Head of Employability and Health

Be the Driving Force Behind Inclusive Growth in the East Midlands
Join EMCCA as our Head of Employability and Health

Are you ready to lead transformational change that will improve lives across the East Midlands?

We’re looking for a visionary and experienced leader to become our Head of Employability and Health, supporting our 2.2 million residents to access the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in the modern job market.

Welcome to EMCCA
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) is the UK’s first mayor-led combined county authority—marking a bold new chapter for the region. We’re here to unlock the East Midlands’ full potential through devolved powers in transport, housing, skills and adult education, economic development, and climate action.

We’re building a better-connected, better-prepared region with more opportunity, growth, and hope. Through EMCCA, billions of pounds of funding will be directed where it’s needed most—empowering local communities, partners, and businesses.

About the Role
As Head of Employability and Health, you’ll play a central role in our mission to build a prosperous and inclusive region. You’ll lead our work to ensure people with health conditions and disabilities can access high-quality employment—and thrive in it.

You’ll lead a high-performing team within our Skills and Employment group and oversee the launch and delivery of the Connect to Work programme—a multi-million-pound government initiative aimed at tackling health-related economic inactivity.

This is more than a programme lead role—it’s an opportunity to shape the regional approach to employment and health, influencing partners across the NHS, local authorities, DWP, voluntary sector, and business community.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead strategy and delivery for all Employability and Health initiatives, with a particular focus on Connect to Work.
• Take full accountability for service performance and compliance with DWP and funder requirements.
• Secure and manage funding effectively, ensuring maximum value and impact.
• Oversee service plans with clear, ambitious targets, in collaboration with the Director of Skills and Employment.
• Motivate, support, and develop your team, fostering a culture of high performance and wellbeing.
• Use data and insight to monitor performance, inform decisions, and anticipate future needs.
• Build strong, productive relationships with senior leaders across government, health, and local partners to embed employment support in regional priorities.

What You’ll Bring

• A degree or equivalent experience, with management qualifications and a commitment to professional development.
• Senior-level experience in the employability sector, with a solid understanding of the health system.
• A proven record of delivering large-scale, high-impact programmes with measurable outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with the ability to influence at the highest levels.
• Experience in managing services, leading change, and driving performance in complex environments.
• Expertise in budgeting, bid development, match funding, and financial accountability.
• An understanding of the public sector and political landscape, and the unique role EMCCA plays within it.

Why Join EMCCA?
We’re building something special in the East Midlands. As part of our team, you’ll:

• Shape a once-in-a-generation opportunity for regional transformation.
• Work in a flexible, inclusive environment.
• Be supported with strong benefits and professional development.
• Location: NGEC, Saltergate, Chesterfield, S40 1UT
• Please note: Sponsorship is not available for this role.
• Closing date: 22 June 2025

🔗 Learn more about EMCCA, our values, benefits, and how we work: https://eastmidscareers.co.uk

Ready to make a real difference? Apply today and help us shape a healthier, more inclusive future for the East Midlands.