Centre manager jobs

Thrive, we are working towards creating a future where people with ill health, disability or disadvantage experience the life-changing benefits of gardening and nature.

‘It’s a joy to see the life changing impact of our services and to know that my job really makes a difference.’

We’re looking for a supportive and proactive Centre Manager who can enable our passionate and committed Reading team to deliver an excellent service for client gardeners.

Confident business development skills are needed to identify new partnerships and expand our programme delivery to ensure the continued sustainability of the centre. Creativity, problem solving, prioritising and the ability to manage a diverse workload, where each day is different, is key in this role.

If you are a people-focused manager with experience of working in social care or charities, Thrive can offer you a varied and rewarding challenge.

Appointment to this post will be subject to 2 references and  a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice. Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

About Spear Stockton

Spear Stockton is a partnership between Spear and Stockton Parish Church!

Stockton Parish Church 

Stockton Parish Church (SPC) is an Anglican Church with an Evangelical Charismatic tradition in the centre of Stockton on Tees. SPC is a diverse worshiping community of around 200 people, a quarter of which are under 18. 

Their mission at SPC is: ‘for everyone to know who they are, whose they are, and the difference they are called to make in the world around them’. They launched a 5 year vision in January 2022 to see their worshiping community grow to 500 people and to plant 3 churches. As the 30th most deprived parish in the country, part of their vision is committed to the long-term transformation of Stockton, seeking the peace and prosperity of the town for generations to come. This is expressed through a number of initiatives and partnerships, including the development of the Spear Centre. Spear Stockton forms part of this wider strategy, supporting young people into work and education as a key contribution to the flourishing of the local community. 

Key Information:

• Salary: from £27,088 - £31,691 FTE (£21,607 - £25, 353 pro rata)
• Part-time, 29.6 hours per week (4 days, Monday to Thursday)
• A DBS check will be requested in the event of a job offer
• The Spear Programme offers a rewarding opportunity to work with young people, but it requires a dedicated commitment. Due to the term-based nature of the programme (i.e. two consecutive 4-week programmes in autumn, spring and summer), we expect annual leave to be taken between, rather than during terms

Recruitment Process

Application Deadline: 5th July 2026

Informal Call

Short Administration Task

Assessment and Interview Day: 21st July 2026

Please submit your application through here.

For more information please read through our Job Specification and Work with us pack.

If you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process please let us know.

Person Specification

• Passionate and committed to the vision, values, and purpose of SPC and Spear.
• Self aware and teachable with the ability to accept feedback and change working 
  practices as a result.
• Experience in leading, motivating and developing others, including line management or informal leadership experience.
• Experience of managing a varied workload independently, using initiative to solve problems and prioritise effectively.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage workload, prioritise effectively and deliver outcomes against targets.
• Strong communication including written and verbal communication.
• Friendly, with the ability to build positive relationships and relate well to young people from a range of backgrounds.

Are you excited by the latest innovations on the market to help people overcome barriers to independence?  Are you skilled at seeking out the best deals to pass on to the people who need them most?  Do you have the ability to put people at ease and feel supported?  Are you highly organised and dynamic?  If so, we need you!

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as a Resource Centre Manager.  This is a fantastic opportunity for a Dispensing Optician, Sensory Equipment Specialist, or experienced practitioner with service management skills to lead and develop a well-established Resource Centre.

You will play a central role in supporting people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind to access assistive equipment and technology that maintains independence and improves quality of life.

The role includes leading the day-to-day running of the Resource Centre, ensuring a high-quality, person-centred service, and working collaboratively across the organisation. There is also scope to shape and grow the service, including developing new income opportunities and resources.  You will be line managing a small team of staff and volunteers. 

We are looking for someone with experience in sensory support, strong organisational and people management skills, and confidence in advising on equipment and practical solutions. You will be proactive, flexible and committed to improving outcomes for the people we support.

This is primarily an office-based role with some travel across Surrey.

We can offer you:

· A generous annual leave allowance (full time annual leave entitlement is 28 days per annum, plus bank holidays)

· Pension contributions 6% matched with the Pensions Trust

· Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

· Investment in your development

· Annual flu vaccinations and an eye test every two years with a contribution towards work related glasses

· A vibrant and friendly team! 

Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey has been established for over 100 years.  We enable and empower people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind to overcome barriers and to be as independent as possible.

An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service will be required, which we can arrange.

Closing Date:  Please apply by 13th June 2026 using our application form