Employment & Skills Manager

TN United Kingdom; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 52,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking an Employment and Skills Manager to lead initiatives aimed at widening participation and enhancing access to employment for underrepresented groups. This role involves collaborating with various internal teams and external stakeholders to create effective talent pipelines and deliver the People Skills Framework 2030. The successful candidate will have strong leadership and engagement skills, along with a deep understanding of barriers faced by diverse communities. Join this dynamic organization to make a meaningful impact on workforce development and contribute to a better future for all.

Benefits

26 days annual leave

Car Allowance

Annual Bonus

Generous Pension Scheme

Private Medical Healthcare

Additional health and wellbeing benefits

Qualifications

• Experience in engaging stakeholders and leading teams.
• Knowledge of community pathways for accessing untapped talent.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Employment and Skills team to implement the Skills delivery framework.
• Collaborate with internal teams to support inclusive hiring practices.

Skills

Engagement Skills

Leadership Skills

Skills Development

Understanding of Barriers

Knowledge of Vocational Sector

Social Mobility Understanding

Job description

The Employment and Skills Manager will support the Head of Emerging Talent and Skills in successfully delivering the People Skills Framework 2030. They will lead the Employment and Skills team, set clear objectives, identify areas for development, and ensure the successful implementation of the Skills delivery framework.

The role involves leading activities to widen participation by maintaining and growing a network of external stakeholders that support employment access for those facing multiple barriers. The role also includes working closely with various managers and teams to create a pipeline of quality candidates for current vacancies and future talent pools.

What you’ll be doing as an Employment and Skills Manager

1. Collaborate with internal teams such as Emerging Talent, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Learning & Development, and Resourcing to deliver the People Skills Framework 2030 effectively.
2. Support and educate hiring managers on inclusive hiring practices and emerging talent programs.
3. Align program delivery and talent pools with workforce renewal plans in collaboration with the Engagement & Partnership Manager.
4. Partner with the Apprenticeship & Graduates Manager to ensure effective candidate pipelining for emerging talent, apprenticeships, and graduate programs.
5. Work with local organizations and skills forums to align untapped talent pipelines with workforce renewal plans and implement best practices for removing employment barriers.
6. Coordinate with education providers to ensure accessible pathways across regions supporting workforce needs.

Base location: Reading - Hybrid

Working pattern: 36 Hours

What you should bring to the role

• Effective engagement skills with internal and external stakeholders
• Strong leadership skills
• Experience in skills development and accessing untapped talent through community pathways
• Understanding of barriers and underrepresented groups
• Knowledge of the vocational sector, including education, community, regulatory requirements, and adult skills budgets
• Understanding of social mobility and creating social value employability pathways based on business and community needs

What’s in it for you?

• Salary from £52,000 to £65,000 per annum, depending on experience
• 26 days annual leave, increasing to 30 with service, plus bank holidays
• Car Allowance
• Annual Bonus
• Generous Pension Scheme through AON
• Private Medical Healthcare
• Additional benefits supporting health, wellbeing, and finances

Find out more about our benefits and perks.

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, serving over 16 million customers daily. We aim to build a better future for all by supporting our customers, communities, and the environment. We seek passionate, skilled individuals committed to making a difference.

Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water offers a rewarding, diverse workplace where every day presents new opportunities. Enjoy fast-tracked career progression, flexible working, and excellent benefits. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and provide support throughout the recruitment process.

Join us to make a meaningful impact on millions of lives and help protect water resources for future generations. We are committed to being a great, inclusive workplace and supporting applicants with additional needs.

During crises, we rally to support our customers and provide opportunities for staff to serve as ambassadors, with full training provided. This is a rewarding way to learn more about our business and connect with colleagues.

Note: Due to high application volumes, we may close the advert early. We encourage early applications to avoid missing out.