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- Tasks: Lead the Connect to Work programme, creating inclusive employment pathways for Coventry residents.
- Company: Coventry City Council, dedicated to innovative and inclusive community support.
- Benefits: Shape the future of employment support with professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives and drive change in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading employment programmes and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and lifelong learning.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
Overview
Lead the Future of Inclusive Employment in Coventry. Coventry City Council is launching a new, high-impact team within our Skills, Employment & Adult Education (SEAE) service – and we’re looking for a visionary leader to drive it forward. As Employment Development Manager for the Connect to Work programme, you’ll design and deliver inclusive employment pathways that support residents—especially those facing barriers—into meaningful, sustainable work. This is a strategic role with real influence, combining programme leadership, partnership development, and service innovation.
About The Team We Are Recruiting To
We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all and free from discrimination and bias. The Skills, Employment & Adult Education Service is part of Coventry City Council. We work with a range of delivery partners to provide a wide portfolio of top-quality support to Coventry residents of all ages who are looking for work. We work with partners across the city and our Employer Hub actively works with local employers to generate opportunities for local people. We are a friendly and welcoming multicultural and diverse team based in the Job Shop situated in Coventry City Centre. We are here to support all Coventry’s diverse residents, each with differing needs and tailor their support to help them search for employment, training, apprenticeships and work placements. People can explore a wide range of local vacancies that are updated daily and access training opportunities. We also provide ground-breaking specialist support for local residents who face multiple and sometimes complex barriers that make it hard for them to find a job. The Job Shop and our exciting range of specialist employment support programmes are among the very best support available in the UK.
Responsibilities
This position is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2026, aligned with a Government-backed programme, with potential for future extension subject to continued funding and programme priorities.
What You’ll Do
- Lead the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, ensuring it meets the needs of Coventry’s diverse communities.
- Develop and manage strategic partnerships with employers, government agencies, and community organisations.
- Coordinate multi-agency initiatives and oversee project teams to deliver impactful employment services.
- Shape policy and service design aligned with Coventry’s Economic Growth and Prosperity Strategy.
- Manage budgets, contracts, and performance data to ensure services are efficient, effective, and auditable.
- Secure external funding and resources to expand and sustain the programme’s reach.
Why This Role Matters
This is your opportunity to:
- Drive innovation in employment support across Coventry.
- Influence policy and strategy at a city-wide level.
- Build powerful partnerships that unlock opportunities for residents.
- Lead a new team committed to inclusion, empowerment, and lifelong learning.
What You’ll Bring
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has significant experience leading employment or community programmes.
- Understands national and regional employment policy and funding landscapes.
- Is confident managing teams, budgets, and multi-stakeholder projects.
- Communicates with impact across all levels—from frontline staff to elected members.
- Is passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusive growth.
Why Join Coventry City Council?
We offer:
- A chance to shape the future of employment support in a vibrant, forward-thinking city.
- A collaborative environment where your leadership and ideas are valued.
- Opportunities for professional development and strategic influence.
- The satisfaction of making a lasting difference in people’s lives.
We are proud of our diverse team and as such, we welcome and encourage all backgrounds and demographics to apply.
For an informal conversation about this challenging and rewarding role, please contact Alex Dickson – Senior Business Relationship Manager at alex.dickson@coventry.gov.uk
Ready to Lead Change?
If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for inclusive employment and community impact, we’d love to hear from you.
Who are we looking for? If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme – As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you\\\’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition
For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled \”Coventry City Council Application Process\”. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.
All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.
About Coventry
Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change. We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse. At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things. To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.
If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package – to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies
Attached documents
- Coventry City Council Application Process.pdf
- G8 Employment Development Manager – Connect to Work.pdf
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Employment Development Manager - Connect to Work employer: Coventry City Council
Contact Detail:
Coventry City Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Development Manager - Connect to Work
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people! Attend local job fairs, community events, or even online webinars related to employment development. Building relationships with potential employers and other professionals can open doors that you didn’t even know existed.
✨Show Your Passion
When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, let your enthusiasm shine through! Talk about why inclusive employment matters to you and how you can contribute to Coventry’s diverse communities. People love to see genuine passion!
✨Prepare for Informal Chats
Don’t underestimate the power of informal conversations. Be ready to discuss your ideas on employment pathways and how you can lead innovative programmes. Practise your pitch so you can confidently share your vision when the opportunity arises.
✨Utilise Our Website
Make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to stay updated on new opportunities and ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find loads of resources to help you along the way.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Development Manager - Connect to Work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your unique experiences and perspectives that make you a great fit for the Employment Development Manager role.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the job description. Focus on your leadership experience and passion for inclusive employment, as these are key to driving the Connect to Work programme forward.
Showcase Your Impact: Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a difference in previous roles. Whether it’s leading a successful project or developing partnerships, we want to hear about your achievements and how they relate to supporting diverse communities.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Coventry City Council
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Coventry City Council's Connect to Work programme. Understand its goals, the communities it serves, and the barriers residents face. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your passion for inclusive employment and show how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in managing teams or community programmes. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully developed partnerships and driven initiatives that made a real impact. This is your chance to shine as a visionary leader!
✨Communicate with Impact
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Since this role involves communicating with various stakeholders, think about how you can tailor your message for different audiences. Use specific examples to illustrate your points and make them memorable.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Inclusion
Coventry City Council values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to express your passion for these principles. Share any relevant experiences where you've championed equality or supported underrepresented groups. This will resonate well with the interviewers and align with their organisational culture.
