Delivery Manager - Employment and Skills Hub

Location: GloucestershireEmployment Type: Full-time

We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Employment & Skills Hub Manager to lead and coordinate the operational management of Gloucestershire County Council's (GCC) Employment & Skills Hub and inclusive employment programmes. This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on operational oversight, ensuring the Hub delivers high-quality employment and skills support to residents-particularly those facing labour market disadvantages.

You will directly manage a team of managers while fostering strong partnerships with external stakeholders (e.g., DWP/Jobcentre Plus, NHS Trusts, training providers) and internal GCC teams (e.g., Public Health, Education, Adult Services). Your work will ensure employment services are joined-up, efficient, and impactful, aligning with GCC's broader objectives, including value for money, community integration, and support for vulnerable adults and children.

• Provide strategic insight and operational management to the Strategic Lead for Inclusive Employment and Head of Employment & Skills.

• Advise Hub managers and elected members on the strategic development of employment and skills provision in Gloucestershire.

• Lead service improvements, ensuring support is customer-focused and aligned with local labour market needs.

• Develop and implement performance management and quality assurance processes (e.g., Supported Employment Quality Framework, IPS Fidelity Model).

• Build and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, NHS Trusts, and other key partners to understand workforce and skills needs.

• Ensure collaborative working with the Connect to Work team to support disadvantaged jobseekers and those at risk of job loss.

• Represent the Hub in internal and external meetings, deputising for senior leaders when required.

• Oversee budget setting, monitoring, and financial reporting, ensuring compliance and robust audit trails.

• Identify and pursue funding opportunities to enhance service delivery and ensure long-term sustainability.

• Use market intelligence and engagement techniques to refine services based on customer and employer needs.

• Lead data-driven decision-making, analysing both qualitative and quantitative performance metrics.

• Drive staff development, ensuring teams are motivated, skilled, and performance-focused.

• Full UK driving licence required.

• Flexible working hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.

? In-depth knowledge of employment services at operational and strategic levels.? Senior management experience in local government, employment services, or related fields.? Proven track record in performance management, contract oversight, and service improvement.? Budget management expertise, including forecasting and financial reporting.? Strong partnership working with employers, training providers, and third-sector organisations.? Experience in staff management, including performance reviews, absence management, and team development.

?? Strong understanding of local and national employment/skills strategies.?? Exceptional communication-able to present complex data clearly to diverse audiences.?? Negotiation and influencing skills to drive service improvements.?? Political awareness-sensitive to elected members' priorities and public sector dynamics.?? Analytical mindset-able to assess risks, benefits, and conflicting priorities.

�? Demonstrates GCC Leadership Behaviours and Values.�? Proactive, adaptable, and solution-focused.�? Strong leadership presence, able to motivate teams and drive change.

�? Relevant senior-level qualifications or equivalent experience.

This is a high-impact role where you will shape employment and skills support for Gloucestershire's residents. You'll work with diverse stakeholders, influence strategic decisions, and lead a team dedicated to transforming lives through employment.

If you're a strategic thinker with strong operational leadership skills, we'd love to hear from you!