We are seeking an experienced Employability Programme Delivery Manager to lead the delivery of high‑quality, inclusive employment programmes that support residents to progress towards and into sustainable employment.
This is a senior operational role with responsibility for programme delivery, performance, finance, staff leadership, and partnership working. You will work closely with local employers, health partners, voluntary and community organisations, and internal council teams to deliver effective, person‑centred employability support.
About the role
This role sits within the Council’s Skills & Employment Service, which delivers a joined‑up employability and skills offer for residents across all ages. The service includes the Adult Skills Hub, graded Good by Ofsted (2025), Skills Bootcamps, Youth Employment Hub, Local Employment Scheme and the council’s statutory responsibilities for NEET prevention and post‑16 participation. Together, these services work proactively with education providers, employers, health services, and community partners to reduce economic inactivity and support residents to achieve positive, sustained outcomes.
You will be responsible for leading employment programmes that support people facing health conditions, disabilities, and other complex barriers to work. The role combines strategic oversight with hands‑on leadership, ensuring programmes are delivered in line with funder requirements, supported employment fidelity models, and council policies.
You will manage Connect to Work, a voluntary, government‑funded programme providing personalised, one‑to‑one support for residents aged 18+ who face significant barriers to securing or retaining employment. Using supported employment SEQF and Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approaches, Connect to Work helps participants identify their strengths, access suitable opportunities, and sustain employment. The programme works closely with employers, health services, and community partners and is central to the council’s ambition to tackle economic inactivity and reduce inequalities across the city.
What you’ll be doing
- Leading the delivery of high‑quality, inclusive employability programmes in line with agreed delivery models and funder requirements
- Managing performance, outcomes, compliance, and delivery risks against key performance indicators
- Overseeing contracts, budgets, and financial claims, ensuring expenditure aligns with funder and council rules
- Designing, implementing, and continuously improving service delivery systems, processes, and reporting
- Building and maintaining effective partnerships with employers, health services, voluntary and community organisations, and council teams
- Working closely with safeguarding leads to promote the welfare of vulnerable adults and comply with MAPPA and safeguarding requirements
What we’re looking for
You will bring strong leadership experience and a proven track record of delivering Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) or other government employment programmes for people facing complex barriers.
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of national skills, employment, and welfare policy
- Experience of managing budgets, contracts, and programme performance
- A strong understanding of supported employment and IPS fidelity models
- Experience of recruiting, managing, and developing staff teams
- Excellent partnership‑building and stakeholder engagement skills
What we offer
- Flexible and hybrid working options
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Generous annual leave entitlement
- Employee wellbeing support and professional development opportunities
- The chance to make a meaningful difference to residents’ lives across Brighton & Hove
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