Manager, Operations - Supported Employment

Southdown; Lewes; On-site; GBP 43,713 - 53,428; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card discounts

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday

Job summary

A leading mental health services provider in Sussex is seeking a Manager for Operations - Supported Employment. This role involves leading the Supported Employment offer and collaborating with key partners such as NHS and DWP. Candidates should have experience at Service or Senior Manager level with proven performance in service delivery and operational management. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive training, and various perks including health insurance and paid holidays.

Qualifications

• Experience leading services at Service or Senior Manager level.
• Proven track record of achieving high performance against KPIs.
• Full UK driving license and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Lead Supported Employment initiatives.
• Collaborate with external partners for service delivery.
• Implement effective operational solutions.

Skills

Leadership principles

People-management strategies

Analytical skills

Budget management

Relationship management

Data analysis

Job description

Manager, Operations - Supported Employment

Application Deadline: 11 January 2026
Department: MHHS
Location: Sussex (Lewes base. Working throughout Sussex.)
Compensation: £48,571 / year
Hours: 37 per week

Description:

You will join our Senior Management Team to lead our Supported Employment offer, working as part of a wider suite of highly regarded Mental Health services across Sussex. You’ll collaborate closely with external partners such as Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, clinical teams within Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs), and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support seamless, integrated delivery. To be successful in this role you will have experience leading services at Service or Senior Manager level, with a proven track record of achieving high performance against KPIs and delivering to recognised quality frameworks. Your experience would have been gained within a voluntary, health related or employment sector within job roles that include: Service Manager, Operational Lead, Employment Services Manager, Integrated Services Manager, Community Employment Services Manager, IPS Integration Manager, Employment Pathways Manager, Mental Health Employment Support Manager, Health & Employment Service Delivery Manager, Careers and Employability Manager, Manager of Employability Specialists.

Perks and benefits:

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, skills and experience:

What you’ll need for the role:

• Knowledge of leadership principles and effective people-management strategies to motivate and support large, dispersed teams.
• Knowledge of budget management and financial reporting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and risk management.
• Strong analytical skills to interpret organisational strategies and implement effective operational solutions.
• Experience in relationship management with a range of stakeholders, including commissioners and senior NHS/VCSE partners.
• Experience of operational management, overseeing service delivery and leading service improvement initiatives.
• Ability to use data analysis to monitor performance and make informed decisions.
• Ability to write clear, structured and succinct reports, business cases and funding bids.
• A values‑led approach that promotes recovery, inclusion and employment as part of mental health support.
• A full UK driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you.

What would be nice:

• Understanding of evidence‑based approaches and quality assurance frameworks such as IPS Fidelity.
• Experience of mental health services and partnership working with the NHS and DWP.

Training: You’ll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We’ll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.

How to apply: Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is 11 January 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 19 January 2026. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

Senior level: Mid‑Senior level

Employment type: Full‑time

Job function: Management and Manufacturing

Industries: Non‑profit Organizations