Deputy Manager - 9 month maternity cover - Bedford

Lifeway’s Group; Bedford; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading care service provider in Bedford is seeking a dedicated Deputy Manager for a 9-month maternity cover position. In this role, you will support the Registered Manager to provide exceptional, person-centred care to residents with various disabilities. The ideal candidate should possess a Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care, experience in team leadership, and a passion for delivering outstanding care. Enjoy a supportive workplace culture and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Leadership development

Matched contribution pension scheme

Access to wellbeing resources

Reward & Recognition programmes

Exclusive discounts via CHOICE Rewards

Qualifications

• Proven experience in team leadership and operational management.
• Valid UK driver’s licence and willingness to travel locally.
• Genuine passion for delivering outstanding care.

Responsibilities

• Foster a supportive culture empowering the team.
• Champion quality and continuous improvement in service delivery.
• Build meaningful relationships with team and community.

Skills

Team leadership

Operational management

Person-centred care

Education

Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care

Level 5 qualification (desirable)

Job description

Deputy Manager – 9 month maternity cover – Bedford

Due to an internal promotion to cover maternity leave, we are seeking an inspiring Deputy Manager to join the leadership team at Larchwood, our 10-bed residential service Larchwood, in Bedford. Here we provides support to people with learning disabilities, epilepsy, autism, physical disabilities, dementia and bipolar.

As Deputy Manager, you will work closely with the Registered Manager to ensure exceptional, person-centred care is consistently delivered to the people who call Larchwood home. Residents benefit from strong community connections alongside the independence of having their own space, and you will play a key role in supporting this balance.

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 37.5 per week

Shift pattern: Two week rota – week 1 – Mon – Fri and week 2 - three weekdays and weekend. (THIS SERVICE DOES NOT HAVE SLEEP SHIFTS)

In this role, you will:

• Foster an open, supportive culture that empowers your team to deliver high-quality, person-led support.
• Lead with passion and professionalism, supporting people living with learning disabilities, autism, physical disabilities, and complex behaviours.
• Champion quality and continuous improvement across all areas of service delivery.
• Build meaningful relationships with your team, families, and the local community.

You’ll lead with purpose, inspire confidence, and drive excellence — shaping the future of care at Heron Court.

What You’ll Bring

• Level 3 qualification in Health & Social Care (Level 5 desirable or working towards)
• Proven experience in team leadership and operational management
• A valid UK driver’s licence and willingness to travel locally
• A genuine passion for delivering outstanding care — and leading by example

If you embody empathy, courage, honesty, equality, and passion, you’ll feel right at home here.

Why Join Lifeways?

When you join us, you’re stepping into a leadership role within a company that truly invests in its people. Our values guide everything we do:
Caring – Honest – One Team – Innovative – Courageous – Equal

You’ll benefit from:

• Leadership development & clear progression pathways
• A supportive, inclusive workplace culture
• Matched contribution company pension scheme
• Access to wellbeing resources & mental health support
• Reward & Recognition programmes
• Exclusive discounts on shopping, tech, travel, and more through CHOICE Rewards