We are Hiring: Wellbeing and Learning Development Manager (apply by Monday 9th March)

Please submit your application as soon as possible, we may close roles ahead of advertised deadlines if we find the right candidate.

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Join our work to support communities to thrive

We are looking for an ambitious and Wellbeing and Learning Development Manager to lead two of our flagship wellbeing and employment projects, aimed at supporting purposeful activity, health and wellbeing. You will provide expert leadership and support to a small team, creating a culture that best supports our friendly community-based services.

You will have an excellent eye for systems and structure, understand the importance of person-centred services and be able to spot and capitalise on development opportunities, from partnerships to funding. You will be passionate about reducing health inequalities and community work. You will believe in the power of partnership working to deliver the best outcomes for our community.

About you:    

• 3+ years’ experience in a role supporting holistic wellbeing, employability or health.
• Experience of leading a team.
• Experience of developing cross sector partnerships for joint aims including facilitating meetings and information sharing.
• Experience of contributing to fundraising applications or business cases.
• Understanding the importance of employability and the connection with health and wellbeing.
• A close interest in health system change to support prevention and community-based models of working.
• Project management experience, including programming, reporting, budgeting, and evaluation.
• An excellent working knowledge and understanding of managing safeguarding issues and ensuring best practice for service delivery.
• Proactive and creative, with an aptitude for building relationships and problem solving.
• Understanding of equalities and health inequalities.
• An understanding of the complexity that may affect the participants of our services
• Good inter-personal skills with the ability to relate to others and build strong relationships.

About us: 

Southmead Development Trust is a Bristol-based charity made up of staff, volunteers, and residents working together to keep power in our community. We work alongside local people and partners to improve health, wellbeing, employment, and local pride – while tackling social isolation and bringing investment into the area.

Guided by residents, our vision is a thriving and healthy community. We provide the support, spaces, and services our community needs through our two well-loved sites Greenway Centre and The Ranch Adventure Playground and Youth Space. These venues host a wide range of activities including wellbeing services, youth and play sessions, fitness classes, community groups, and local celebrations.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from everyone. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of our community. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or in the workplace, just let us know – we will do our best to support you.

About the role:  

• You will be a key part of our Wellbeing and Communities directorate, offering vital support and strategic direction to our Learning and Wellbeing team to achieve our vision, meet funder requirements, and coordinate the development of a new partnerships aimed at improving health and wellbeing for people across North and West Bristol.
• You will lead a team that combines wellbeing and health, and employment support, as well as offering support and synergy to other teams in the directorate. This role will ensure support for wider social issues such as debt, housing, family, and health barriers faced in engagement with employment and learning opportunities.
• You will work closely with our Senior Wellbeing and Learning Coach to develop interventions to improve confidence, physical and mental health, and employment prospects.
• You will work closely with our Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager to ensure synergy between our wellbeing teams and develop our service offer.

 

Details: 

• Location: Greenway Centre, Bristol, BS10 5PY
• Contract: Permanent
• Salary: £35, 455 – £36, 887 (with pending cost of living rise in April 2026)
• Hours: Fulltime, 37 hours per week
• Reports to: Wellbeing and Communities Development Manager
• Holiday: 33 days annual leave pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays), occupational pension, free membership to Greenway Gym and classes.
• Sick Pay: 4 weeks over rolling year, pro-rata
• Training and Development Opportunities: All mandatory training and job specific training offered, e.g. First Aid, Safeguarding, Motivational Interviewing, Management and Leadership, Trauma Informed Practice and Reflective Practice.
• Pension Contribution: Nest Pension Scheme, combined 7% (employer 3%, employee 4% as standard)
• Benefits: Free membership to Greenway Gym and classes, cycle to work scheme, cafe discount.
• How to apply: Please send your CV, along with a cover letter describing how your experience is relevant to the responsibilities of the role and how you meet the essential criteria to email: wellbeing@southmead.org
• Interview process: If you are successful in the shortlisting stage, you will be invited to an in-person interview. This will consist of a series of questions, a short presentation on your vision for the role and an admin task.
• Deadline: 9am, Monday 9^th March
• Contact: To arrange a chat or visit our site in person, contact Polly Theedom, tel: 0117 950 3335 or email: pollytheedom@southmead.org

Go to the  Person Specification.