Centre Manager – Youth and Community Centre Job Vacancy

We are seeking an energetic and dedicated Centre Manager to lead our Youth and Community Centre, fostering a vibrant, inclusive environment where young people and community members can thrive. In this pivotal role, you will oversee daily operations, coordinate engaging programs, and ensure the centre remains a welcoming space that promotes positive social interactions. Your leadership will inspire staff and volunteers, drive community engagement, and uphold the centre’s mission to empower youth and strengthen community bonds. This paid position offers a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact while developing your management skills in a dynamic setting.

Role Purpose

The Centre Manager will lead the day‑to‑day operation, development, and strategic direction of a recently refurbished, purpose‑built youth and community centre serving young people and wider community groups in inner‑city Liverpool. The centre is supported by a charitable trust with a strong track record of securing funding, and the successful candidate will play a key role in shaping the next phase of the centre’s growth and impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Leadership — Oversee the smooth running of all centre activities, ensuring the building is safe, welcoming, and well‑managed throughout daytime and evening use.
• Programme Coordination — Coordinate a varied programme including after‑school sessions, evening youth provision, and daytime activities for community groups including older residents.
• Staff & Volunteer Management — Lead, support, and supervise youth workers, sessional staff, volunteers, and external partners.
• Partnership & Community Engagement — Build strong relationships with local schools, community organisations, statutory services, and residents. Work with the local authority to access opportunities for development and contribute to the wider offer of youth provision in the city.
• Funding & Reporting — Work closely with the charitable trust to support funding bids, monitor outcomes, and ensure compliance with grant requirements.
• Strategic Review & Development — Lead a review of the centre’s management model, identifying opportunities to modernise, strengthen governance, and improve long‑term sustainability, working closely with chair and members of the management committee to ensure the development and smooth running of the organisation.
• Safeguarding & Compliance — Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring all policies, procedures, and training are up to date.

Person Specification

Essential

• Qualification in youth work, community development, or related field – fully qualified JNC recognised qualification or equivalent
• Experience in youth or community work in a leadership or coordination role
• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Ability to build trust with young people, families, and community partners
• Experience managing staff or volunteers
• Ability to plan and lead community events with a range of service users including older residents.
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and health & safety
• Ability to lead change and contribute to strategic development
• Clean driving license
• Evening and weekend work is an integral part of this role along with attendance on youth residentials.

Desirable

• Experience working in an inner‑city or high‑need community
• Track record of supporting funding applications or reporting to funding organisers
• Knowledge of the NJC pay scale and local authority frameworks

Salary & Conditions

• Salary aligned to the NJC pay scale Grade 6
• Full‑time, permanent role
• Some evening and occasional weekend work required
• Enhanced DBS check required

Recruitment Process

To ensure a fair and transparent appointment, the recruitment process will consist of:

1. CV Submission

◦ Outlining relevant experience, qualifications, and employment history.

2. Written Application

◦ Candidates will provide a written statement addressing how they meet the

person specification – maximum of 750 words.

3. Interview

◦ A panel interview assessing leadership approach, safeguarding knowledge,

operational competence, and vision for the centre’s future.

◦ The interview will start with a short 5 minute presentation on a topic related to the role

Pay: From £32,600.00 per year

Work Location: In person