An IPS Operations Manager in the Connect to Work programme will lead the team to provide intensive, personalised, employment-focused support to people with complex barriers, working collaboratively across health, employment, and community settings. The role is dynamic, relationship based, and highly impactful, helping clients achieve lifechanging outcomes through meaningful employment. Key Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of the IPS service Lead workforce planning, recruitment, and development of IPS staff Oversee financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation Lead commissioner engagement and represent service at regional and national forums Drive quality assurance and fidelity improvement across all IPS teams Develop strategic employer partnerships and cross-sector collaborations Lead service-wide performance management and delivery of contractual targets Lead, coach, and supervise a team of IPS Employment Specialists, ensuring high performance and adherence to IPS fidelity standards Provide regular 1:1 supervision, reflective practice sessions, and strengths-based coaching Oversee referrals, flow, and allocation of participants across the team Build and maintain strong partnerships with health, community, and employer stakeholders Ensure timely and accurate reporting, data integrity, and compliance with programme requirements Support the development and continuous improvement of the service Assess clients’ support needs, including: Travel planning Benefits and welfare advice Disclosure support around health conditions Budgeting and “better-off” calculations Promote the service to employers and negotiate reasonable adjustments and phased returns Champion equality, diversity, and inclusive employment practices Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including Primary Care, training providers, mental health teams, DWP, and referral partners Build relationships that generate referrals and strengthen community-based employment support networks Maintain accurate case notes, progress reports, and CRM-based documentation Work to IPS fidelity standards and ensure effective monitoring and evaluation of client outcomes Collect feedback from service users to support continuous service improvement Ability to analyse team performance data and take action Ability to build relationships with clinical partners and community stakeholders Skills, Knowledge & Expertise Qualifications and Specific Training GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and mathematics (essential) Level 3 qualification or above in a relevant field (e.g., Leadership & Management, Health & Social Care, Employability, Business, Social Sciences) (essential) Full UK driving licence (community‑based travel required) (essential) Willingness to undertake IPS-specific leadership training (e.g., IPS Grow, Fidelity, Quality Assurance, Supervisory Skills) (essential) Strong IT literacy, confident using CRM systems and digital reporting tools (essential) Level 5 qualification in Leadership & Management or equivalent (desirable) IOSH Health & Safety qualification (desirable) First Aid at Work certificate (desirable) Project management or change management qualification (desirable) Experience Experience managing multi-disciplinary or multi‑team operations in employability, health, social care, or related sectors (essential) Demonstrated experience delivering performance targets at service or departmental level (essential) Experience leading staff, including supervision, coaching, performance management, and workforce planning (essential) Experience managing complex stakeholder relationships (e.g., commissioners, ICBs, Primary Care, employers, community partners) (essential) Experience overseeing quality assurance, compliance, or audit processes (essential) Experience delivering services in fast‑paced, target‑driven environments (essential) Experience delivering IPS services or leading IPS teams (desirable) Experience preparing for fidelity reviews, contractual audits, or commissioner assurance processes (desirable) Experience managing budgets, forecasting, or financial planning (desirable) Experience influencing system‑level partnerships (ICBs, DWP, health/care providers) (desirable) Experience leading service improvement, redesign, or transformation programmes (desirable) Knowledge Strong understanding of IPS principles, evidence‑based practice, and fidelity standards (training can be provided) (essential) Knowledge of employment, health, and social care systems and pathways (essential) Understanding of safeguarding, risk management, data protection, and confidentiality obligations (essential) Knowledge of local labour markets and employer recruitment practices (essential) Understanding of quality assurance, performance management, and compliance frameworks (essential) Detailed understanding of the IPS Fidelity Scale and quality domains (desirable) Understanding of commissioning structures, Primary Care networks, community mental health frameworks, and ICB priorities (desirable) Knowledge of Equality Act 2010, inclusive recruitment, and accessibility best practice (desirable) Knowledge of contract management and funding requirements (desirable) Skills Strong strategic leadership with the ability to set vision, drive performance, and lead service‑wide delivery (essential) Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship‑management skills across senior stakeholders (essential) Ability to analyse and interpret data to inform strategic decisions and service improvements (essential) High‑level organisational and planning skills, able to manage multiple teams and priorities (essential) Ability to lead and embed quality assurance, audit readiness, and fidelity improvement (essential) Ability to manage budgets, resources, and workforce planning effectively (essential) Strong problem‑solving skills with the ability to manage risk and support cultural change (essential) Excellent written communication skills for reporting, business cases, and commissioner updates (essential) Ability to deliver training, workshops, or presentations to internal and external audiences (desirable) Coaching or mentoring qualifications or experience (desirable) Experience managing conflict and facilitating complex conversations (desirable) Skilled in project or change management (desirable) We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, ethnic or social origin, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, reasonable adjustments can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the vacancy Please get in contact with recruitment@acorntraining.co.uk to discuss alternative options you may require, or alternative application methods