Registered Service Manager – Autism Specialist Services
Stockton on Tees| Full Time | Permanent
Salary £49,257 per annum plus excellent benefits

Defour Partnership is proud to be working closely with SJOG to support the recruitment of an experienced Registered Service Manager to lead one of its specialist residential services within its Complex Care Division, supporting adults with autism and associated complex needs.

SJOG is a well-established, values-led care provider with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality specialist care and support. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced leader who is passionate about delivering truly person-centred support, promoting independence, and achieving outstanding outcomes for autistic individuals with complex support requirements.

The successful candidate will lead an established team within a specialist environment focused on enhancing quality of life, promoting positive outcomes, and delivering proactive, autism-informed support. SJOG is committed to the principles of Right Support, Right Care, Right Culture and places a strong emphasis on compassionate leadership, continuous improvement, and enabling people to live fulfilling lives.

The Role

You will provide day-to-day operational leadership across the service, ensuring the highest standards of care, quality, compliance, safeguarding, and staff development are maintained.

Working closely with colleagues, families, health professionals and external partners, you will ensure that individuals receive outstanding, outcome-focused support tailored to their unique needs, aspirations and strengths. You will play a key role in fostering a positive team culture, driving service excellence and ensuring the service continues to deliver exceptional autism specialist support.

Responsibilities will include:
• Leading and developing a high-performing care team
• Ensuring regulatory compliance and maintaining high-quality standards
• Promoting Positive Behaviour Support and proactive care approaches
• Managing safeguarding, risk management, and incident oversight
• Supporting staff supervision, training, and performance development
• Driving person-centred outcomes and meaningful engagement
• Managing service budgets, audits, and quality assurance processes
• Building strong relationships with families, professionals, and stakeholders
• Supporting service development and continuous improvement initiatives

About You
We are looking for a confident and experienced manager who can lead with compassion, resilience, and professionalism.
You will ideally have:
• Previous experience managing autism specialist or complex care services
• Strong knowledge of Positive Behaviour Support and autism practice
• Experience leading teams within residential care settings
• Good understanding of CQC regulations and quality standards
• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care (or equivalent)
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• A proactive, solution-focused approach
• Passion for delivering exceptional outcomes for people supported

This role would suit an experienced Registered Manager, Senior Service Manager, or Operations-level professional looking to make a genuine impact within a specialist service environment.

What’s on Offer
• Competitive salary package
• Supportive senior leadership structure
• Opportunities for continued professional development
• Chance to lead and shape a specialist service
• Values-driven organisation with a strong quality focus

For a confidential discussion and further information, please apply today or contact Joanne Diver for more details.