Head of Employability
Location: Flexible / UK-wide
Reporting to: Head of Talent
About the Role
The Head of Employability will lead Biffa's employability strategy, developing pathways into work through work experience programmes, early careers initiatives and government-funded employment schemes. The role will focus on creating opportunities for underrepresented groups while supporting Biffa's workforce needs, social value commitments and community impact objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver Biffa's employability strategy aligned to business and social value objectives.
- Lead and expand work experience, apprenticeship and early careers programmes across the UK.
- Build strategic relationships with the DWP, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities, education providers and employability partners.
- Secure and maximise opportunities through government-funded employment and skills programmes.
- Create pathways from work experience placements into apprenticeships and permanent employment.
- Champion initiatives supporting NEETs, people with disabilities, veterans, care leavers and the long-term unemployed.
- Promote inclusive recruitment practices and social mobility across the organisation.
- Monitor programme performance, funding utilisation, social value impact and employment outcomes.
- Manage budgets, contracts and governance requirements.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven leadership experience in employability, workforce development, social impact or skills programmes.
- Strong understanding of government-funded employment and training schemes.
- Experience designing and delivering work experience, apprenticeship or employability programmes.
- Strong partnership-building skills across public, private and third-sector organisations.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
- Experience managing budgets, contracts and performance reporting.
Success Measures
- Increased participation in work experience and employability programmes.
- Improved conversion of participants into employment opportunities.
- Growth in government-funded programme engagement and funding secured.
- Delivery of measurable social value and inclusion outcomes.
- Positive stakeholder and participant feedback.
Biffa – we’re changing the way people think about waste
At Biffa, we love working with waste. Whether we’re turning it into sustainable power, finding new ways to recycle it or simply keeping it off the streets, we believe every day is an opportunity to improve the lives of millions. It’s a view that’s shared by our 11,000+ people around the country, who trust us to provide them with a career that’s always rewarding, often challenging, but never dull.
We believe different ideas, perspective and backgrounds are key to developing a creative and effective working environment which is why you’ll find us championing diversity and equality at every turn.
Skills Required
- Proven leadership experience in employability, workforce development, social impact or skills programmes.
- Strong understanding of government-funded employment and training schemes.
- Experience designing and delivering work experience, apprenticeship or employability programmes.
- Strong partnership-building skills across public, private and third-sector organisations.
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills.
- Experience managing budgets, contracts and performance reporting.
What We Do
Founded in 1912, Biffa is a leading UK-based integrated waste management company providing collection, treatment, recycling, and energy generation services. Serving commercial, industrial, and public sector clients, Biffa promotes sustainable waste management solutions and a circular economy. The company employs over 10,000 people and is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 through investment in green infrastructure and innovative waste-to-energy technologies.
