Project Lead - Youth Guarantee Trailblazer

8 Month Fixed Term Contract, Full Time This is a fixed term contract starting from March 2026 with the possibility to extend. South Thames Colleges Group is looking for a dynamic Project Lead - Youth Guarantee Trailblazer to spearhead initiatives supporting young people aged 16-24 who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). This role is pivotal in designing, delivering and overseeing projects that make a tangible difference in the lives of young people.

You will lead a small team, coordinating activities, events, coaching, mentoring and work placements to ensure high-quality outcomes. Acting as the primary point of contact for participants, employers, mentors and partner organisations, you will cultivate strong relationships with external stakeholders to secure placements, opportunities, and resources. Our ideal candidate will have proven experience in project coordination or program management, ideally within youth engagement or employability sectors.

You will bring experience in staff supervision and team leadership, hold a Level 4 qualification or above, and possess strong skills in budget management and reporting. Success in this role requires exceptional organisational and time management skills, excellent communication, and a genuine passion for empowering young people to achieve their full potential. Closing date for the return of a complete online application is 11th March 2026 The benefits package includes generous annual leave of 27 days plus up to 8 additional days over Christmas/New Year as well as an additional 5 days Wellbeing leave to enhance employees physical and mental health.

There is an excellent pension scheme that receives a significant financial contribution from the employer (Teachers Pensions or Local Government Pension Scheme), subsidised sports facilities and professional development and training plus a salary sacrifice cycle to work scheme . The benefits package will be pro-rated for Fixed Term Contract staff. As part of our due diligence checks on prospective employees, successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references, an online search and proof of eligibility to work in the UK.

As outlined in the Public Sector Equality Duty of the Equality Act 2010, we are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships. The South Thames Colleges Group is made up of Carshalton College, Kingston College, Merton College and South Thames College, which merged on 1 August 2017.

South Thames Colleges Group is one of Londons largest providers of post-16 education and training and is an ongoing and significant contributor to its local communities. We aim to put students success at the heart of everything we do. We are looking for hard-working and collaborative people who can join our team and help challenge our students to achieve and progress.