect your own skills, experience and understanding. If an application appears to rely excessively on AI-generated content, it may not meet the required standard and could be rejected.

We encourage all applicants to ensure their submissions are authentic, tailored to the role, and clearly demonstrate their own knowledge, experience and suitability.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. All successful candidates for this role will be subject to Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks along with other relevant employment checks.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.