Programme director jobs

About the role

The Programme Director role is an exciting new opportunity to lead the recently established Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC), enabling it to deliver contracts collaboratively across the voluntary and community sector and at scale. The role will be employed technically by Southampton Voluntary Services but fully seconded into SVC.

SVC is a newly established, system-backed partnership bringing together five charities – No Limits, Solent Mind, Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS), Citizens Advice Southampton and Social Care in Action (SCiA).

SVC does not directly deliver services; instead, it works through a network of VCSE partners to deliver high-quality, community-based provision. SVC currently holds a £2.8m per annum contract (6 years with the option to extend for a further 4 years) delivered through 15 providers and has ambitious plans to grow its reach and impact across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

We are seeking an experienced Programme Director to provide strategic and operational leadership at this critical stage of development. This is a senior system leadership role, combining partnership-building, programme development and disciplined oversight of performance, finance and governance. As a new role, we are open to exploring the precise make up hours. The role is advertised as 0.8FTE, but other options can be suggested to deliver the required responsibilities. 

You will:

• Act as the senior representative and “face” of SVC with commissioners, statutory partners and the VCSE

• Lead system, partnership and programme development across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight

• Position SVC as a trusted system partner and secure new programmes and contracts

• Oversee delivery across multiple VCSE partners, ensuring strong performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement

• Manage contract performance, including KPIs, financial oversight and risk

• Support the Board of Directors with governance, strategy and organisational development, including fulfilling Company Secretary responsibilities

About you

You will bring:

• Significant experience working with commissioners and the voluntary sector in complex, multi-partner environments

• A strong track record of leading programmes or contracts involving multiple delivery partners

• Financial and performance management credibility, with the ability to oversee budgets, risk and value for money

• Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills

• The ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and shape emerging models

• A values-driven, collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to both support and challenge partners

You will have a recognised programme or transformation qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience leading complex programmes.

We are open to flexible delivery models within the set budget and welcome candidates to propose how they would structure the role.

About Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS)

Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) is the umbrella body for local voluntary and community groups working in Southampton. They provide a wide range of services including specialist support, advice and training to their membership. They also provide and promote information to individuals and organisations on volunteering in the city.

Please note this role is employed by Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) which means you will get the following benefits:

• 25 days' holiday (pro-rata) increasing to 30 after five years
• 5% employer contribution pension with Aviva

Hours: 30 hours per week.

Location: Multiple partnerships and sub-contractors across the local VCSE Sector.

Closing date: Monday 25 May 2026 (11.59pm).

Interview date: The first stage of interview will be a 30 minute MS Teams call on 3 and 4 June. If you are successful you will then be invited to a second stage interview which will be face to face on 12 June 2026.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS - You will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment.

Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receiving your references.

We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply. Offers are made based on merit.

Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.