Deputy Director - Employment and Skills (Project Development)

Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire & Merseyside; Wigan; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected social enterprise in the North West seeks a dynamic Deputy Director to lead their Employment & Skills team. This role focuses on driving innovation, developing training initiatives, and securing funding to change lives. Candidates should have a strong background in strategic leadership and partnership building. The position offers flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture.

Benefits

25 days annual leave + Christmas closure

Enhanced employer pension contribution

Employee Assistance Programme

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading teams and driving social impact.
• Strong background in development and funding procurement.
• Ability to engage with diverse communities and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the Employment & Skills team.
• Lead bid development and secure sustainable income.
• Develop transformative training initiatives in partnership with stakeholders.
• Represent Groundwork at influential levels.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Bid development

Partnership building

Innovation in training programs

Job description

Overview

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving social impact through employment and skills innovation? Groundwork Cheshire, Lancashire and Merseyside is seeking a dynamic Deputy Director to spearhead the development of transformative projects across the North West. This is your chance to shape the future of personal development, employment support, and training initiatives — while unlocking new funding streams and forging powerful partnerships. As a strategic force behind our Employment & Skills team, you’ll lead high-impact bid development, secure sustainable income, and mobilize projects that change lives. You’ll work alongside passionate teams, engage with diverse communities, and represent Groundwork at the highest levels of influence.

Why this role stands out: Lead regional growth in one of the UK’s most respected social enterprises; Drive innovation in employment and training programmes; Collaborate with VCFSEs, education providers, and local authorities; Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive culture.

This isn’t just a job — it’s a platform for purpose-driven leadership. If you’re ready to make a lasting difference, we’d like to hear from you.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for Groundwork’s Employment & Skills team across the North West.
• Lead high-impact bid development, secure sustainable income, and mobilize projects that change lives.
• Develop transformative employment, personal development, and training initiatives in collaboration with partners and stakeholders.
• Represent Groundwork at the highest levels of influence and build strong partnerships with communities, VCFSEs, education providers, and local authorities.

Safeguarding

Groundwork CLM is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk. This role is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check.

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave + 1 extra day for Christmas closure
• 8 public holidays
• Flexible working arrangements
• Enhanced employer pension contribution
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Ongoing training and development
• Death in Service Benefit
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How To Apply

For full details including the full job description and person specification and information on how to apply for this role, please visit:

https://www.groundwork.org.uk/jobs/deputy-director-employment-and-skills/

Alternatively, please contact us by calling 01942 821444.