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- Tasks: Lead Supported Employment services and collaborate with key partners to enhance mental health support.
- Company: Join Southdown, a leading provider of employment support across Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, health cashback scheme, interest-free loans, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in mental health services.
- Qualifications: Experience in service management and strong leadership skills are essential.
- Other info: Receive ongoing training and development opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 57000 £ per year.
Location: Lewes base. Working throughout Sussex.
Salary: £48,571 per year
Hours: 37 per week
About us
Southdown delivers a range of Employment Support services across Sussex, including Individual Placement and Support (IPS) for people managing both common and complex mental health challenges, IPS for people recovering from substance use, and employment support for people receiving Talking Therapies. Our IPS services for people with higher-level mental health needs are expanding in line with the NHS Long Term Plan, which commits to doubling access to high-quality employment support within community mental health services.
What you'll be doing
You will join our Senior Management Team to lead our Supported Employment offer, working as part of a wider suite of highly regarded Mental Health services across Sussex. You'll collaborate closely with external partners such as Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, clinical teams within Neighbourhood Mental Health Teams (NMHTs), and the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) to support seamless, integrated delivery.
To be successful in this role you will have experience leading services at Service or Senior Manager level, with a proven track record of achieving high performance against KPIs and delivering to recognised quality frameworks. Your experience would have been gained within a voluntary, health related or employment sector within job roles that include:
- Service Manager
- Operational Lead
- Employment Services Manager
- Integrated Services Manager
- Community Employment Services Manager
- IPS Integration Manager
- Employment Pathways Manager
- Mental Health Employment Support Manager
- Health & Employment Service Delivery Manager
- Careers and Employability Manager
- Manager of Employability Specialists
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Knowledge, skills and experience
What you'll need for the role:
- Knowledge of leadership principles and effective people-management strategies to motivate and support large, dispersed teams
- Knowledge of budget management and financial reporting
- Knowledge of safeguarding practices and risk management
- Strong analytical skills to interpret organisational strategies and implement effective operational solutions
- Experience in relationship management with a range of stakeholders, including commissioners and senior NHS/VCSE partners
- Experience of operational management, overseeing service delivery and leading service improvement initiatives
- Ability to use data analysis to monitor performance and make informed decisions
- Ability to write clear, structured and succinct reports, business cases and funding bids
- A values-led approach that promotes recovery, inclusion and employment as part of mental health support
- A full UK driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you
What would be nice:
- Understanding of evidence-based approaches and quality assurance frameworks such as IPS Fidelity
- Experience of mental health services and partnership working with the NHS and DWP
Training:
You’ll receive an initial induction, followed by regular in person training and supervisions to invest in your development and provide all the tools needed to succeed in this role. We'll help you to gain valuable experience, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the Apply Now button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is 11 January 2026. Interviews will be held week commencing 19 January 2026. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Manager, Operations - Supported Employment in Lewes employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Manager, Operations - Supported Employment in Lewes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and employment sectors. You never know who might have a lead on the perfect role or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research Southdown and its services thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets it.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've led teams and improved services in your previous roles. Use data to back up your achievements – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Southdown and contributing to our mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Manager, Operations - Supported Employment in Lewes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your achievements. We want to see how you've made a difference in your previous roles, especially in leadership and operational management.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that are easy to read, so avoid jargon and long-winded explanations.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website using the 'Apply Now' button. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of Supported Employment and how it relates to mental health services. Brush up on the NHS Long Term Plan and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that highlight your leadership experience, especially in managing large teams and achieving KPIs. Think about specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them to drive service improvement.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Since this role involves collaboration with various partners, be ready to discuss your experience in relationship management. Share stories that demonstrate your ability to work effectively with NHS and DWP stakeholders.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Be prepared to talk about how you use data analysis to inform your decisions. Bring examples of reports or business cases you've written that showcase your analytical skills and how they led to successful outcomes.
