At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower veterans to secure meaningful employment through tailored support and guidance.
- Company: Join The Poppy Factory, a historic charity dedicated to supporting veterans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Flexible working options and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and experience in coaching or mentoring.
Location: Home- and field-based with regular local travel (driving licence essential)
Salary: £33,174
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)
Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension
At The Poppy Factory, we believe that everyone who has served our country deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling life beyond the armed forces. For over a century, we have stood alongside veterans and their families, evolving our services to support veterans and adult family members to overcome barriers to employment and transform their lives.
We are seeking a passionate and person-centred Employment Consultant to join our team. This is a role for someone who believes in potential, not limitations – someone who can walk alongside clients with empathy and determination, empowering them to take ownership of their employment journey. You’ll provide tailored information, advice and guidance to help veterans secure meaningful and sustainable work, managing a diverse caseload with care and professionalism.
Using coaching, mentoring and strengths-based approaches, you will help individuals identify their goals, build resilience and move confidently towards lasting employment outcomes. Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will develop strong partnerships with regional organisations to generate referrals and address wider barriers such as mental health, housing or addiction, while also building strong relationships with local employers to create real opportunities for your clients, and sharing best practice with your colleagues in the team.
With a strong understanding of local labour markets and safeguarding practices, you’ll maintain high-quality case records, contribute to continuous improvement, and actively participate in team development. Adaptability, initiative and resilience are key, as we respond to the evolving needs of our clients and the communities we serve.
Why The Poppy Factory?
- A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
- Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
- A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
- Variety in the role, a mix of delivering a community-based service in your region, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London.
- The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
- Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history.
How to apply
To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Melanie Rignall, Services Manager. For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Melanie Rignall.
The closing date for this vacancy will be 2 May 2026. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered. First stage interviews will take place on 8 May 2026, with second stage interviews scheduled for 13 May 2026. Please ensure you are available on these dates, as it’s not always possible to reschedule. No agencies please.
Equality & Diversity
We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us. We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.
As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates. We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements.
Employment Consultant (Portsmouth/Southampton) in Kingston employer: The Poppy Factory
At The Poppy Factory, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting veterans and their families in building fulfilling lives. Our welcoming and empowering culture fosters collaboration and continuous learning, while our competitive salary and benefits package, including generous holiday and pension contributions, ensures that our employees feel valued. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community, joining our team as an Employment Consultant in the Portsmouth/Southampton area offers a rewarding career path where you can truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Consultant (Portsmouth/Southampton) in Kingston
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research The Poppy Factory and understand their mission. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral, which is always a bonus!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Use mock interviews to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the role. Remember, confidence is key, so be sure to highlight your passion for supporting veterans.
✨Tip Number 4
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 and making a positive impact in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Consultant (Portsmouth/Southampton) in Kingston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully:Before you start writing, make sure you fully understand what we're looking for in an Employment Consultant. Pay attention to the essential criteria and tailor your application to show how you meet these requirements.
Craft a Personalised Covering Letter:Your covering letter is your chance to shine! Address it to Melanie Rignall and clearly outline how your skills and experiences align with the role. Be genuine and let your passion for supporting veterans come through.
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When detailing your CV, highlight any previous work that relates to coaching, mentoring, or working with diverse communities. We want to see how you've made a difference in similar roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications submitted through our online process. So, make sure you follow the instructions carefully and submit everything before the deadline to avoid any hiccups!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Poppy Factory
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand The Poppy Factory's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work supporting veterans and how your role as an Employment Consultant fits into that. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the cause.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As an Employment Consultant, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals through challenges. Highlight how you’ve used coaching and mentoring to empower others, as this aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Collaboration
Collaboration is at the heart of this role. Think about times when you've worked with other organisations or teams to achieve a common goal. Be prepared to discuss how you can build strong partnerships with local employers and support services to benefit your clients.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions. Inquire about the team culture, ongoing training opportunities, or how they measure success in the role. This shows that you’re not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the team.
