As a Developing Centre Manager, you will take full responsibility for the day-to-day leadership and management of a BHY centre, delivering high-quality youth work and creating a safe, engaging environment for young people.

This role carries the same core responsibilities as a Youth Centre Manager, including managing staff, leading sessions and overseeing programme delivery.

The key difference is the level of structured support, supervision and development provided, making this role ideal for someone who is stepping into centre leadership and is developing their confidence and experience.

You will work closely with the Head of People and senior leaders, receiving ongoing guidance while building your leadership skills in a supported environment.

While this is a development role, you will be fully responsible for the safe, effective and consistent running of your centre.

Leadership & Line Management

• Lead and manage a team of youth workers and support staff
• Provide day-to-day supervision, direction and support
• Set expectations and maintain high standards of delivery
• Support staff performance and development within your team
• Act as a positive role model for both staff and young people
• Lead from the front by delivering sessions and modelling high-quality youth work practice

Youth Work Delivery & Curriculum

• Lead the planning and delivery of a high-quality youth work programme
• Ensure sessions are engaging, inclusive and meet the needs of young people
• Balance fun and engagement with meaningful youth development
• Ensure programmes support confidence, resilience, social skills and wellbeing
• Ensure young people’s voices influence delivery

Programme & Project Management

• Coordinate delivery of centre-based programmes including:
  • Universal provision
  • Open access
  • Targeted work / projects
• Manage rotas, resources and session planning
• Ensure delivery runs smoothly and safely

Performance & Engagement

• Take ownership of centre performance including attendance, engagement and retention
• Work towards and exceed agreed KPIs
• Use data and feedback to drive improvements in delivery

Community Presence

• Be a visible presence in the local community
• Build relationships with schools and partners
• Promote the centre and its offer

Centre Management & Environment

• Ensure the centre is safe, welcoming and well-maintained
• Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of the building
• Create an environment that young people feel proud to attend

As a Developing Centre Manager, you will receive enhanced support to help you grow into the role. This includes:

• Regular supervision and coaching from the Head of People
• Additional guidance in leadership, decision making and managing staff
• Support with managing challenging situations and complex decisions
• Opportunities to develop confidence in leading a team and running a centre

You will be expected to actively engage with this support and demonstrate progression over time.

As a member of The Boathouse Youth management team you will work across all programmes and have responsibility for the offer delivered to young people aged 4–17 at your centre, as well as the day-to-day running of the site.

You will work with stakeholders, young people and other agencies to promote and develop the organisation and its services. You will have a passion for putting children and young people first and wanting to be a positive role model in their lives.

Essential

• A JNC Professional Youth Work Qualification at Level 6
• Experience delivering face-to-face youth work
• Experience working with young people over a sustained period
• Experience supporting or leading staff within a youth work setting
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and behaviour management
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people, staff and external partners
• Ability to manage groups and respond confidently to challenging situations
• Experience planning and delivering engaging activities or programmes
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage time, sessions and responsibilities
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Basic digital skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, social media, communication tools)
• Commitment to the values and vision of The Boathouse Youth
• Willingness to work evenings (minimum of 3 per week) and weekends where required
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Experience managing a team or taking responsibility within a session or project
• Experience supporting the planning and delivery of wider programmes (e.g. holiday provision, projects)
• Understanding of the challenges faced by young people in disadvantaged communities
• Experience working within a community-based setting
• Experience contributing to programme planning or youth work curriculum
• Experience of multi-agency working or partnership engagement
• Experience taking responsibility as the most senior person on site (even occasionally)
• Experience of recording outcomes or writing basic reports
• Additional qualifications in a relevant area (e.g. Sports, Performing Arts, Outdoor Education, Forest School)
• Willingness to be involved in residentials, including evenings, weekends and school holidays

• Use of Apple MacBook
• Personal development
• Regular workplace social events and annual staff residential
• Wellbeing support – an additional 3 wellbeing days
• Village Gym membership

The Boathouse Youth is committed to the effective safeguarding of its young people. This post will be recruited in accordance with NSPCC guidance on safer recruitment. This includes a thorough interview, scrutiny of former employment, a requirement for references and an enhanced DBS check