We’re Hiring: Engagement Lead (Manchester Economic Activity Trailblazer)
At YES Manchester, we help people across Greater Manchester find meaningful, secure and well-paid work.
And now we’re looking for a confident Engagement Lead who will play a key role in engaging Manchester residents who are economically inactive or facing barriers to employment. You will support them to access the Manchester Economic Activity Trailblazer programme and associated services delivered by YES Manchester and partner organisations.
Deadline to apply: 31st March 2026 at 9am – NOW CLOSED
(Please note – We may close this advert earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. Early applications are strongly encouraged, as shortlisting and interviews will take place throughout the process)
Read the full job description below:
Reporting To: Employability Manager/Operations Manager
Base Locations: YES Manchester Newton Heath (M40 2TP) and Collyhurst (M40 7GH).
Salary: £24,440 – £26,121
Contract: 12-month fixed term contract
Hours: 35hrs p/w Monday-Friday
1. Purpose
The Engagement Lead will play a key role in engaging Manchester residents who are economically inactive or facing barriers to employment and supporting them to access the Manchester Economic Activity Trailblazer programme and associated services delivered by YES Manchester and partner organisations.
This role requires a proactive, confident and enthusiastic communicator who can engage residents, community groups and partner organisations in a positive and energetic way. You will act as an ambassador for YES Manchester within local communities, promoting programme opportunities and encouraging residents to take positive steps towards employment, skills development and economic participation.
You will build strong relationships with community organisations, housing providers and local partners to promote YES Manchester services and develop effective referral pathways into the programme.
A key part of the role is generating referrals into YES Manchester services and Trailblazer partner provision including the Construction Academy, ESOL support, wellbeing services and physiotherapy support.
As the first point of contact for many participants entering the programme, you will complete registrations, confirm eligibility and work with individuals to develop action plans that support their progression.
Through proactive engagement and relationship building you will strengthen YES Manchester’s presence in local communities and help maximise participation and impact of the programme.
2. Responsibilities
2.1 Proactively engage Manchester residents through outreach activity, community engagement and partnership working to promote the Economic Activity Trailblazer programme and YES Manchester services.
2.2 Promote programme opportunities within local communities, housing providers, voluntary organisations and other local networks to increase awareness and participation.
2.3 Generate referrals and participant registrations for programme activities including the Construction Academy, ESOL provision, wellbeing support and employability services.
2.4 Engage economically inactive residents and individuals facing barriers to employment to understand their needs, aspirations and support requirements.
2.5 Undertake participant registrations, eligibility checks and initial assessments in line with programme requirements and relevant policies.
2.6 Work with participants to develop clear and achievable action plans that support progression towards employment, training, education or economic activity.
2.7 Maintain regular contact with participants to support continued engagement with the programme and encourage progression.
2.8 Work closely with YES Manchester advisers and delivery partners to ensure participants are referred to appropriate support including training, ESOL provision, health interventions, physiotherapy services and community support programmes.
2.9 Maintain accurate and timely records using internal systems and reporting platforms in line with monitoring and evidence requirements.
2.10 Complete all necessary documentation to support programme monitoring, reporting and performance management.
2.11 Develop and maintain positive relationships with community organisations, housing providers, employers and key stakeholders to strengthen referral pathways.
2.12 Represent YES Manchester at community meetings, engagement sessions, outreach events and promotional activities.
2.13 Support engagement campaigns and events that increase awareness of the programme and participation from local residents.
2.14 Work from YES Manchester sites and outreach locations across Manchester as required.
3. Person Specification
(To be evidenced within CV / Covering letter and interview)
Essential
3.1 Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the confidence and enthusiasm to engage a wide range of people including residents, community organisations and partners.
3.2 Demonstrable ability to build relationships quickly, influence others positively and motivate individuals to engage with support services.
3.3 Experience of community engagement, outreach activity or partnership working.
3.4 Demonstrates the values of YES Manchester CIO.
3.5 Patient, non judgemental and committed to empowering individuals to improve their circumstances.
3.6 Ability to work independently and as part of a team while managing a varied workload.
3.7 Willingness to represent YES Manchester in community settings, networking events and outreach activity.
3.8 Ability to attend events outside normal working hours including occasional evenings and weekends.
Desirable
3.9 Experience of engaging and supporting individuals from disadvantaged or underrepresented communities.
3.10 Experience of working with people facing barriers to employment, education or training.
3.11 Ability to record information accurately and maintain appropriate records using IT systems including Microsoft Office.
3.12 Basic understanding of Data Protection, Confidentiality and Safeguarding principles.
3.13 Knowledge of local employment, training and support services across Manchester.
3.14 Experience of supporting referrals into training, employment or education programmes.
3.15 Experience of partnership working with housing providers, community organisations or public sector services.
3.16 Full UK driving licence.
3.17 Minimum Level 3 qualification in Information Advice and Guidance, Community Development or a related field.
We are able to provide a wide range of services thanks to the help of our partners
