Supported Living Manager | Complex Autism Support
Confidential
Posted: February 23, 2026
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Quick Summary
We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to support a young person with complex needs in East Sussex, UK. The role involves leading a bespoke supported living service, ensuring the well-being and independence of our service users. The ideal candidate will have experience in supporting individuals with complex needs and a strong leadership background.
Required Skills
Job Description
Supported Living Manager
💷 Salary: £40,000 – £45,000 (depending on experience)
📍 Location: The service will be in East Sussex Candidates should be local or able to commute reliably.
🕒 Hours: 40 hours per week
🚗 Driving is a key part of this role, ensuring our service users receive the support they need.
SDR is a growing, family-owned provider expanding its specialist supported living services. We are seeking an experienced Service Manager to lead a brand-new, bespoke service supporting a young person with complex needs in East Sussex.
This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a service from the ground up - establishing culture, standards, and a skilled team from day one.
The Role
You will manage a newly developed supported living service for a young individual with:
Autism with features of demand avoidance
A moderate learning disability
Episodes of dysregulated behaviour
A history of significant distress which has, at times, resulted in property damage
This role requires calm, therapeutic leadership within a high-need environment.
Key Responsibilities
Lead, recruit, and induct a brand-new staff team
Establish a safe, structured, and person-centred environment
Support staff in de-escalation and positive behaviour approaches
Uphold safeguarding and Mental Capacity Act principles
Be primarily supernumerary while also forming part of the rota
The service will initially operate with a 3:1 staffing ratio during the day and two waking night staff. Future staffing levels will be reviewed based on how well the individual settles.
What We’re Looking For
Significant experience managing or supporting individuals with complex autism and dysregulated behaviours
Strong safeguarding knowledge and understanding of mental capacity
Experience in environments where physical intervention may be required
Resilience, emotional intelligence, and the ability to remain calm under pressure
Proven leadership in high-need or intensive support settings
Previous management experience preferred; experienced Deputy Managers (3+ years in similar environments) will be considered
Supported living experience desirable
Our Values
At SDR Care, we live by Kindness, Dignity & Respect, Calmness, Creativity, and Responsibility. If these values resonate with you, you’ll fit right in with our team!
What We Offer
🚗 Mileage Allowance
💼 Pension & Benefits Package, including private medical cover
🌴 23 Days Holiday - Plus usual bank holidays (pro-rata)
📚 Structured Induction & Probation – Comprehensive onboarding support
🤝 Strong Management Support – Guidance every step of the way
💰 Employee Referral Bonus – Earn £200 upon appointment and a further £300 at the one-year anniversary (T&Cs apply)
Apply Today
If you’re ready for a rewarding role where your skills and passion can truly make a difference, join our SDR Care family.
📧 Email: [email protected]
📞 Call: 07484 482896
Some, but not all, companies within our Group hold a UKVI sponsorship licence. Current Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS) allocations are very limited; applicants must have the right to work in the UK.
Successful applicants must complete an online DBS check following offer acceptance.