Programme Lead Next Steps Essex
Get Set to lead a service that gives young people the structure, safety and belief they need to take their next step.
About the Role
This role exists because too many young people face barriers that are complex, personal and persistent. Mental health challenges, disrupted education, and low confidence can stall progress for years. Your job is to make sure this service does what it promises consistently, safely and at scale across Essex.
What This Role Is Really About
This is about turning a contract into a lived experience that feels human and reliable.
It is about making sure young people are met with respect, not process.
And it is about holding high standards without losingcompassion.
Outcomes matter here. So does how they are achieved.
Environment
You will lead a geographically dispersed service across Essex. You will work closely with delivery staff, partners, mental health services and local authorities. This is not a desk-only role. Presence matters. Relationships matter.
What You Will Do
Lead the full operational delivery of Next Steps Essex
Translate contract requirements into clear delivery plans
Manage and develop a multi-disciplinary delivery team
Ensure safeguarding, quality and data standards are met
Track performance and act early where delivery drifts
Build strong referral pathways with local partners
Maintain commissioner confidence through clear reporting
Use data and feedback to continuously improve the service
Employer / Stakeholder Element
You are the operational face of the programme for Get Set UK.You will lead performance discussions, manage risk transparently and contribute to service development conversations. Trust is built through follow-through.
What Makes Someone Successful Here
You stay calm when pressure rises.
You do not avoid difficult conversations.
You balanceempathy with accountability.
You notice early signs of risk and act.
You create clarity where others feel overwhelmed.
Essential
Experience leading employability, youth, education or mental health-related services
Accountability for performance, KPIs or contracts
Confidence working with commissioners and senior stakeholders
Strong safeguarding knowledge
Willingness to travel across Essex
Trainable
Contract-specific systems and reporting
Local referral landscape
Internal Get Set UK processes
A Day in the Role
You might start with a performance check-in, noticing one locality slipping behind.
Mid-morning could be a supervision with a team lead, balancingsupport with clear expectations.
The afternoon may involve a partner meeting to unblock referrals.
Plans will change. Priorities will shift. Structure keeps the service steady.
What You Will Get From This Role
You will develop senior operational leadership experience.
You will betrusted with real responsibility.
You will besupported by an experienced operations structure.
You will gain transferable contract management and stakeholder skills.
You will be able to point to real outcomes you have delivered.
You will receive Vitality health support including GP, mental health and physio, IncentFit rewards up to 360 per year, access to an EAP, a pension with 5% employer contribution and increased annual leave with service.
Values
At Get Set UK, we are Ambitious, we take Pride in what we do, we are Considerate, we Own It and we Inspire. We are looking for people who bring these values to their work consistently.
Why Join Get Set UK
We are a growing organisation delivering high-impact services across the UK. We support tens of thousands of people each year and build stronger communities through employment and skills. This role offers visibility, influence and meaningful outcomes.
Recruitment Process
We review every application carefully. We expect a clear and concise CV showing what you have achieved.
You will complete short scenario-based questions as part of your application. These must be completed in full.
If progressed, you may be invited to a telephone or video screening interview. We expect candidates to attend as agreed.
Successful candidates may complete a short work-based assessment within 48 hours, followed by a hiring manager interview.
We look for candidates who show commitment throughout the process.
Eligibility
This role is subject to appropriate safeguarding and vetting checks.We are not able to provide visa sponsorship for this position, so applicants must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.
This role is demanding, purposeful and accountable. If that appeals to you, we want to hear from you.
Get Set for a better tomorrow - Apply today!
Additional information
We reserve the right to close applications early, so we encourage early applications. Get Set UK is a Disability Confident and Equal Opportunity Employer.We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals and are committed to supporting physical and mental wellbeing at work. Reasonable adjustments are available throughout the recruitment process. This role is subject to satisfactory recruitment checks and a commitment to safeguarding learners and clients. Get Set UK does not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies.
