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NOW Group is a social enterprise committed to supporting people with learning difficulties and autism into sustainable employment and meaningful lives. We deliver a range of services including training, employment support, and social enterprise initiatives.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced and passionate Training and Employment Manager to lead on the delivery of bespoke training and employment services under the PEACEPLUS Skills Connect Project.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in a transformative cross-border initiative that empowers people with disabilities through skills development, training academies, and meaningful employment pathways. The successful candidate will manage a cross-functional team and collaborate with four strategic project partners to ensure high-quality delivery of outcomes for over 2,000 participants across the island of Ireland.
Skills Connect is a project supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).
Key Responsibilities
1. Coordinate the implementation of the Skills Connect project across multiple locations in North/East Northern Ireland and the border counties of the Republic of Ireland, ensuring consistency, accessibility, and inclusivity.
2. Recruit, lead, and coordinate the project delivery team in designing, developing, and delivering high-quality training programmes and accredited qualifications for Skills Connect participants.
3. Lead the development of feedback and review processes for the Skills Connect project, establishing effective systems and procedures to measure performance, demonstrate impact, and drive continuous improvement.
4. Build and maintain strong partnerships with consortium stakeholders, education providers, government agencies, employers, and community organizations to enhance participant outcomes and identify opportunities for collaboration.
5. Engage in meaningful dialogue with service users to ensure participants have a role in shaping service delivery and future skills provision.
6. Represent NOW Group and the PEACEPLUS project at relevant events, forums, and cross-border partnership meetings.
7. Utilize data-driven insights to adapt and improve training delivery and support models.
8. Ensure compliance with all monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements set by the SEUPB.
9. Promote a culture of inclusivity, ensuring all training and employment programmes are accessible and tailored to diverse needs.
10. Address regional and demographic inequalities in access to education and employment for individuals with disabilities.
11. Manage, document, and report incidents or safeguarding concerns according to NOW Group’s Safeguarding procedures and Quality Assurance initiatives.
12. Deliver and facilitate Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion training to local stakeholders and promote inclusion throughout the sector.
This job description is not definitive and may be subject to review as duties and responsibilities evolve.
What We Offer
At NOW Group, we value and invest in our employees. Benefits include:
* Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus 12 statutory days (pro-rata).
* Wellbeing Support: Access to confidential counselling and financial advisory services.
* Pension Scheme: 5% employer contribution.
* Flexible Work Initiatives: Including the Bike-to-Work scheme, holiday purchase options, and more.
Our Values:
We seek candidates who align with NOW Group’s values, demonstrating flexibility, dedication, and a commitment to empowering participants. Successful candidates will show a passion for social change and the ability to collaborate effectively with participants, stakeholders, and colleagues.
Additional Information:
Successful candidates will undergo Garda vetting. Shortlisting will be based on how well your application demonstrates that you meet the above criteria.
Join us at NOW Group and make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals with learning difficulties and autism. Together, we can build a more inclusive future.
Skills Needed
Details about skills required.
About The Company
At the heart of the NOW Group’s mission is empowering individuals to gain skills and access meaningful employment through tailored employment academies and social enterprise businesses such as Loaf Catering, Cafes, and Loaf Pottery. The JAM (“Just A Minute”) Card is a notable initiative, with over 182,500 users and 3,000 global organisations regarded as JAM Card Friendly.
The impact of the NOW Group is driven by innovation, dedication, and a focus on changing lives for the better.
Company Culture
Our culture is built on collaboration, compassion, and a shared belief in opportunity for all. Our teams work together across various departments to support people with learning difficulties, neurodiverse conditions, ADHD, and autism into sustainable employment. Our efforts have placed nearly 400 people into employment and supported over 2,000 individuals to achieve qualifications in 2024/2025. We are committed to making a lasting difference, driven by heart and a deep sense of purpose.
Desired Criteria
* At least 2 years' experience in ETI/QQI inspections, self-evaluation, and quality improvement processes.
* Internal verifier, External Verifier, or assessor qualifications.
Required Criteria
* Full current driving license and access to a car (consideration given to alternative arrangements for applicants with disabilities).
* UU Certificate in Teaching / Professional Diploma in Education or equivalent.
* At least 2 years’ experience delivering training to individuals with barriers to learning.
* At least 1 year managing a team or training contracts.
* At least 1 year applying for and securing funding, grants, tenders, or government contracts.
* Experience developing courses for accreditation and working with awarding bodies.
* Excellent IT, communication, and public-speaking skills.
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