Impactful Operations Lead for Employability & Partnerships

Forward Trust; Gravesham; Remote; GBP 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Family-friendly benefits

Training and development

Season Ticket Loan

Cycle to work scheme

Wellbeing days

Blue Light Card access

25 days annual leave (30 with length)

Job summary

The Forward Trust in Medway/Gravesham is seeking an Operations Manager to lead and grow the Connect to Work contract. You will oversee IAG, pre-employability, and employability services, ensuring IPS fidelity and strong outcomes.

The role requires 3+ years of managerial experience in the employability sector and a focus on high-quality delivery. You will build partnerships with prisons, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community providers while driving budgets, bids, and business growth

Qualifications

• Proven leadership in employability, IPS, or community services, with at least 3 years managerial experience.
• Expertise in performance management, quality assurance, and contract delivery.
• Strong relationship-builder with employers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Highly organized and analytical, able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Committed to empowering individuals into sustainable employment.
• Knowledge of IAG, ESFA/DWP compliance, apprenticeships, and local economic strategies.
• Desirable: experience in social enterprise or understanding of mental health, disabilities, and recovery services.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management of IAG, pre-employability, and employability services.
• Ensure IPS standards are met through coaching, audits, and quality assurance.
• Drive performance management, KPI monitoring, and contractual compliance.
• Contribute to budgets, bids, and opportunities for business growth.
• Line-manage a high-performing team, fostering development and accountability.
• Strengthen employer engagement and deliver job fairs, workshops, and inclusive recruitment initiatives.
• Build and maintain partnerships across prisons, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community providers.
• Oversee caseloads and workflows to ensure efficient delivery and strong participant outcomes.
• Uphold safeguarding, compliance, and governance to keep services safe and effective.

Skills

Leadership in employability

IPS compliance

Performance management

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational efficiency

IAG knowledge

Social enterprise exposure (desirable)

Job description

The Forward Trust in Medway/Gravesham is seeking an Operations Manager to lead and grow the Connect to Work contract. You will oversee IAG, pre-employability, and employability services, ensuring IPS fidelity and strong outcomes.

The role requires 3+ years of managerial experience in the employability sector and a focus on high-quality delivery. You will build partnerships with prisons, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community providers while driving budgets, bids, and business growth