Employment Development Manager - Connect to Work

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, is accepting of all and is free from discrimination and bias.

The Skills, Employment & Adult Education Service is part of Coventry City Council. We work with a range of delivery partners to provide a wide portfolio of top-quality support to Coventry residents of all ages who are looking for work. We work with partners across the city and our Employer Hub actively works with local employers to generate opportunities for local people.

We are a friendly and welcoming multicultural and diverse team based in the Job Shop situated in Coventry City Centre. We are here to support all Coventry’s diverse residents, each with differing needs and tailor their support to help them search for employment, training, apprenticeships and work placements. People can explore a wide range of local vacancies that are updated daily and access training opportunities.

We also provide ground-breaking specialist support for local residents who face multiple and sometimes complex barriers that make it hard for them to find a job. The Job Shop and our exciting range of specialist employment support programmes are among the very best support available in the UK

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

This position is offered on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2026, aligned with a Government-backed programme, with potential for future extension subject to continued funding and programme priorities.

Lead the Future of Inclusive Employment in Coventry

Coventry City Council is launching a new, high-impact team within our Skills, Employment & Adult Education (SEAE) service – and we’re looking for a visionary leader to drive it forward.

As Employment Development Manager for the Connect to Work programme, you’ll be at the forefront of designing and delivering inclusive employment pathways that support residents—especially those facing barriers—into meaningful, sustainable work. This is a strategic role with real influence, combining programme leadership, partnership development, and service innovation.

What You’ll Do

In this pivotal role, you’ll:

• Lead the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, ensuring it meets the needs of Coventry’s diverse communities.
• Develop and manage strategic partnerships with employers, government agencies, and community organisations.
• Coordinate multi-agency initiatives and oversee project teams to deliver impactful employment services.
• Shape policy and service design aligned with Coventry’s Economic Growth and Prosperity Strategy.
• Manage budgets, contracts, and performance data to ensure services are efficient, effective, and auditable.
• Secure external funding and resources to expand and sustain the programme’s reach.

Why This Role Matters

This is your opportunity to:

• Drive innovation in employment support across Coventry.
• Influence policy and strategy at a city-wide level.
• Build powerful partnerships that unlock opportunities for residents.
• Lead a new team committed to inclusion, empowerment, and lifelong learning.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience leading employment or community programmes.
• Understands national and regional employment policy and funding landscapes.
• Is confident managing teams, budgets, and multi-stakeholder projects.
• Communicates with impact across all levels—from frontline staff to elected members.
• Is passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusive growth.

Why Join Coventry City Council?

We offer:

• A chance to shape the future of employment support in a vibrant, forward-thinking city.
• A collaborative environment where your leadership and ideas are valued.
• Opportunities for professional development and strategic influence.
• The satisfaction of making a lasting difference in people’s lives.

We are proud of our diverse team and as such, we welcome and encourage all backgrounds and demographics to apply.

For an informal conversation about this challenging and rewarding role, please contact Alex Dickson – Senior Business Relationship Manager atalex.dickson@coventry.gov.uk

Ready to Lead Change?

If you’re a strategic thinker with a passion for inclusive employment and community impact, we’d love to hear from you.

If you need help or support to complete your application, please visit our accessibility page to see how we can assist you.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme - As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

For full details on the application process please read the attached document on our jobs page labelled 'Coventry City Council Application Process'. If there is any evidence of a candidate using AI to complete their application, then the application will be rejected unless the candidate can provide a justification which the Council considers to be reasonable.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Coventry has a proud, innovative and creative spirit that throughout its history has seen communities come together to tackle problems and bring about real social change.

We are cutting-edge, challenging, youthful, vibrant and diverse.

At Coventry we are committed to excellence in everything we do. With around 5100 staff from a range of different backgrounds, our aim is to recruit and develop talented people who will focus on our customers, take responsibility, work together and find better ways of doing things.

To deliver the best services to our residents, we need the best people working for us to make a difference to our communities.

If you join us, we will provide a fantastic rewards and benefits package - to find out more please visit https://www.coventry.gov.uk/council-vacancies