Operations Lead - Trauma-Informed Education Services

Keys; Ipswich; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Keys Engage, based at the Head Office in Ipswich, is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead day‑to‑day operations of the Engage service across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. You will line-manage Progress Coordinators and oversee Mentors, ensuring learner journeys progress positively while maintaining safeguarding and quality standards.

Reporting to the Service Lead, you will manage staff performance, drive service improvement, and collaborate with families, schools and Local Authorities to plan capacity

Qualifications

• Experience in alternative provision, SEND or related children's service.
• Experience supervising staff and delivering performance feedback.
• Trauma-informed practice experience is desirable.
• Experience with safeguarding, quality assurance and multi‑agency collaborating.

Responsibilities

• Oversee daily operations of the Engage service across multiple locations.
• Provide performance support to Engage Mentors and supervise Progress Coordinators.
• Ensure safeguarding, quality standards and documentation are consistently maintained.
• Lead referrals assessment, capacity planning and service improvement initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with Local Authorities, schools and partner agencies.
• Monitor learner progress and support transitions to suitable educational destinations.

Skills

Staff management

Safeguarding & risk management

Multi-agency collaboration

Data analysis

Reporting & records

Education

Teaching qualification or relevant professional qualification

Job description

Keys Engage, based at the Head Office in Ipswich, is seeking a Deputy Manager to lead day‑to‑day operations of the Engage service across Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex. You will line-manage Progress Coordinators and oversee Mentors, ensuring learner journeys progress positively while maintaining safeguarding and quality standards.

Reporting to the Service Lead, you will manage staff performance, drive service improvement, and collaborate with families, schools and Local Authorities to plan capacity