Director of Jobs Guarantee

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 30th November 2028

Location: London, Birmingham, Leeds or Glasgow - 40-60% of your week in an office, with an expectation to travel when required

1st stage interviews: 21/09 over MS Teams

2nd stage interviews: 02/10 face-to-face (Location TBC but likely London)

This fully funded role runs until 30th November 2028 and offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to a major employability programme supporting young people across the UK.

Please note: this role is subject to The King's Trust securing funding through an ongoing DWP commissioning process. We are committed to only making appointments once funding and contract awards have been confirmed, ensuring full transparency for all candidates.

Lead a transformational national programme

We're seeking an experienced and ambitious individual to lead the delivery of our Jobs Guarantee programme, supporting thousands of young people into sustainable employment.

As Director - Jobs Guarantee, you will be accountable for this large-scale national contract, ensuring exceptional performance, compliance, quality, and impact. You'll work closely with government stakeholders, employers, delivery partners, and internal teams to create opportunities that change lives.

What you'll be doing:

• Leading delivery of a high-profile national employability programme
• Driving contractual performance, quality, and employment outcomes
• Building and managing strategic relationships with DWP, employers, partners, and subcontractors
• Using data and insight to continuously improve delivery and maximise impact
• Ensuring strong governance, safeguarding, compliance, and risk management
• Leading and developing a high-performing, multi-disciplinary team
• Contributing to wider organisational strategy and growth in employability services

Who will thrive in this role?

You'll likely bring:

• Significant leadership experience in employability, skills, welfare-to-work, or related public service programmes
• A track record of delivering results within complex, high-value contracts
• Experience working with government-funded programmes and outcome-based delivery models
• Strong commercial, financial, and operational leadership skills
• The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build effective partnerships
• A passion for improving outcomes for young people and creating lasting social impact

This is an opportunity to shape a flagship programme, influence how services are delivered nationally, and help more young people move into sustainable employment.

What happens next?  

Please submit a CV and Cover Letter that includes your experience, transferable skills and motivation to work for The King's Trust! The Team will be in touch about the next steps shortly after the closing date. 

Why do we need a Director of Jobs Guarantee? 

Last year, we helped more than 40,000 Young People, with three in four young people on our programmes moving into a positive outcome in work, education or training.The young people we help face a range of challenges, such as unemployment, mental health issues or some who have been in trouble with the law. We believe all young people should have the chance to succeed, and that young people are the key to a positive and prosperous future for all of us. We want to continue having a positive impact on young people’s lives, and we couldn’t do this without the important work of a Director of Jobs Guarantee! 

Perks for working at The Trust! 

• Great holiday package! 30 days annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays. Office closure on the days between Christmas and New Year 
• Flexible working! Where operationally possible, our roles require a combination of office days and working from home (please speak to the hiring manager about this particular role)
• You can volunteer for and/or attend events – The King's Trust Awards, Pride, active events, etc. 
• In-house learning platform! Develop your skills for your career and your role 
• Benefits platform! Everything from health and financial well-being support to discounts on your favourite restaurants, shops and cinemas. 
• Personal development opportunities through our Networks – KT CAN (Cultural Awareness Network), KT GEN (Gender Equality Network), KT DAWN (Disability & Wellbeing Network), and PULSE (LGBTQIA+ Network). 
• Fantastic Family leave! Receive 13 weeks of full pay and 13 weeks of half pay for maternity and adoption leave. Receive 8 weeks of full pay for paternity leave. 
• Interest-free season ticket loans 
• The Trust will contribute 5% of your salary to the Trust Pension Scheme 
• Generous life assurance cover (4 x annual salary)