Operations Manager (Medway & Gravesham)

Are you a passionate leader ready to drive impact in employability services?

We’re looking for a dynamic Operations Manager to lead, performance-manage, and grow our Connect to Work contract in Medway and Gravesham. This is a full-time role (35 hours/week) for someone with at least 3 years’ managerial experience in the employability sector.

You’ll be at the heart of our senior leadership team, championing high-quality delivery, IPS fidelity, and strong community partnerships. If you thrive in fast-paced environments and love turning strategy into results, this is your next challenge.

What You’ll Do:

• Lead operational management of IAG, pre-employability, and employability services.
• Ensure IPS standards are met through coaching, audits, and quality assurance.
• Drive performance management, KPI monitoring, and contractual compliance.
• Contribute to budgets, bids, and business growth opportunities.
• Line-manage a high-performing team, fostering professional development and accountability.
• Strengthen employer engagement and deliver job fairs, workshops, and inclusive recruitment initiatives.
• Build and maintain partnerships across prisons, NHS trusts, local authorities, and community providers.
• Oversee caseloads and workflows to ensure efficient delivery and strong participant outcomes.
• Uphold safeguarding, compliance, and governance, keeping services safe, effective, and accountable.

What We’re Looking For:

• Proven leadership in employability, skills, IPS, or community services, with at least 3 years managerial experience.
• Expertise in performance management, quality assurance, and contract delivery.
• Strong relationship-builder with employers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Highly organised, analytical, and able to juggle multiple priorities.
• Committed to empowering individuals into sustainable employment.
• Knowledge of IAG, ESFA/DWP compliance, apprenticeships, and local economic strategies.
• Desirable: experience in social enterprise or understanding of mental health, disabilities, and recovery services.

You’ll have the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives while working in a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking environment.

This is an opportunity to lead a team that values impact, innovation, and excellence, and to champion employment success across the community.

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