Employment Service Lead

We are Twining-Hestia. We make a difference. At Twining-Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. We are looking for an exceptional leader to join us as Service Lead in our Employment Services team covering Redbridge, Havering, Waltham Forest, Barking and Dagenham, and Newham.

What will I be doing?

The Service Lead plays a pivotal role in both the strategic and operational management of services across Havering, Redbridge, and Waltham Forest, providing direct leadership to Team Leaders to ensure the consistent and effective delivery of high-quality employment support. The role also includes contractual and partnership oversight of service delivery in Newham and Barking & Dagenham, working closely with our sub-contractor to ensure alignment, continuity, and adherence to service standards across all boroughs.

A key responsibility is stakeholder engagement, involving regular collaboration with clinical teams, commissioners, referral partners, and IPS Grow to promote integrated working and alignment with wider service objectives. In addition, the Service Lead will support performance monitoring, service innovation, and continuous quality improvement, helping to embed best practices and drive positive outcomes for the individuals we support.

What do I need to bring with me?

You’ll need to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don’t have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you’re willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please mention this on your application.

Here’s what the team will be looking for:

• Essential: Proven leadership in service-oriented environments (preferably in employment support, mental health, or social care), with expertise in the IPS approach and supported employment. Strong ability to inspire, mentor, and develop teams to meet high service standards, manage contracts, ensure compliance, mitigate risks, and build relationships with commissioners, subcontractors, and stakeholders.
• Desirable: Experience working with subcontractors to deliver contract components and familiarity with challenges in accessing mental health or support services.
• Skills & Competencies: Strong communication, leadership, and management skills to motivate teams, manage multiple priorities, think strategically, analyse data, and build relationships. Proficient in Microsoft Office, with a client-focused approach and high empathy.
• Personal Effectiveness: Self-motivated, resourceful, and organized, with excellent prioritization skills and the ability to quickly understand key issues.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: Our recruitment specialists will speak with you about your experience, motivations, and values, and tell you about the work we do.
• Face-to-face interview: An interview with the hiring manager, based on values and competencies.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We hire from all walks of life because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are a disability confident employer, offering a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria, along with reasonable adjustments during the process and employment.

Safeguarding Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children, and young people at risk. All staff and volunteers are expected to do the same and undertake safeguarding training during employment.