Connect to Work Operations Manager
| Posting date: | 29 April 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £40,777 per year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 12 May 2026 |
| Location: | Ipswich, Suffolk, IP1 2BX |
| Company: | Suffolk County Council |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | 23020 |
Summary
- Suffolk County Council
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working
- Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Fixed term to 30/4/2030 (funding)
When you join the Skills and Employment Team at Suffolk County Council as the Connect to Work Operations Manager, we’ll support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. With a variety of career paths and learning opportunities to explore, if you’re motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
The funding for Connect to Work in England and Wales will help around 100,000 disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment, to seek to find sustainable work each year, by offering them voluntary support based on the high-fidelity model of Supported Employment. 81,000 places a year in England will be funded through grants.
The Get Britain Working Strategy brings fundamental reform that transforms our relationship with local areas and ensures we have a strong foundation with which to work in partnership to support people into good, sustainable work. The Connect to Work Grant launched the first major element in the Get Britain Working Strategy.
Your role and responsibilities
Working within the Suffolk Connect to Work programme you will:
- ensure the programme is delivered in line with grant conditions, performance requirements and agreed timelines
- oversee contract management activities, including monitoring deliverables, resolving issues and supporting continuous improvement
- report on key performance indicators (KPIs), outcomes and quality measures, escalating risks and issues where required
- maintain effective governance, including preparing papers/updates for programme meetings, external meetings and senior stakeholders
- coordinate operational processes across the programme, ensuring consistency, compliance and an excellent participant experience
- work closely with internal colleagues and external partners (e.g., health, skills, employers and voluntary sector) to support joined-up delivery.
This list is not exhaustive
You will need
- ability to lead and oversee the effective day‑to‑day delivery of a complex employment support programme
- experience of managing performance, data and reporting against funded programme requirements, including monitoring KPIs and meeting external compliance expectations
- capability to lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary team, providing clear direction, support and accountability in a delivery‑focused environment
- strength in building and sustaining productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- ability to identify risks early, resolve operational issues and drive improvements that result in positive employment outcomes.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), see below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
This role sits within the Adult Skills and Employment Team and is at the forefront of developing economic growth in Suffolk and the surrounding region supporting the development of a pipeline of talent for our local economy.
We are excited to be able to bring Connect to Work to the residents of Suffolk and are eager to welcome an enthusiastic, dedicated and friendly member of the team to ensure that we make the project a success!
The team practice hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office and this role has the opportunity to visit the project’s delivery partner(s) venues across Suffolk
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Lyndsey Hessey (she/her), Deputy Adult Skills and Employment Lead for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 264346 or by emailing Lyndsey.hessey@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
1. Tell us about a time you led the day‑to‑day delivery of a complex programme and how you ensured it met quality and performance expectations
2. Give an example of how you have built and maintained effective relationships with stakeholders from different organisations
3. Describe your experience of producing reports or presenting performance information to senior leaders or external bodies
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 May 2026.
Interview date: 19 and 20 May 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid #IND1
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
- Address: Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX, hybrid working
- Salary: £40,777 per annum (pro rata for part time)
- Hours: 37 hours per week, flexible working options available
- Contract: Fixed term to 30/4/2030 (funding)
When you join the Skills and Employment Team at Suffolk County Council as the Connect to Work Operations Manager, we’ll support your development from the start. We’ll help you to play to your strengths, diversify your skills and build an influential and impactful career. With a variety of career paths and learning opportunities to explore, if you’re motivated and passionate there’s no limit to how far your ambition could take you.
Reimagine the possibilities.
The funding for Connect to Work in England and Wales will help around 100,000 disabled people, those with health conditions and people with complex barriers to employment, to seek to find sustainable work each year, by offering them voluntary support based on the high-fidelity model of Supported Employment. 81,000 places a year in England will be funded through grants.
The Get Britain Working Strategy brings fundamental reform that transforms our relationship with local areas and ensures we have a strong foundation with which to work in partnership to support people into good, sustainable work. The Connect to Work Grant launched the first major element in the Get Britain Working Strategy.
Your role and responsibilities
Working within the Suffolk Connect to Work programme you will:
- ensure the programme is delivered in line with grant conditions, performance requirements and agreed timelines
- oversee contract management activities, including monitoring deliverables, resolving issues and supporting continuous improvement
- report on key performance indicators (KPIs), outcomes and quality measures, escalating risks and issues where required
- maintain effective governance, including preparing papers/updates for programme meetings, external meetings and senior stakeholders
- coordinate operational processes across the programme, ensuring consistency, compliance and an excellent participant experience
- work closely with internal colleagues and external partners (e.g., health, skills, employers and voluntary sector) to support joined-up delivery.
This list is not exhaustive
You will need
- ability to lead and oversee the effective day‑to‑day delivery of a complex employment support programme
- experience of managing performance, data and reporting against funded programme requirements, including monitoring KPIs and meeting external compliance expectations
- capability to lead, motivate and develop a multidisciplinary team, providing clear direction, support and accountability in a delivery‑focused environment
- strength in building and sustaining productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
- ability to identify risks early, resolve operational issues and drive improvements that result in positive employment outcomes.
You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (JPP), see below. If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.
The team
This role sits within the Adult Skills and Employment Team and is at the forefront of developing economic growth in Suffolk and the surrounding region supporting the development of a pipeline of talent for our local economy.
We are excited to be able to bring Connect to Work to the residents of Suffolk and are eager to welcome an enthusiastic, dedicated and friendly member of the team to ensure that we make the project a success!
The team practice hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days a week in the office and this role has the opportunity to visit the project’s delivery partner(s) venues across Suffolk
Empowering Everyone
We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report.
For more information
Please contact Lyndsey Hessey (she/her), Deputy Adult Skills and Employment Lead for a casual conversation. You can contact her by calling 01473 264346 or by emailing Lyndsey.hessey@suffolk.gov.uk
How to apply
Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (JPP) (docx).
Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.
Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template (Word).
1. Tell us about a time you led the day‑to‑day delivery of a complex programme and how you ensured it met quality and performance expectations
2. Give an example of how you have built and maintained effective relationships with stakeholders from different organisations
3. Describe your experience of producing reports or presenting performance information to senior leaders or external bodies
Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).
Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.
For guidance on completing your application, please see our How to Apply page.
Planning to use Artificial Intelligence (AI)? Please ensure your application still reflects your own skills, experience and ideas. If used inappropriately, your application may not be processed. Please read our guidance for using AI to understand what’s acceptable.
Do you need any reasonable adjustments to help you to apply? If you are disabled and/or have additional support needs, you can request reasonable adjustments. You can do this by contacting our Recruitment Team at recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or 03456 014412. You can find examples of possible adjustments on our Reasonable Adjustment pages.
Closing date: 11.30pm, 12 May 2026.
Interview date: 19 and 20 May 2026.
This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. #LI-Hybrid #IND1
As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.
In return, you’ll enjoy:
up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
diverse and active staff networks
flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day
Plus lots more!
If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.