Job Description: Permanent Full Time 37 hours per week 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. About the Role 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 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 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 We Offer - 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 How to Apply 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. Closing Date: 13/07/2025 Interview Interviews will take place in person at County Hall, Exeter on 22/07/2025 Please click Apply Now to see further information. - DCC embraces the positive benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to providing an environment that is inclusive and safe. We welcome applications from people who share our commitment to stop discrimination, challenge inequality and promote diversity across Devon. More information can be found on our Equality and Diversity webpages. - Happy to Talk Flexible Working- The Council offers flexible working arrangements in terms of when and where people work e.g. hybrid working, part-time, condensed hours etc. - We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. - This role requires the ability to fulfil all spoken aspects of the role with confidence and fluency in English. - Personal data we collect from you will be processed in accordance with the Applicant privacy notice. - For more information about Working for Devon please visit our Working for Devon page. - We cannot consider visa sponsorship at this time. UK Right to Work is required. For further guidance on right to work in the UK, please visit: Work in the UK - GOV.UK ( ). This is not a Cornwall Council vacancy therefore please contact the organisation direct for further information. Organisation address: County Hall, Exeter, Topsham Road, EX2 4QD Contact detail: Devon County Council Email: Website: Cornwall Council. Location : Exeter, Devon, United Kingdom