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Deputy Manager
Voluntary Action - Leeds
Hawksworth, Leeds
Full-time
23rd September 2025

DEPUTY MANAGER

hawksworth older people support HOPS ltd

Deputy Manager – Hawksworth Older People’s Support Service (HOPS)

Location: Hawksworth, LeedsHours: Full-time (some flexibility required)Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

At HOPS, we’re dedicated to supporting older people in our community to live fulfilling, connected, and independent lives. With over 20 years of service, we provide activities, trips, advice, and a friendly hub that makes a real difference.

Due to retirement, we are now looking for a Deputy Manager to join our team and help us grow, strengthen, and continue delivering high-quality support to older people in Hawksworth and beyond.

What you’ll do:

  • Support the Manager in the day-to-day running of HOPS, ensuring smooth operations.

  • Lead and motivate staff and volunteers to provide outstanding service.

  • Develop and deliver engaging activities, events, and trips for our members.

  • Build strong relationships with older people, families, and community partners.

  • Assist with reporting, fundraising, and ensuring compliance with policies and safeguarding requirements.

  • Take on leadership responsibilities in the Manager’s absence.

What we’re looking for:

  • Experience working with older people, community services, or a similar support role.

  • Strong leadership and people skills with the ability to motivate a team.

  • Organised, proactive, and confident in managing multiple priorities.

  • Compassionate, approachable, and dedicated to improving the lives of older people.

  • A willingness to get involved at every level—from planning to hands-on delivery.

What we offer:

  • A rewarding role with a well-loved community organisation.

  • The chance to make a real impact in people’s lives.

  • Supportive, friendly colleagues and a welcoming environment.

  • Training and opportunities to develop your skills.

If you’re passionate about community, care deeply for older people, and have the drive to help lead a thriving local service, we’d love to hear from you.

📩 To apply, please send your CV and a short cover letter to info@hops-leeds.org.uk by

23rd September 25.

Please note: this post may close early due to a high level of applicants.

Role Description / Main Responsibilities

  • Operational Support & Leadership
    • Assist the Service Manager in overseeing day-to-day operations.
    • Step in confidently during the manager’s absence to ensure continuity and quality.
    • Support the day to day running of activities and adapt wherever there is a need.
  • Activity & Trip Planning
    • Develop and execute engaging activity programmes—including themed events, crafts, gentle exercise, and social games—for both lunch clubs and the coffee/brunch club.
    • Plan, coordinate, and lead regular outings and day trips tailored to older adults’ interests and mobility needs.
  • Adaptability & Responsiveness
    • Adjust activities or menus quickly based on participants’ changing health, preferences, or weather.
    • Model flexibility and encourage adaptive practices throughout the team.
  • Team Coordination & Support
    • Mentor, motivate, and supervise volunteers and staff, fostering a collaborative, caring environment.
    • Organise rostering, briefing, and training to ensure events and services are delivered smoothly and safely.
  • Quality, Health & Safety Compliance
    • Oversee food hygiene and safety when associated with HOPS operations (e.g., refreshments or snacks during activities).
    • Conduct and maintain risk assessments for all activities, trips, and meal-related services; ensure all documentation is up-to-date and participants remain safe.
  • Community Engagement & Promotion
    • Liaise with local partners—venues, transport services, community groups—to enrich programming and enhance outreach.
    • Promote upcoming HOPS events and encourage participation through friendly outreach.
  • Administrative Oversight & Reporting
    • Support the Manager with budgets, stock control, activity scheduling, and performance tracking.
    • Gather feedback and assist in evaluating HOPS events to continuously improve quality and impact.

Person Specification

Essential Qualifications & Experience

  • Proven experience in a supervisory or deputy-management capacity, ideally within care, community services, or events management.
  • Experience planning and running activities or day trips for older adults or similar groups.
  • Strong understanding of health, safety, and risk management, especially for vulnerable adults.

Skills & Abilities

  • Leadership & Organisational Skills: Able to coordinate diverse tasks—planning, logistics, people, health and safety—effectively and calmly.
  • Communication & Interpersonal Skills: Clear, approachable, and respectful with both staff and service users. Capable of tailoring communication to older adults’ needs.
  • Adaptability & Problem-Solving: Comfortable thinking on your feet and adjusting plans as needed.
  • Teamwork & Mentorship: Willing to support and inspire volunteers and staff through mentorship, collaboration, and encouragement.
  • Empathy & Compassion: Essential to building trust with older adults and delivering person-centred support.
  • Professionalism & Reflective Practice: Demonstrates ethical leadership, accountability, and commitment to continuous improvement.

Desirable Attributes

  • Certification in first aid, food safety, or relevant qualifications in adult social care.
  • Knowledge of community transport options or partnerships that facilitate outings.
  • Previous experience overseeing budgets or working within small budgets pragmatically.

hawksworth older people support HOPS ltd

Deputy Manager - VOLUNTARY ACTION - LEEDS | Work In Charities