Operations Manager (Medway & Gravesham)

THE FORWARD TRUST; England; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forward Trust is seeking an Operations Manager to lead, performance-manage, and grow the Connect to Work contract in Medway and Gravesham. This full-time role (35 hours/week) requires at least 3 years of managerial experience in the employability sector and a track record of high-quality delivery.

The successful candidate will be part of the senior leadership team, drive IPS fidelity, coach staff, and develop partnerships with employers, prisons, NHS trusts, and local authorities.

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of managerial experience in employability or similar services.
• Knowledge of IPS standards and compliance (ESFA/DWP) beneficial.
• Strong relationship-building with employers, partners and stakeholders.
• Excellent organisation, analytical skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational management of IAG, pre-employability, and employability services.
• Ensure IPS standards are met through coaching, audits and QA.
• Drive performance management, KPI monitoring and contractual compliance.
• Contribute to budgets, bids, and business growth opportunities.
• Line-manage a high-performing team and foster development.
• 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 for safe, effective services.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Contract delivery

Quality assurance

Stakeholder management

Line-management

Job description

Are you a passionate leader ready to drive impact in employability services?

We’re looking for a dynamic Operations Manager to lead, performance-manage, and grow our Connect to Work contract in Medway and Gravesham. This is a full-time role (35 hours/week) for someone with at least 3 years’ managerial experience in the employability sector.

You’ll be at the heart of our senior leadership team, championing high-quality delivery, IPS fidelity, and strong community partnerships. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love turning strategy into results, this is your next challenge.

What You’ll Do:

• 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 business growth opportunities.
• Line-manage a high-performing team, fostering professional 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, keeping services safe, effective, and accountable.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven leadership in employability, skills, 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 organised, analytical, and 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.

You’ll have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives while working in a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment.

This is an opportunity to lead a team that values impact, innovation, and excellence, and to champion employment success across the community.