Employability Manager in Newport

Location: West of England Combined Authority - Region-wide, community based and hybrid working

Salary: £42,000 per year

Contract: Fixed Term until September 2027 (extension possible subject to funding)

Working Environment: Community-based delivery with hybrid working

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Delivery Manager to lead a high-quality Supported Employment service across the West of England Combined Authority region. This role involves overseeing strategic, operational and programme delivery to support residents with complex barriers into sustainable employment. You will ensure the service operates in line with the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Individual Placement & Support (IPS) fidelity models, maintaining high standards of delivery, safeguarding, compliance, performance, and participant outcomes. Working closely with delivery partners, multidisciplinary teams, local authorities, health providers, employers and community organisations, you will drive positive, person-centred employment outcomes and continuous improvement across the service.

Key Responsibilities

• Operational Delivery

• Lead, coordinate and oversee day-to-day service delivery across the region.
• Ensure full compliance with SEQF and IPS fidelity models.
• Achieve all service performance indicators, contract requirements and quality standards.
• Maintain accurate monitoring of participant journeys, outcomes and satisfaction.
• Oversee all reporting and ensure data integrity across management systems.
• Implement continuous improvement methods to enhance effectiveness, engagement and delivery quality.
• Support Delivery Partners and ensure compliance with governance and contractual requirements.
• Ensure all employment and work experience opportunities meet fair work, safeguarding and health & safety standards.

• Provide visible, positive leadership across all delivery teams.
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion throughout the service.
• Build a culture of high performance through coaching, supervision and structured performance reviews.
• Lead recruitment, workforce planning, induction and staff development.
• Ensure all staff understand and reflect organisational values, behaviours and quality expectations.
• Report on service performance, risks and improvement actions to senior leadership.
• Encourage effective communication and collaboration across staff and delivery partners.

• Represent the service at strategic and performance meetings with funders and stakeholders.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, NHS teams, colleges, VCSE organisations, employers and community partners.
• Strengthen referral pathways and expand opportunities to support participant progression.
• Promote the service regionally and nationally.
• Maintain consistent communication and alignment across partners, staff and leadership teams.

• Act as the designated safeguarding lead for the partnership.
• Provide oversight for safeguarding concerns, risk management and escalation processes.
• Ensure staff follow professional standards and ethical frameworks.
• Monitor delivery quality through audits, reviews and participant feedback.
• Promote evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development.

• Protect all information assets and handle data in line with organisational and legal requirements.
• Ensure staff follow correct information security processes.
• Report any information security concerns promptly.
• Maintain up-to-date awareness of information security requirements and responsibilities.

Essential Criteria

• Experience managing contracts within health, wellbeing or employment services.
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and delivery partners.
• Experience of grant, contract and financial management.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision-making skills.
• Ability to interpret data, identify trends and drive improvements.
• Experience designing and implementing performance frameworks.
• Strong understanding of mental health and wellbeing support.
• Experience working across complex multi-stakeholder environments.
• Safeguarding and risk-management expertise.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• GCSE Maths & English (Grade C/4 or equivalent).
• Knowledge of supported employment principles and employer engagement methods.
• Strong IT literacy, including use of CRM systems.
• Ability to travel across the region and work flexibly.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience managing employability contracts for Combined Authorities, Local Authorities, DWP or health partners.
• Qualification in Supported Employment/IPS (or willingness to achieve within 9 months).
• Qualification in management, psychology, counselling, occupational therapy or related fields.
• Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services or IAG Level 3.
• Understanding of welfare benefits and employment legislation.