Deputy Manager - BRAND NEW Mental Health Service

To ensure consistency in our care delivery applicants must have the Right to Work in the UK for a minimum of 18 months from their agreed start date. Please note: We are unable to offer visa sponsorship at this time.

Applications that do not meet these criteria will not be progressed further.

Deputy Manager

NEW SERVICE OPENING IN SEPTEMBER – Willow Rise
Assessment Centres to be held in Droylsden on Monday 13th July, with start date scheduled for 31st August 2026

Location: Droylsden, Manchester
Pay: up to £37,000
Hours: Full-Time – 37.5 Hours Per Week

Take the Next Step – Help Build Something Exceptional

Active Pathways is coming to Manchester.

This September 2026, we’re opening Willow Rise, a brand-new residential mental health rehabilitation service in Droylsden—and we’re looking for an ambitious, values-driven Deputy Manager to join us at the very start of this journey.

This is more than a Deputy Manager role. You won’t be stepping into an established service - you’ll be helping to build one.

• Working alongside the Registered Manager, you will play a key role in:
• Supporting the mobilisation and successful launch of the service
• Embedding a positive, high-performing culture from day one
• Developing a skilled, resilient and engaged team
• Welcoming and supporting our very first residents

If you’re motivated by an organisation that is growing, leadership, and making a lasting impact - this is your opportunity.

Why This Role is Different

At Willow Rise, we believe recovery is built on safety, dignity, and opportunity and as Deputy Manager, you will be at the heart of this—balancing hands-on leadership with operational oversight, ensuring that high-quality care is delivered consistently while supporting your team to thrive.

• Be part of launching a brand-new service
• Shape culture, standards, and team behaviours from day one
• Develop your leadership career with real progression opportunities as we grow
• Make a genuine difference to people’s lives as they begin their recovery journey

About Willow Rise

Located in the heart of Manchester, Willow Rise is a brand-new residential rehabilitation service in Droylsden, created as a place where recovery is not only possible — it is truly empowered.

Inspired by the willow tree, a symbol of resilience, healing, and quiet strength, Willow Rise reflects our belief that every individual can grow through adversity, rebuild stability, and move forward with confidence.

Designed to feel like a genuine fresh start, Willow Rise offers a safe, therapeutic, and welcoming environment where people are supported with dignity to rediscover independence, purpose, and a sense of belonging.

At its core, Willow Rise represents:

• Willow — healing, flexibility, and emotional grounding
• Rise — progress, empowerment, and the belief that everyone can move forward

The Best Bits

• Annual leave of 27 days, plus Bank Holidays with extra days rewarded at 2,3 and 5 years’
• Refer a Friend scheme – earn up to £500 per referral
• Health Cash Plan – covers dental, optical, virtual GP, counselling, and includes discounted gym membership
• Workplace pension scheme
• Free Blue Light Card membership
• Free enhanced DBS checks, on-site parking, and lunch (for site-based roles)
• Ongoing leadership development and clear progression pathways, aligned to our growth

What You’ll Be Doing

As Deputy Manager, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager in leading and developing the service
• Provide day-to-day leadership, mentoring and coaching to the team
• Lead on clinical quality, governance, and safeguarding (including acting as Safeguarding Lead)
• Ensure compliance with CQC standards, legislation, and company policies
• Drive high-quality, recovery-focused and person-centred care
• Support audits, KPIs, action plans, and continuous improvement
• Work collaboratively with commissioners, MDTs, and external partners
• Deputise for the Registered Manager when required
• Support recruitment, induction, and development of staff

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in a leadership role within a mental health or rehabilitation setting
• Strong knowledge of CQC standards, safeguarding, and relevant legislation
• Experience of leading teams and driving quality and performance
• Excellent communication, organisational, and leadership skills
• A positive, resilient, and values-driven approach
• A genuine passion for recovery-focused care and service development

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care

Desirable:

• Leadership/management qualification
• Experience supporting service mobilisation or development

Why Join Active Pathways?

With over 20 years of experience, we are committed to delivering outstanding mental health and rehabilitation services, guided by our CARE values:

• Competent – Delivering safe, consistent, high-quality care
• Accountable – Acting with transparency, ownership, and trust
• Resilient – Supporting one another and thriving through challenge
• Ethical – Acting with integrity, fairness, and respect

We are proud to be CQC rated Outstanding and Investors in People Gold. When you join us, you’re not just joining a team—you’re becoming part of a culture that is committed to doing the right thing, the right way, every day.

Build Your Leadership Career

At Active Pathways, we don’t just offer jobs—we build careers.

As Deputy Manager, you’ll be supported to develop into a Registered Manager of the future, with access to structured development, mentorship, and real progression opportunities as we continue to grow.