At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower veterans to secure meaningful employment through tailored coaching and support.
- Company: Join The Poppy Factory, a historic charity dedicated to supporting veterans.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, and pension contributions.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of veterans and their families.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others and understanding of local labour markets.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Location: Home- and field-based with regular local travel (driving licence essential)
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. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.
Veteran Employment Coach (Portsmouth/Southampton) 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 empowering culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering competitive salaries, generous benefits, and a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community. With a commitment to equality and diversity, we provide a welcoming environment where every employee can thrive while helping others achieve their employment goals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veteran Employment Coach (Portsmouth/Southampton)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who work with veterans or in employment services. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching The Poppy Factory and its mission. Show us that you’re passionate about supporting veterans and understand the challenges they face. Tailor your responses to reflect our values!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your coaching techniques! Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend or mentor. This will help you articulate how you can empower clients and manage diverse caseloads effectively.
✨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 us you’re serious about joining our team and making a difference for veterans.
We think you need these skills to ace Veteran Employment Coach (Portsmouth/Southampton)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Consultant role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that align with supporting veterans and their families. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Address it to Melanie Rignall and clearly outline how you meet the essential criteria. Share your passion for helping veterans and any personal experiences that connect you to the role.
Showcase Your Empathy:In both your CV and cover letter, demonstrate your understanding of the challenges faced by veterans. We’re looking for someone who believes in potential, so share examples of how you've empowered others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our online process! It’s the only way we’ll consider your application, so make sure everything is complete before hitting that submit button.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Poppy Factory
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you 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 this role requires a person-centred approach, be prepared to share examples of how you've supported individuals in the past. Highlight your ability to empathise and empower clients, demonstrating that you can walk alongside them on their employment journey.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage diverse caseloads or collaborate with local organisations. Be ready to discuss how you overcame challenges and achieved positive outcomes.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready. Inquire about the team culture, opportunities for professional development, or how they measure success in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
