The Growth Company (GC) are looking for an experienced and motivated Service Manager to lead the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, using the evidence based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to help people with health conditions, disabilities and other barriers move into and sustain meaningful employment.

Leading a team of Employment Specialists and support colleagues, you will drive performance, quality and compliance across the service, ensuring participants receive personalised, high-quality support that aligns with IPS Fidelity standards and contractual requirements. Working closely with referral organisations, employers and community stakeholders, you will play a key role in creating opportunities that transform lives through employment.

This is an excellent opportunity for a people-focused leader who is passionate about developing high-performing teams, delivering person-centred services and making a positive difference in local communities.

The Connect to Work programme supports individuals with health conditions or disabilities to move into employment, providing personalised, one-to-one support tailored to each person’s needs and circumstances. We focus on building confidence, developing skills, and improving readiness for work, while working closely with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and job opportunities. Through this, we aim to help people access and sustain meaningful employment.

Please note this role will cover various locations across South East Staffordshire so is essential that you hold a current UK Driving Licence and own your own car. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, motivate and develop a team of Employment Specialists and support staff to deliver high-quality IPS services.
• Drive the achievement of contractual targets, KPIs, service standards and participant outcomes.
• Manage team performance through regular reviews, coaching, observations and development planning.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with NHS services, referral partners, employers and community organisations to support referrals and participant progression.
• Ensure delivery meets IPS Fidelity standards, contractual requirements and quality expectations.
• Monitor service quality, customer feedback, complaints and compliance activities, driving continuous improvement where required.
• Utilise management information, performance data and operational insight to improve service delivery and achieve objectives.
• Support the management of budgets, client spend, staff productivity and operational resources to ensure effective contract delivery.

About You:

• An experienced people manager with a track record of leading successful teams in employability, health, wellbeing or related services.
• Passionate about supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
• Skilled at motivating, coaching and developing colleagues to deliver excellent results and customer experiences.
• Confident managing performance, quality and resources within a fast-paced, target-driven environment.
• Experienced in building effective relationships with healthcare professionals, referral partners, employers and stakeholders.
• Able to analyse performance and management information and use data to drive continuous improvement.
• Organised, resilient and solutions-focused, with the ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
• Committed to demonstrating The Growth Company's values and delivering services with empathy, respect and integrity.

Skills Required: 

• Experience leading and developing teams to achieve performance, quality and customer service targets.
• Experience working within employability, IPS, health, wellbeing or related support services.
• Strong leadership, coaching and performance management skills.
• Excellent communication, presentation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understanding of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and IPS Fidelity Framework.
• Knowledge of employment support services, barriers to work and local labour markets.
• Experience managing budgets, operational resources and contractual performance measures.
• Confident using CRM systems, management information and reporting tools to monitor and improve service delivery.