Programme manager jobs in Oxford, oxfordshire

ABOUT TRAIN

TRAIN is a youth work charity based in South Oxfordshire. We support young people aged 10 to 18 in Didcot, Wallingford and the surrounding areas, especially those who are under-served.

Young people in our communities are facing complex challenges. Some are struggling with poor mental health, family instability or difficulties at school. Others simply need trusted adults outside positions of authority and somewhere they feel they belong. Through open-access youth clubs, detached and outreach youth work, mentoring and targeted support, we build trusted relationships that help young people grow in confidence, make positive choices and feel hopeful about their future.

Our work is built on trust, consistency and respect, and we're looking for someone who shares that ethos.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This is a fixed-term cover role leading TRAIN's youth work team while our Youth Work Manager is on planned medical leave.

You'll be leading an experienced team of seven youth workers delivering a busy programme across Didcot and Wallingford. Four members of the team are permanent staff and three are sessional workers. Your role is to support them well through regular supervision, practical leadership and day-to-day decision making, while ensuring our youth work continues to run smoothly.

This isn't simply a caretaker role. Although maintaining high-quality delivery is the priority, we're keen to hear from people who enjoy improving services and spotting opportunities to strengthen what already exists.

You'll oversee our full range of provision, including open access youth work, detached and outreach work, one-to-one mentoring and group programmes. You'll also play a lead role in safeguarding, work closely with local schools and partner organisations, contribute to organisational planning and occasionally deliver youth work sessions yourself.

We're open to applicants from a range of professional backgrounds. You don't necessarily need to have worked in a youth work organisation before, but you do need experience of managing people, working with young people facing disadvantage, and understanding the importance of relationship-based practice.

This role reports directly to the CEO and forms part of TRAIN's senior team.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

• Salary: £36,640 FTE for employed staff, pro rata (or £180 per day for self-employed contractors)
• Fixed-term contract for an initial 3-4 months
• 20-30 hours per week (negotiable)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)
• 3% employer pension contribution
• Flexible working with some home working
• TOIL for additional evening and weekend work
• Professional development and training
• Employee Assistance Programme including mental health and wellbeing support
• Supportive, collaborative team with regular supervision and shared learning

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Line manage and support TRAIN's team of youth workers through supervision, performance management and professional development
• Oversee delivery of our youth work programme across Didcot and Wallingford
• Lead safeguarding across the organisation
• Deliver youth work sessions when required
• Build and maintain relationships with schools, voluntary organisations and statutory partners
• Recruit, induct and support volunteers
• Monitor outcomes and reporting
• Contribute to organisational strategy as part of the senior leadership team
• Support fundraising, communications and stakeholder engagement
• Ensure delivery complies with safeguarding, legal and organisational requirements

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for someone who can confidently lead people while keeping young people at the centre of every decision.

You'll bring:

• Experience managing or supervising staff and volunteers
• Experience working with young people, particularly those facing disadvantage or marginalisation
• Safeguarding knowledge and experience
• Strong organisational skills
• The ability to build positive relationships with colleagues, young people and partner organisations
• Commitment to TRAIN's mission and values
• Eligibility for an Enhanced DBS check

A recognised youth work qualification, experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead, first aid training and experience of health and safety management would all be advantageous, but aren't essential.

Because this is a temporary cover role, we'll prioritise candidates who can start during August or early September 2026.

WHY JOIN TRAIN?

We're a growing charity with an experienced and committed team. You'll inherit well-established programmes and skilled colleagues, while still having the opportunity to shape how we work during your time with us.

If you're looking for a role where you can quickly make a difference to both a team and the young people they support, we'd love to hear from you.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send us:

• Your CV
• A brief covering note (around 200-300 words) explaining your interest in the role and how your experience relates to the position.

Applications are being considered on a rolling basis, so we encourage early applications.

If you'd like an informal conversation before applying, please contact Ben Drabble, CEO (details in pack) 

TRAIN is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to references and an Enhanced DBS check.