Cluster Manager (Ashford Services)

£45,000 | Full Time | Ashford, Kent - based in service

At The Kent Autistic Trust, we believe great leadership creates great outcomes. We are seeking an exceptional Cluster Manager to lead two established Registered Services within our Ashford catchment area.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic, visible and people-focused leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding support for autistic adults and people with learning disabilities. We are looking for someone who champions quality, inspires their teams, and creates a culture where people supported and staff can thrive.

About the Role

You will have overall responsibility for two registered services, dividing your time equally between both locations. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will lead service quality, regulatory compliance, safeguarding, staffing, budgets and continuous improvement across the cluster.

Both services benefit from strong and experienced staffing teams, providing a solid platform from which to develop excellent outcomes. Each service also has an established Assistant Manager who provides day-to-day operational support. A key part of this role will be building a strong partnership with these Assistant Managers, developing their leadership capability through coaching, mentoring and professional support whilst promoting consistency of practice across the cluster.

This is not a desk-based management role. We are looking for a visible leader who enjoys spending time in services, knows the people we support, understands the challenges teams face and works alongside colleagues to drive improvement and success.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Leading two Registered Services to deliver safe, high-quality, person-centred support
• Creating a positive, accountable and inclusive culture where staff feel valued and motivated
• Supporting, mentoring and developing Assistant Managers and wider leadership talent
• Driving continuous quality improvement and service excellence
• Maintaining CQC compliance and inspection readiness across both services
• Leading safeguarding, risk management and incident response
• Ensuring effective workforce planning, rota management and staffing stability
• Managing service budgets and operational performance
• Building strong relationships with families, professionals, commissioners and stakeholders
• Championing The Kent Autistic Trust's values and strategic objectives.

About You

You will be:

• An experienced social care leader with a track record of developing high-performing teams and improving service quality.
• A confident and inspiring leader who brings people with you. Passionate about person-centred support and achieving meaningful outcomes.
• Skilled at coaching, mentoring and developing others.
• Visible, approachable and able to build strong relationships quickly.
• Organised and resilient, with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Committed to continuous improvement and driving positive change.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding, CQC requirements and social care legislation.

Essential Requirements

• Experience of managing services within health or social care
• Strong leadership and people management experience
• Knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and quality standards
• Experience of leading service improvement and managing performance
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between services
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and Social Care (or willingness to work towards).

Why Join Us?

At The Kent Autistic Trust, we are committed to creating services where autistic people can live fulfilling lives and where our staff feel supported to develop and succeed.

In return, we offer:

The opportunity to lead and influence two established services. Strong operational and senior leadership support. A culture focused on quality, innovation and continuous improvement. Ongoing professional development and leadership training. Competitive salary and benefits package.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are an ambitious and values-driven leader who can inspire teams, develop future leaders and deliver exceptional quality, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help shape outstanding services across our Ashford cluster.

How to Apply

If you are an inspiring and values-driven leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we would love to hear from you.

Apply online via our website [provide website details] or call us today on 01634 477171 to arrange a confidential discussion with the Head of Operations (Kent) about this opportunity.

Join us and play a key role in leading two established services, developing future leaders, and driving high-quality, person-centred support across the Ashford Cluster.

Closing Date: Friday 16th October 2026

Our approach is to review adverts as they are submitted.

The Kent Autistic Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of the people we support. All appointments will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, and right to work checks.

About the Trust:

Supporting over 80 people in Medway and across Kent, The Kent Autistic Trust provides a wide range of services designed to meet diverse needs of autistic

KAT is committed to providing high quality supports designed around individual abilities, needs and choices.

KAT is committed to promoting independence and inclusion within communities.

KAT believes everyone is able to make their own individual contribution.

KAT seeks to work in partnership with all relevant parties but in particular with the individual themselves.

Please find attached a copy of our Privacy Notice. Or a copy can be found on our website.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if a suitable candidate is found or experiencing a high volume of applications.