Deputy Careers Lead


Company:	Lincolnshire County Council
Salary:	£33,673 to £36,581 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Lincolnshire
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 1 day remote
Job type:	Contract
Posting date:	7 Oct 2026
Closing date:	18 Oct 2026

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Summary

At InspireU, we are passionate about empowering young people aged 16-24 with Special Educational Needs and/or Disabilities (SEND) to achieve their aspirations and progress into meaningful education, employment and adulthood.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, driven and experienced Deputy Careers Lead to join our team and play a pivotal role in developing high-quality careers education, supported internships, work experience opportunities and employment pathways across Lincolnshire.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about improving outcomes for young people and has the leadership skills to build strong employer partnerships, lead a dedicated team and support learners from their first career aspirations through to sustainable paid employment.

About the Role

As the Deputy Careers Lead, you will oversee the delivery of InspireU's careers education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG), supported internship and employment programmes.

A key part of the role will be identifying and developing work experience, supported internship and employment opportunities through proactive employer engagement, networking, marketing activities and attendance at careers events across schools, colleges and the wider community.

You will lead a team of Careers Advisors and Job Coaches, ensuring learners receive outstanding support that is tailored to their individual aspirations, strengths and support needs. You will work closely with employers, families, educational settings and external agencies to create meaningful opportunities that enable young people to develop independence, confidence and employability skills.

The role requires a strategic and operational leader who can manage partnerships, monitor learner outcomes, ensure compliance with statutory guidance and contribute to the continued growth and success of InspireU's careers and employment provision.

Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain strong relationships with employers, training providers, colleges, universities and community organisations.

Source high-quality work experience, supported internship and employment opportunities through networking, marketing, employer engagement and cold-calling activities.

Represent InspireU at careers fairs, networking events and employer forums to promote employment opportunities for learners.

Line manage, support and coordinate Careers Advisors and Job Coaches to ensure high-quality delivery across all programmes.

Monitor the quality and impact of careers guidance, work experience and employment support.

Ensure careers guidance is delivered in accordance with statutory careers guidance and Gatsby Benchmarks.

Provide individual and group careers guidance that supports informed decision-making and positive progression outcomes.

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of post-16 and post-18 pathways, including apprenticeships, supported internships, T Levels, higher education and employment opportunities.

About You

We are looking for a passionate and motivated individual who:

Has experience of careers guidance, employability, supported internships, employment support or work-based learning programmes.

Has experience of leading or managing staff and supporting team development.

Is committed to improving employment outcomes for young people with SEND.

Has excellent communication, relationship-building and networking skills.

Is confident engaging with employers and developing new business relationships.

Has strong organisational skills and can effectively manage multiple priorities.

Is able to analyse data and use information to improve learner outcomes and service delivery.

Has knowledge of careers statutory guidance, Gatsby Benchmarks and progression pathways.

Is committed to safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.

Is enthusiastic, resilient and passionate about helping young people achieve their ambitions.

Why Join InspireU?

At InspireU, we believe every young person deserves the opportunity to achieve their potential. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to learners' lives while contributing to the growth of an ambitious and innovative organisation.

We Offer

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave entitlement

Pension scheme

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing professional development and training

Career progression opportunities

Employee wellbeing support

Cycle to Work scheme

Access to a range of employee discount schemes

At Lincolnshire County Council, we believe our people are at the heart of everything we do. That’s why we offer a rewarding package designed to support your work–life balance, health and wellbeing, financial security, and career growth. Find out more about our offer to you in the attached brochure.

This role will involve travel across InspireU sites and external employer locations throughout Lincolnshire.

Occasional evening events may be required.

A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward. Please also note: once an application is submitted it is final and cannot be amended. If you withdraw your application, it cannot be reinstated and you will not be able to submit another application for that vacancy. If you have an issue with your submitted application, please contact recruitment@lincolnshire.gov.uk.

Lincolnshire County Council 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.

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About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.