Connect to Work Programme Manager

Wokingham Borough Council; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority is seeking a Connect to Work Programme Manager. This role involves leading contract management and performance oversight for a program across Berkshire, coordinating integration efforts, and building partnerships with various stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and contract management. This position offers a salary range of £52,414 - £57,870 per year and comes with generous benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Local government pension scheme

Employee assistance programme

Onsite gym access

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Lifestyle discounts

Qualifications

• Extensive experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Understanding of Individual Placement support and/or Supported Employment Quality Framework.
• Experience of successful contract management with demonstrable ability.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiating skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead contract and performance management for the Prime Contractor.
• Establish strong partnerships with stakeholders.
• Coordinate integration of Connect to Work across Berkshire Boroughs.
• Develop systems and processes for service quality and compliance.
• Establish a Connect to Work Partnership Board.
• Represent Berkshire Connect to Work at stakeholder meetings.

Skills

Experience with stakeholders

Understanding of Individual Placement support

Contract management experience

Communication skills

Job description

Overview

We have a fantastic brand-new opportunity for a Connect to Work Programme Manager to join our proactive Economic Development team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full time, permanent basis.

As a Connect to Work Programme Manager, you will be responsible for leading the contract and performance management for the Prime Contractor delivering the Connect to Work programme across Berkshire, acting as the primary point of contact for both the Prime Contractor and any subcontractors involved.

Whilst this role is employed by Wokingham Borough Council, this is a Berkshire wide programme of support and as such this role is required to work across all of Berkshire with extensive engagement across all 6 Local Authorities and a variety of stakeholders.

This is a pivotal role in the successful delivery of Berkshire Connect to Work and will provide oversight and contract management to ensure we achieve the very best for our residents.

Connect to Work is a new employment programme forming a key strand of the Governments Get Britain Working plans, supporting people to find and keep work. With a focus on tackling economic inactivity and aligning employment, training and health activity together to provide a holistic approach. For more information: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/connect-to-work.

Benefits

Not only is this an excellent opportunity, but it's a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of days 31 (rising to 36 days after 5 years continued local government service), plus Bank Holidays
• An excellent local government pension scheme
• An employee assistance programme including 24/7 wellbeing helpline
• A range of local & lifestyle discounts
• Use of a free onsite gym (located at Shute End office)
• Salary sacrifice car & cycle to work schemes
• And much more!

Key responsibilities

• Lead on contract and performance management for the Prime Contractor selected to deliver Connect to Work across Berkshire. Acting as the main liaison for the Prime Contractor and any subcontractors engaged
• Establish and maintaining strong partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders from the voluntary and health sector aligning programme to local objectives and ensuring strong referral pathways are established
• Co-ordinate the integration of Connect to Work across the Berkshire Boroughs by overseeing the Integration Leads in each LA, bring them together for regular meetings and working to a collective action plan.
• Develop, implement and maintain systems and processes to maximize service quality and compliance. This includes undertaking a range of monitoring and performance meetings, analysing data and reports and escalating any concerns to the wider Accountable Body Management group
• To establish a Connect to Work Partnership Board, preparing and presenting reports to establish a transparent regular flow of information
• Take an active role in representing Berkshire Connect to Work at various stakeholder meetings, confidently presenting updates on the programme and driving employer and referral engagement

Candidate requirements

• Extensive experience of working collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders
• An understanding of Individual Placement support and/or Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and the Fidelity Quality Assurance models
• Experience of successful contract management with demonstrative ability to maintain a quality service through performance management
• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiating skills

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We\'re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. We have a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

How to apply

If you\'re interested in this exciting opportunity, click the link below and apply today!

Or for an informal discussion, please contact Nicky Phillips, Employment & Skills Service Manager - [e-mail]

Closing Date: 26th October 2025, 11pm

Interview Date: TBC

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Salary range

• £52,414 - £57,870 per year