Service Manager
The Growth Company’s (GC) Connect to Work team have an exciting new opportunity for a Service Manager to motivate and support an operational team to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) programme, ensure a high-quality programme is delivered with respect and empathy, achieve high performance levels and customer service standards, via effective performance and team management, supporting the Operations Manager in the smooth delivery of the contract and to ensure delivery meets IPS Fidelity Review best practice and contractual compliance standards.
The IPS service helps individuals with health conditions or barriers to employment find and sustain paid work. We provide personalised, one-to-one support, focusing on rapid job search and matching people to suitable roles. We work closely with health services and employers to deliver joined-up, ongoing support, while helping individuals build confidence and maintain their wellbeing in work.
Please note that this role is being advertised subject to contract award; until an outcome is confirmed, your application will be treated as speculative.
Key Responsibilities
1. Lead high‑quality IPS service delivery by ensuring every service user receives effective, person‑centred employment support, maintaining fidelity to the IPS model, and driving the achievement of all contractual KPIs, quality standards and social value commitments.
2. Manage, develop and support a mobile team through recruitment, structured onboarding, regular performance reviews, coaching, observations and tailored CPD, ensuring Employment Specialists consistently exceed minimum performance expectations.
3. Strengthen and grow stakeholder partnerships by maintaining productive relationships with NHS teams, referral partners, community organisations and employers to maximise referrals, enhance service visibility and ensure a strong local ecosystem of support.
4. Oversee operational excellence and compliance by ensuring CRM accuracy, audit readiness, data integrity, customer feedback management, continuous improvement activity and effective reporting to senior leadership and commissioners.
About You
5. A results‑driven leader with strong initiative, resilience and the ability to motivate and support others.
6. A confident communicator able to present to partners, share best practice and build positive networks.
7. A collaborative team player who thrives in complex, multi‑stakeholder environments.
8. Aligned with GC values and committed to making a positive difference through ethical, person‑centred service delivery.
Skills Required
9. Proven people management experience with a track record of achieving performance outcomes in employability, health or welfare‑to‑work settings.
10. Strong sector knowledge including NHS structures, labour market insight, policy awareness and understanding of MI/financial information.
11. Excellent communication and reporting skills with the ability to produce clear written reports and confidently present to stakeholders.
12. High‑level ICT proficiency with the ability to maintain accurate data, ensure audit trails and use CRM systems effectively.
We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Artificial intelligence can assist you during the application process, but every example and statement you include must be honest, accurate, and based on your own real experiences. If plagiarism is detected, meaning you present someone else’s ideas or experiences, or AI‑generated content, as your own, your application may be withdrawn, and internal applicants could face disciplinary action.
At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.
Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.
We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.
If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.