At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to deliver impactful employment support across multiple hubs.
- Company: Join Waythrough, one of England's largest mental health charities.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension contributions, and wellness initiatives.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment services and strong leadership abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 31030 - 41980 £ per year.
Location: Forward Leeds (Kirkgate, Irford House & Armley hubs), Leeds.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week.
Contract Type: Permanent.
Salary: £31,030 - £41,980. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 staff and volunteers.
About the Role
As IPS Manager, you will lead a team of three Employment Specialists delivering IPS support across Forward Leeds hubs in Kirkgate, Irford House and Armley. You will provide supervision, coaching and performance management while also holding a small caseload of service users. Your responsibilities include ensuring the service meets IPS fidelity standards, delivering strong employment outcomes, maintaining effective relationships with key partners such as DWP, employers and commissioners, and coordinating service delivery across multiple sites.
What You’ll Do
- Lead and manage a team of three Employment Specialists, providing supervision, PDRs, caseload support and performance management
- Deliver and maintain a high‑fidelity IPS service aligned to best practice standards
- Manage a small caseload of service users, supporting them into sustainable employment
- Work across the three Forward Leeds hubs to ensure consistent service delivery
- Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, including developing access to the hidden labour market
- Maintain and develop relationships with key partners including DWP and other external agencies
- Lead weekly caseload review meetings and support team performance against outcomes and targets, including a 60% community‑based engagement target for appointments
- Produce performance reports and updates for internal stakeholders, commissioners and partners
- Coordinate and support delivery of short vocational courses such as CSCS and other employability programmes
- Support the management and dissemination of IPS petty cash, ensuring accurate records and compliance with finance processes
- Liaise with finance teams to support annual budgeting and monitoring processes
- Ensure quality assurance through service user feedback, co‑production and continuous improvement
- Lead on event coordination and employer engagement activities (e.g. BID Construction events, Elland Road employer events)
- Deliver presentations to a range of audiences including staff teams, employers, partners and external stakeholders
- Use digital platforms effectively (Microsoft Teams, PowerPoint and other virtual delivery tools)
To Succeed in This Role
- Experience working in employment services, supported employment, substance use, health, social care or voluntary sector settings
- Proven experience of managing staff and performance (including supervision and PDRs)
- Strong leadership, motivational and coaching skills
- Experience building relationships with employers and external stakeholders
- Strong understanding of IPS principles and supported employment approaches
- Experience managing targets, caseloads and reporting performance data
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities across different sites
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams and digital communication tools
- Level 3 qualification in Employability Services, Advice & Guidance or equivalent experience
- Desirable: Formal training in IPS model
- Desirable: Experience delivering employability training or short courses
- Desirable: Experience working with DWP or similar employment partnership programmes
- Desirable: Event coordination or employer engagement event delivery experience
What We Offer
- 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
- Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
- Life assurance (3× annual salary)
- Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly pay
- Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
- Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
- 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
- Recognition and long‑service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
- £500 “Recommend a Friend” bonus
- Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
- Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
Inclusion and Accessibility
Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We are a sign‑post to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team at recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
Closing Date: 2026-06-28
IPS Manager employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With generous benefits such as 27 days of annual leave, enhanced sick pay, and opportunities for career development, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life environment across our Forward Leeds hubs in vibrant Leeds.
