Senior Operations Manager, Employability & Partnerships

Forward Trust; Dartford; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Training and development opportunities

25 days annual leave (+ bank holidays)

Job summary

The Forward Trust is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Connect to Work contract across Medway and Gravesham. This full-time, permanent role (35 hours/week) will oversee IAG, pre-employability, and employability services, driving impact and growth.

You will champion IPS fidelity, governance, and high-quality delivery while coaching a high-performing team and building strong employer partnerships to create sustainable employment outcomes.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years’ managerial experience in the employability sector.
• Experience in leading IPS standards, quality assurance, and coaching.
• Proven ability to drive results through performance management and partnerships.

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 business growth opportunities.
• 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, keeping services safe and effective.

Skills

Leadership

Performance management

Contract delivery

Stakeholder engagement

People management

Strategic planning

Job description

The Forward Trust is seeking an Operations Manager to lead the Connect to Work contract across Medway and Gravesham. This full-time, permanent role (35 hours/week) will oversee IAG, pre-employability, and employability services, driving impact and growth.

You will champion IPS fidelity, governance, and high-quality delivery while coaching a high-performing team and building strong employer partnerships to create sustainable employment outcomes.