Job Description
Manager, Home-Start Guildford
Salary: £42,000 £47,000 FTE pro rata, dependent on experience
Hours: 4 to 5 days per week
Contact: Permanent
Location: Astolat, Coniers Way, Guildford, Surrey. Some home-based working is possible, however you will need to be in the office with staff and attending external meetings regularly throughout the week
Home-Start Guildford is a local, independent charity supporting families with at least one child under the age of five. Through our team of trained volunteers and staff, we offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen family relationships, and give their young children the best possible start in life.
We are now seeking an experienced, inspiring and values-led Manager to lead the organisation through its next phase of development.
About the role
As Manager, you will provide overall leadership and direction for Home-Start Guildford, ensuring our services remain high-quality, safe and impactful for local families. You will work closely with our Board of Trustees, lead and support a dedicated staff team, and oversee the recruitment and development of volunteers.
You will also play a key role in our funding strategy, strengthening partnerships, building community relationships, and representing the charity locally.
This is a pivotal position for someone who is passionate about early childhood, understands the challenges faced by families, and thrives in a varied and rewarding leadership role.
We re looking for someone with:
- Proven experience in a management or leadership role, ideally in the voluntary or community sector
- Strong people management skills, including supporting staff and volunteers
- Experience of fundraising, grant applications or income generation
- A solid understanding of safeguarding and working with vulnerable families
- Excellent communication and relationship building abilities
- Strong organisational and financial oversight skills
- A commitment to the values and ethos of Home-Start
- A clean driver s licence and access to a car
(Desirable: knowledge of the local Guildford voluntary sector, experience working with families with young children, or experience reporting to a Board.)
What we offer:
Home-Start Guildford is a supportive, family friendly employer. We offer:
- Flexible working (within service need)
- Generous annual leave
- Pension contribution
- Free parking
- Ongoing training and professional development
- The opportunity to lead a well-respected local charity making a meaningful difference to families lives
Schedule and Interview Process
Closing date: Midday, Friday 13 February 2026
Shortlisting: Candidates notified by end of day, Tuesday 17 February 2026
Interviews (in person at the Home-Start Guildford offices):
- Part One Staff Engagement Exercise: Tuesday 24 February 2026 (presentation)
- Part Two Formal Interview: Friday 27 February 2026 (panel interview & presentation)
Interested?
If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website.
Home-Start Guildford is committed to safeguarding and to equality, diversity and inclusion.
This post requires an Enhanced DBS check with Child Workforce barred list information. Employment is subject to satisfactory references and DBS. We will only discuss or request criminal record details once a conditional offer has been made, in line with Home-Start s Safer Recruitment Policy.
No agencies please.
