Deputy Careers Lead

At InspireU, we are passionate about empowering young people aged 16-24 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to achieve their aspirations and progress into meaningful education, employment and adulthood. We are seeking an enthusiastic, driven and experienced Deputy Careers Lead to join our team and play a pivotal role in developing high-quality careers education, supported internships, work experience opportunities and employment pathways across Lincolnshire.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and has the leadership skills to build strong employer partnerships, lead a dedicated team and support learners from their first career aspirations through to sustainable paid employment.

About the Role

As the Deputy Careers Lead, you will oversee the delivery of InspireU's careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), supported internship and employment programmes. A key part of the role will be identifying and developing work experience, supported internship and employment opportunities through proactive employer engagement, networking, marketing activities and attendance at careers events across schools, colleges and the wider community. You will lead a team of Careers Advisors and Job Coaches, ensuring learners receive outstanding support that is tailored to their individual aspirations, strengths and support needs. You will work closely with employers, families, educational settings and external agencies to create meaningful opportunities that enable young people to develop independence, confidence and employability skills. The role requires a strategic and operational leader who can manage partnerships, monitor learner outcomes, ensure compliance with statutory guidance and contribute to the continued growth and success of InspireU's careers and employment provision.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, colleges, universities and community organisations.
• Source high-quality work experience, supported internship and employment opportunities through networking, marketing, employer engagement and cold-calling activities.
• Represent InspireU at careers fairs, networking events and employer forums to promote employment opportunities for learners.
• Line manage, support and coordinate Careers Advisors and Job Coaches to ensure high-quality delivery across all programmes.
• Monitor the quality and impact of careers guidance, work experience and employment support.
• Ensure careers guidance is delivered in accordance with statutory careers guidance and Gatsby Benchmarks.
• Provide individual and group careers guidance that supports informed decision-making and positive progression outcomes.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships, supported internships, T Levels, higher education and employment opportunities.

About You

We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual who:

• Has experience of careers guidance, employability, supported internships, employment support or work-based learning programmes.
• Has experience of leading or managing staff and supporting team development.
• Is committed to improving employment outcomes for young people with SEND.
• Has excellent communication, relationship-building and networking skills.
• Is confident engaging with employers and developing new business relationships.
• Has strong organisational skills and can effectively manage multiple priorities.
• Is able to analyse data and use information to improve learner outcomes and service delivery.
• Has knowledge of careers statutory guidance, Gatsby Benchmarks and progression pathways.
• Is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Is enthusiastic, resilient and passionate about helping young people achieve their ambitions.

Why Join InspireU?

At InspireU, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to learners' lives while contributing to the growth of an ambitious and innovative organisation.

We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Flexible working arrangements
• Ongoing professional development and training
• Career progression opportunities
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Access to a range of employee discount schemes

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth.

Additional Information

This role will involve travel across InspireU sites and external employer locations throughout Lincolnshire. Occasional evening events may be required. A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential. Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check. We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions. Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

A Smarter Working Employer: We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements regarding hybrid working will be discussed as part of the appointment process. Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Fluency Duty: In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post. Our values – collaborative, adaptable, eco-conscious, supportive, and responsible – guide everything we do. We’re looking for candidates who share these values and bring them to life in their work, helping us build strong teams and make a real difference in the communities we serve.