IPS Expansion Programme Manager
Application Deadline: 5 December 2025
Department: Business Strategy and Partnerships
Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract
Location: East Sussex - Lewes
Compensation: GBP 56,127 / year
Description
Location: Sussex-wide, hybrid with base in Lewes
Salary: GBP 56,127 per annum for 37 hours per week, pro rata
Hours: 30-37 per week
Contract: Two-year fixed term
What you'll be doing
Lead the expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) across Sussex - driving the NHS Long Term Plan's goal to double access to high-quality employment support for people in mental health services.
Provide strategic leadership for a Sussex-wide IPS programme, embedding equitable, high-impact employment support within all mental health pathways.
Unite key partners - Sussex ICB, SPFT, Local Authorities, IPS providers, and DWP/Jobcentre Plus - behind a shared vision, delivery plan, and measurable growth and quality goals.
Use insight and performance data to monitor outcomes and continuously improve delivery across the system.
What you'll need
Strong track record engaging and influencing senior leaders across health, care, and employment sectors.
Experience leading complex, multi-agency change and driving measurable improvement.
Proven success in programme management, commissioning, and performance oversight.
Confidence using data to inform strategy and action.
Commitment to reducing inequalities and delivering impact at scale.
Why Southdown
Southdown is a values-led organisation helping people live well and independently. We're:
Brilliant with people - compassionate, inclusive and welcoming.
United - we collaborate for lasting change.
Trustworthy - we act with integrity and accountability.
Responsive - we listen, learn and adapt.
A force for good - we make a real difference across Sussex.
Perks and benefits
* Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
* Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
* Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
* Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
* Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
* 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Training:
Our award-winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the 'Apply Now' button and fill out our simple one-page application form.
Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Contact information:
Our online careers page has a list of helpful FAQs that you can view here. If you have any further questions, please get in touch with recruitment via email at
We are a Disability Confident Employer and are fully committed to supporting Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) and welcome applications from all candidates that meet our job specifications. If you feel there is a barrier that potentially prevents you from applying, do get in contact with us, as we are always happy to discuss (or arrange a discussion with the recruiting manager) to explore if any reasonable adjustments can be made to support your application.