Youth Development Manager, Area 1 & Specialist Programmes

Job Description

Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities!

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

Are you ready to lead transformative change for young people in Lewisham? We’re looking for a visionary Youth Development Manager to shape and drive a pioneering Youth Offer that places young people at the heart of service design and delivery. This is your opportunity to lead a dynamic, inclusive, and youth-led service that tackles systemic barriers, promotes wellbeing, and empowers the next generation. If you're passionate about innovation, collaboration, and making a lasting impact this is the role for you.

What’s the role?

Lead the delivery of Lewisham’s innovative Youth Offer, shaping inclusive, youth-led services.
Drive performance, quality, and safeguarding across area-based and specialist programmes.
Champion multi-agency collaboration to support young people with multiple needs.
Inspire cultural change and continuous improvement in youth work practice.

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for?

A strategic leader with deep expertise in youth development and safeguarding.
Someone who thrives in multi-agency environments and drives inclusive, youth-led practice.
A confident manager who can lead teams through change and inspire high performance.
A data-savvy innovator who uses insight to shape impactful services.
A reflective practitioner committed to equity, resilience, and continuous improvement.
Above all, someone passionate about improving outcomes for young people.

Location

The job is primarily based across Area 1 sites Riverside Youth Club , Woodpecker Youth Club and Honor Oak Youth and Family Hub but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.

Special conditions

• Relevant qualification is needed: Youth and Community Work (JNC) Degree Level or equivalent.
• Weekend working is required for this job
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion please email - Anthony.Powell@lewisham.gov.uk

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£55,353.00 - £57,495.00 per annum (PO5)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email JobsAndSkills@lewisham.gov.uk and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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