Service Manager - Mental Health – Porchlight, Canterbury

The role will oversee the day-to-day delivery of the network of organisation and services that is Live Well Kent & Medway.

This is a unique role within Porchlight, the person will work closely with the Area Manager to develop the LWKM network, in terms of performance, and quality, as well as having oversight of the team providing the front door to LWKM. The role involves monitoring the impact and effectiveness of the network, as well as seeking insights to continually develop it. The role will ensure that our network is informed by the experiences of key stakeholders.

The person will manage performance and risk related to their relevant service(s), ensuring strong and effective partnerships both in and outside of Porchlight, enabling effective support pathways for those we work with.

The role requires highly motivated and strong service leadership skills in developing relationships with providers, ensuring they work effectively and independently, while helping to achieve the aims of LWKM. The person will also need to work collaboratively with the Area Manager, colleagues, and relevant governance structures.

This role is perfect for individuals with significant experience of working within a community mental health and / or wellbeing setting, with a strong focus on quality and improvement, and the ability to effectively engage with stakeholders at all levels.

Are you right for the job?

• Do you have significant experience of leading within community mental health and wellbeing services?
• Do you have experience of working collaboratively to deliver a service or network?
• Do you have the ability to listen to and understand people to find out what they need, and through coaching, make a plan together that they can achieve?
• Do you feel passionate about improving people’s experience of mental health services?

Porchlight is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.  

Working pattern: 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with some flexibility required. 

Base: Orchard House

Contract type: Permanent 

Interview date: 12th November 2026

Please note, salaries are pro-rata for part-time positions.  

Our application form and interview process have been designed to assess your transferable skills rather than direct experience. This helps remove barriers for people who may have the right values, abilities, and potential but may not have formal experience in the role they’re applying for. We actively encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. Please have a look at the application guidance and job description at the bottom of the page to give you the best chance of being shortlisted. 

For further information about the role, or to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager, please contact Emma Soutan on 07584 779676 or email EmmaSoutan@porchlight.org.uk.  

For any further information regarding the application process please contact recruitment@porchlight.org.uk