Programmes manager jobs

Are you passionate about racial justice and supporting young Black people to thrive?

Our Youth Employment Manager role is an exciting new opportunity to lead on Poetic Unity’s innovative Employment programmes, which makes up one of our three priority areas: Mental Health, Employment and Education. This role, forming part of our Senior Leadership Team, will play a critical role in supporting thousands of Black young people across the UK to access safe, inclusive and empowering employment opportunities - changing culture and reshaping systems.

Key responsbilities 

- Be responsible for the development and management of the Chief Operations Officer Senior Leadership Training (COO SLT) - an innovative training programme for 10 Black young people to achieve the skills required to thrive in positions of senior leadership

- Be directly responsible for the management of the annual Cultural Leaders programme - a 12 month employment programme for 5 Black young people each year, working across different areas of Poetic Unity and with partners across the sector to develop transferable skills.

- Design, implement and manage The Blueprint - a national framework of best practice for the employment of Black young people in creative organisations

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the needs of the target demographic and are aligned with Poetic Unity’s strategic Vision

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the objectives and funding goals as outlined in associated funding requirements

- Be responsible for the effective monitoring and evaluation of all Employment programmes

- Be responsible for programme budget and finance management, working in line with awarded funding allocations and following all documentation protocols. 

Person specification 

- At least 2 years experience in leadership, people and project management roles, preferably within the charity sector

- Proven track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation. To hold the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring programmes to life, oversee and manage their efficiency and deliver against outlined project goals and funding requirements

- Experience in project finance management, including keeping to budgets, managing over or underspend, and maintaining required evidence for efficient fund management

- Strong background in operational management - programme impact and evaluation, risk management and programme development

- Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and advocacy, with the ability to represent Poetic Unity effectively at various levels and build strong, sustainable partnerships to support the programme goals and our strategic vision. 

About us

Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity committed to addressing systemic racism and its impacts on children and young people’s mental health, education and employment. We use poetry and social action to cultivate joy, connection and empowerment across our communities. Based in Brixton and founded in 2015, we have since worked with over 60,000 young people across the UK in communities, education, cultural spaces and prisons. 

As a Black-led charity working towards racial justice, we strongly welcome applications from people with lived experience of racism. We are also particularly interested in applications from women and people from and/or with knowledge of our local Brixton community.

If this role sounds of interest to you please read full job description below with more details and how you can apply

The young people, children and families that we support are at the heart of everything we do at Mermaids.  The work that we do has significantly expanded and we now need a highly effective and experienced Youth Advocacy Manager to join the organisation.  The Youth Advocacy Manager plays a crucial role in empowering trans youth, advocating for their rights and fostering inclusive  and supportive communities where they can thrive.  This role is a core part of our management team and will drive the organization to ensure that youth voice is centred across all of our work.

Mermaids is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from those with lived experiences (directly or indirectly) and/or close ties to the LGBTQ+ community. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences to join us and shape what we do. We are particularly keen to receive applications from BPOC (black and people of colour) and/or disabled and trans candidates.

 Programme Manager (Talent Exchange)

WIG is a non-lobbying membership charity that convenes and develops leaders across sectors enabling collaboration to deliver this growth and prosperity across the UK for the common good. Our vision is a country where cross-sector leaders come together to deliver social and economic outcomes, with the mission to become UK’s leading authority on cross-sector collaboration. For over 40 years, we've convened senior decision-makers across government, business and civil society to drive collaboration, innovation and impact.

We're a small, ambitious team of around 34 colleagues where individual contribution is visible, valued and meaningful. As we continue an exciting period of growth and investment, we're looking for a self-starter to help re-establish and expand one of WIG's flagship offers.

The Opportunity

You will have the skills and ambition to lead the delivery, growth and evolution of WIG's secondments portfolio, including our highly regarded Charity Next programme (which places Civil Service Fast Stream graduates within no-for-profit organisations) . You will play a pivotal role in enabling leaders to build cross-sector experience, via secondments and mentoring to share expertise and strengthen collaboration for the benefit of the UK.

This is a highly varied role combining programme leadership, business development, stakeholder engagement, customer service and commercial accountability. You will have the opportunity to work with senior leaders across government, charities and corporate organisations. It presents an opportunity for you to shape WIG’s talent exchange offer at a time when the government is going through considerable transformation.  

What you will be doing:

• Lead the strategy, delivery and continuous improvement of WIG's secondment programmes, including delivering cross-sector secondment opportunities for senior civil service, business and civil society leaders, placing 2 large cohorts annually of civil service fast streamers into charity secondments and supporting senior cross-sector mentoring brokerages. 
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with senior stakeholders across the civil service, private sector, charity and further education sectors.
• Act as a strategic adviser to hosts and secondees, ensuring successful placements.
• Support governance activity, including the Charity Next Advisory Board.
• Develop compelling proposals, new programme ideas and business development opportunities, aligning to WIG’s mission and Civil Service focus areas
• Capture impact through feedback, case studies and alumni engagement.
• Collaborate across WIG to strengthen the profile and reach of our leadership development offer.
• Drive programme growth, innovation and income generation against agreed revenue targets.

About You

You will be experienced working with multiple customers, able to communicate with people at all levels and in different sectors. You will be inquisitive and energetic and a good listener. You will enjoy working in a relationship-driven environment and enjoys working at the intersection of sectors. You will also be organised and able to manage multiple shifting priorities.

We're particularly interested in candidates who bring:

• Strong programme and/or project management experience, ideally within talent, leadership development, learning, secondments or related fields.
• Experience of working with senior stakeholders, ideally from across sectors. 
• Able to manage budgets, income targets and financial performance.
• Brilliant customer service and stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrable experience in building new strategies and models to drive growth.
• A proactive, resilient and collaborative approach.

We'd Love to See

• Experience of talent exchanges, mentoring, secondments or leadership development programmes.
• A demonstrable interest in policy, current affairs and/or business/civil society

Why Join WIG?

This is an exciting opportunity to shape leadership development on a national scale, working with influential leaders across sectors while helping to build stronger connections between government, business and civil society. You'll join a charity with ambitious growth plans, a collaborative culture and the chance to make a tangible impact on the UK's future leadership landscape. You will also be working alongside a brilliant team. 

#Programme Manager #Programme #Programme Manager #Manager #Talent Exchange Programme Manager #Programme Manager Talent Exchange

About DadVocates

DadVocates is a new four-year project, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, that will train, mentor and supervise young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood to act as volunteer peer advocates for young fathers going through children’s social care (CSC) proceedings, including Child Protection, Child in Need and Public Law Outline.

The project responds to evidence from our work with over 800 young dads, which shows that the majority felt negatively about CSC proceedings from the outset: many hold fatalistic expectations about losing contact with their children and are reluctant to engage. By matching young dads with a trained volunteer DadVocate at the earliest possible stage, the project aims to build agency, improve engagement and ultimately improve outcomes for children.

Over four years, the project will train 40 volunteer DadVocates, support 100 young dads through CSC proceedings, and deliver father-inclusive practice training to 160 social workers and other professionals across five local authorities. It will also co-design clear guidance on what good father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams.

This is a genuinely ambitious project, working at the intersection of lived experience, peer advocacy, social care practice and systems change. It was conceived by a young dad who is now a NEYDL trustee and qualified social worker and has been co-designed with 174 young dads over three years.

The role

The DadVocate Programme Manager will lead this project from the outset. You will recruit, train, mentor and supervise our volunteer DadVocates; chair and manage the project Steering Committee; lead the development and delivery of professional training for social workers; oversee monitoring, evaluation and funder reporting; and manage the project budget.

This is a programme management role, not a casework role. Cases are held by NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers; the DadVocates you manage provide peer support within those cases. You will have direct relationships with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and learning events, but your primary responsibility is managing and supporting the DadVocates and the systems around them.

The DadVocates are young dads with lived experience of young fatherhood, not professional practitioners. They will need significant support, encouragement and professional development to operate effectively in what can be a challenging environment. The quality of that management and support is central to the success of this project.

You will work alongside training and research providers, closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as the case holders and be supported day-to-day by the CEO.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with substantial experience, knowledge and competency working within the children’s social care and social work arena, alongside a track record of managing projects in the voluntary sector. The ideal candidate will bring both: professional grounding in children’s social care/social work and the programme management experience to lead a complex, multi-strand project over four years.

You will possess a deep understand of the children’s social care and social work system, be able to design and deliver training that changes professional culture and have the people management skills to support a team of volunteer young dads who are developing professional skills alongside their advocacy role. You will also need to build trusted relationships with young dad beneficiaries, social workers, academic partners and a range of local statutory and voluntary organisations.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of young fatherhood or young parenthood, from people with personal or professional experience of children’s social care proceedings (including professionally qualified social workers) and people from minoritised backgrounds.

What we offer

NEYDL is a close, inclusive and supportive team that actively invests in the development of its staff. We are a non-judgmental organisation built on mutual trust, respect and honesty. If you join us, you will be part of a team that genuinely believes in what it does.

In addition, we offer:

• 7.2 weeks’ annual leave per year, inclusive of statutory and public holidays
• 5% employer pension contribution
• A flexible hybrid working arrangement
• Regular supervision and fortnightly team meetings
• Funded professional development and training
• Mileage paid at 55p per mile for business travel
• The opportunity to lead a nationally significant project at the forefront of father-inclusive practice

Job purpose

To lead and manage the DadVocates project, a four-year National Lottery-funded programme training volunteer young dads as peer advocates for young fathers in children’s social care proceedings; delivering professional training to social workers; and working towards the embedding of father-inclusive practice across children’s social care teams in five local authorities.

Key responsibilities

1. Project management

• Take day-to-day responsibility for the management and delivery of the DadVocates project across all strands of activity
• Manage the project budget, monitor expenditure and liaise with the CEO and Finance Officer
• Update and maintain NEYDL’s Evaluation Framework with DadVocates-specific indicators and methodologies within the first two months of the project start date
• Ensure the project meets its funder milestones and KPIs, maintaining accurate records of outputs and outcomes
• Produce quarterly progress reports for internal review and contribute to annual funder reports
• Commission and manage the external evaluator for the four-year evaluation
• Identify and escalate risks and challenges to the CEO, recommending solutions

2. Steering Committee

• Chair and manage the project Steering Committee, which meets every two months and comprises young dads, NEYDL frontline staff, the safeguarding lead, social work professionals, related experts and academic partners
• Induct Steering Committee members, including young dads, into their roles, providing tailored support to ensure they can contribute confidently alongside professionals
• Use Steering Committee meetings to review progress, identify challenges and agree recommendations for the next period of delivery

3. Co-creating the DadVocate training programme

• Work with training and research providers, young dads and Steering Committee members to co-create a 100-hour peer advocacy training programme for volunteer DadVocates
• Deliver the DadVocate training programme alongside NEYDL staff and delivery partners
• Lead annual reviews of the training programme and update content in response to learning and feedback

4. Managing and supporting volunteer DadVocates

• Recruit and train 10 young dad volunteers per year (40 over four years), all with lived experience of young fatherhood
• Provide ongoing mentoring, supervision and wellbeing support to all active DadVocate volunteers: at least 50 hours per volunteer per year
• Set clear objectives for each volunteer, conduct regular appraisals and team meetings, and support their professional development and progression
• Recognise that DadVocates are young dads with lived experience rather than professional backgrounds, and provide the high level of structured support this requires, including supporting them to navigate professional environments with confidence
• Support the progression of volunteers into employment, further training and community leadership roles

5. Matching DadVocates with young dads in CSC proceedings

• Build and maintain referral pathways with social services, midwifery, Family Nurse Partnerships, Family Hubs and other local networks across target local authorities
• Match 100 young dads over four years with a volunteer DadVocate (10 in year 1, rising to 40 in year 4)
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers, who hold cases, to coordinate peer advocacy support within CSC proceedings
• Maintain oversight of active advocacy arrangements, ensuring DadVocates are appropriately supported and that safeguarding obligations are met at all times
• Engage directly with young dad beneficiaries through steering committee meetings, evaluation sessions and project learning events

6. Professional training for social workers

• Co-create professional training content with social workers and young dads on the Steering Committee, drawing on national research and NEYDL’s practice experience
• Deliver half-day induction training to 15-20 social workers per local authority at the outset of each area’s involvement, co-facilitated by young dads or DadVocate volunteers
• Deliver annual refresher training in each local authority
• Facilitate quarterly case review and learning meetings with social workers in each local authority, involving DadVocate volunteers
• Co-design guidance on what father-inclusive practice looks like within children’s social care teams, with social workers and young dads (first version in year 2; updated version in year 4)
• Organise and host two information-sharing events for social care professionals in years 2 and 4 (approximately 100 professionals per event)

7. Monitoring, evaluation and learning

• Coordinate data collection with young dads, DadVocate volunteers and social workers using NEYDL’s evaluation tools and new instruments co-designed for this project
• Produce annual evaluation reports and disseminate learning through NEYDL’s wider networks, events and conferences
• Share learning through stakeholder events, professional networks and NEYDL’s regular sector-facing activity

8. Safeguarding

• Ensure robust safeguarding arrangements are in place for all project activity, particularly for DadVocate volunteers operating within CSC proceedings
• Work closely with NEYDL’s Safeguarding Lead to ensure policies and protocols relevant to the project are current, understood and followed by volunteers and partners
• Act as first point of contact for safeguarding concerns arising within the DadVocates project

9. Collaboration and partnerships

• Work closely with NEYDL’s Senior Young Dads Workers as case holders, ensuring a joined-up and consistent approach to supporting young dads involved in the project
• Build and maintain relationships with academic, statutory and voluntary sector partners
• Work with the Business Development Manager to help secure longer-term Local Authority funding for DadVocates, using evidence of impact from the project to support conversations with Local Authorities and expand the project’s reach beyond the areas and targets in the original funding bid
• Represent NEYDL and the DadVocates project at external meetings, networks and conferences
• Contribute to NEYDL’s wider communications and engagement activity

10. Other

• Deputise for the CEO as required
• Report to the Board of Trustees in person or in writing on a quarterly basis as required

11. Standard clauses

• The post holder must carry out their responsibilities at all times with due regard to NEYDL’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion strategy, policy and statement, and Safeguarding Policy
• The post holder is responsible for ensuring that policies and procedures relating to health and safety in the workplace are adhered to at all times
• The post holder must respect the confidentiality of data stored electronically and by other means, in line with NEYDL’s Data Protection Policy
• This role requires satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) clearance prior to appointment
• This job description is not exhaustive. NEYDL reserves the right to reasonably add to or revise it at any time in agreement with the post holder.

SOS UK is looking for a Project Manager to deliver our engagement work with a focus on our Climate Action Fund programme – Student Energy Action for Life (SEAL).

Role details

Location: Home working in (or close to) London, Midlands or Manchester

Working patterns: 1 FTE (35 hours per week) with typical working times between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday. The role includes weekly travel with early starts and late returns, and approx. 6 overnight stays a year. 

Salary: Starting salary £32,289 per annum, rising to £36,843, plus London Weighting of up to £3,655 pro rata where applicable. We also provide up to a 6% pension contribution and life assurance.

Contract: Fixed term until December 2029

Closing date for applications: 31st August 2026 at 11.59pm

Interview dates: 14th September 2026 (TBC). All interviews will be held online.

About the role

This role will be primarily focusing on our Climate Action Fund programme – Student Energy Action for Life (SEAL), with opportunity to contribute towards our wider engagement programmes. SEAL has a twofold vision; to support students navigating the home energy system and to improve access to student energy efficient properties via landlord engagement and student campaigning. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Engage, maintain and develop strong relationships with key stakeholders particularly landlords and students' unions, as well as students, volunteers, universities, local authorities, and other key organisations. 
• Support landlords, student letting agencies and students’ unions to improve the energy efficiency of student accommodation, focusing on implementing energy efficiency initiatives, advice and support.
• Plan, design, and deliver engaging training sessions to a variety of audiences.
• Provide support for students’ union officers and other student campaigners working on housing energy efficiency campaigns, including the design and implementation of a national student home energy campaign.
• Support with the creation and management of sector wide student energy efficiency advisory groups including a home energy efficiency network, student advisory group and stakeholder advisory group.
• Contribute to the development and delivery of programme resources and communications, including social media and website updates. 
• Recruit, coordinate, and support student volunteers including line management of student staff when required.

Please read a full description of the role’s responsibilities and person specification (knowledge, skills, attributes, qualifications and experience) in the role profile.

Introducing SOS UK

SOS UK is a UK based charity transforming education so people protect the climate and nature.

Our education system helped cause the climate and nature crisis, but now we’re making it the solution. We are fighting to make sure everyone develops a commitment to protecting the earth and puts it to work – whether it’s at school, university or in their careers.

By empowering students and educators to build a better world, we can transform the lives of generations to come. In just a few years we have developed unstoppable student leaders. Behind these leaders every step of the way is the SOS UK community making sure students don’t have to fight for change alone. We unite people from every background, inside and outside education, because protecting our earth matters to each and every one of us.

The Opportunity 

As a key leader within our Partnerships and Income Development team, you will be responsible for creating, developing and delivering the Social Mobility Foundation’s Employer Programme – how we inform, influence and positively impact employer-led social mobility, and a source of income generation.

You will champion the Employer Programme internally, forging effective collaborations with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that our work with employers is understood and celebrated, and that opportunities to promote, develop and grow are maximised.

Reporting to the Head of Partnerships and Income Development, you’ll be the custodian of the Social Mobility Employer Index (SMEI) – our annual benchmarking and assessment tool for how UK employers recruit, retain and develop talent from all socioeconomic backgrounds and build inclusive workplaces. A key priority for this role will be a strategic growth plan for the Employer Programme that focuses on growing Index entrants, diversifying employment sectors, progressing employer best practice and maximising revenue.

By collaborating with internal teams and existing partners who offer pro-bono consultancy, you’ll scope, develop and deliver new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace.

We’re looking for someone who is willing and able to move easily between strategic thinking, marketing and hands-on delivery, and is excited about taking full ownership over this important work. Combining a passion for delivering our mission with keen commercial acumen, high attention to detail and project management skills, this is a unique chance to make a big impact on social mobility in the UK.

Location: We operate a hybrid model of work i.e. a combination of in-person and remote, with flexible days in the office depending on business need and your preferences. We would typically expect in-office attendance an average of one day per week.

When in the office you will be based in one of our regional offices (either Birmingham, Glasgow, Liverpool, London, Manchester or Newcastle – depending on preference and accessibility). This is where you will usually attend in-person events, training sessions etc. though some travel, to other offices and other locations, will occasionally be expected.

Contract: Full-time/Part-time, Permanent

Hours: We are looking for the right candidate and while we envisage this being a full-time role (37.5 hours per week) we are open to flexible working arrangements such as part-time, compressed hours, flexitime and job-shares. 

Occasional/frequent evening or weekend work may be required, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be given. 

Key Responsibilities:

1. Customer service and value proposition

• Develop value propositions for the SMEI and other employer products and services to help employers understand and improve social mobility in the workplace 
• Create and develop assets and activities to market the Employer Programme to employers across a range of platforms 
• Define the customer journey for the SMEI and ensure seamless customer experience, with clear and proactive communication and relevant content and resources 
• Actively manage and steward the customer pipeline for the SMEI and broader Employer Programme, reporting on prospects, acquisition and conversion 
• Gather customer feedback and market insights to help improve and develop products and services  

 2. Product ownership and project management 

• Project manage the Programme, with responsibility for key delivery areas yourself, as well as working with the Senior Index Coordinator / Policy Officer and other colleagues/external suppliers to deliver 
• Oversee the day-to-day delivery of the Programme and the annual Index scoring and feedback cycle, working with the Senior Policy Officer to ensure a smooth experience for employers  
• Lead the annual cycle for the SMEI product and other employer products as they are developed: defining the scope of work and setting priorities, survey review and design, data collection, overseeing marking and reporting, product review and evaluation 
• Manage all aspects of the Employer service, including the ongoing development of the digital platform, employer resources and online content   

3. Product and service development

• Develop the Employer Programme by scoping, developing and delivering new products, resources and services that equip employers with the knowledge and practical tools to improve social mobility in the workplace, e.g. a consultancy offer, events, webinars, staff training and off-the-shelf resources  
• Work with pro-bono supporters and existing partners to scope need, and test and pilot new products and services 
• Responsible for the annual evaluation of the programme, drawing on data and policy evidence, customer feedback and sector insights to inform development  

4. Stakeholder Management

• Champion and represent the Employer Programme externally, including attending and presenting at events, acting as spokesperson, meeting prospective entrants and other opportunities to grow connections and reach 
• Engage with external stakeholders, such as employers, policy experts and social mobility practitioners, to understand key issues and trends relevant to workplace and employer-led social mobility 
• Scope and create an external advisory group to support the development of the products and services that form part of the Employer Programme 
• Seek opportunities to collaborate with external partners to share relevant content and tools, and co-create and develop new products and services 
• Ensure that insights and impact from the Index and the SMF’s work with employers are communicated internally and externally 

5. Systems and Processes

• Work with internal and external partners to ensure the Index is as technologically efficient as possible, e.g. automating aspects of the marking and feedback process, ensuring quality monitoring, evaluation and reporting and identifying and progressing other ways to drive efficiency and maximise reach, whilst retaining the quality of the programme 
• Drive best practice and set a culture where digital tools are used effectively for relationship management and fundraising, including Salesforce 
• Maintain accurate and up to date records, using SharePoint and our Salesforce CRM to support pipeline management, income tracking and partner record 

6. Leadership and Development

• Play a proactive role in leading and inspiring the team, fostering a collaborative and creative culture of fundraising, income and product development 
• Champion the Employer Programme internally, forging effective collaborations across the organisation to ensure that our work with employers is understood and celebrated, and that opportunities to promote, develop and grow are maximised. Key relationships will include colleagues working in communications, campaigns and advocacy, data, finance and programme development.  

7. Line Management (Matrix Structure)

• Day-to-day people management  
• Identify training and development needs; employ a coaching approach, and clarify opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth  
• Recruit and induct new team members, and oversee the separation process for any leavers   
• Reasonably support well-being; provide a supportive work environment, and address any issues that may impact the well-being and morale of your reports   

Please see full job description attached for more details. 

Person Specification:

We need someone who will demonstrate our organisational skills-based competencies - as listed below: 

1.  Leadership
2.  Communication
3.  Adaptability
4.  Professionalism 
5.  Decision-making

Technical knowledge, understanding and experience required:

Commercial and customer service:

• Demonstrable experience in managing pipelines and/or stewarding customers, demonstrating excellent customer service skills and a high attention to detail
• Confidence in public speaking, presenting or facilitating workshops with professional audiences 

Project management and product development:

• Demonstrable experience designing, delivering and developing programmes, products and/or services that meet organisational needs 
• Demonstrable experience in project management, shaping long-term strategy while managing day-to-day operations and delivery 

Project management and product development:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with experience building and managing relationships 

IT skills:

• Experience using Microsoft Office
• Experience of using or understanding of CRM software to effectively support pipeline and partnership management e.g. Salesforce
• Experience of or understanding of managing and using digital platforms for programmes, products and/or services 

Policy and data skills (desirable):

• Understanding of issues related to social mobility, diversity and inclusion, or workforce development
• Understanding of and/or experience in benchmarking tools, indices or assessment frameworks 

See attached job description for more detail on the person specification

Ways of working:

• Most of our work is office based, but you will spend a lot of time collaborating with other teams and clients via email, telephone and other communications channels such as Teams or Zoom. 
• Some travel will be required as part of this role to other offices and locations, as needed for events, work placements and meetings.

Benefits

• 36/37 days' annual leave (England & Wales and Scotland respectively - includes bank and public holidays), with 3 of these days reserved for the annual end of year office closure.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• 5% Salary sacrifice pension scheme with enhanced matching employer contributions
• Employee Assistance Programme available to staff and their family
• Flexible work options such as hybrid working, flexitime, part-time
• Regular staff team building and business planning “away days”

How to Apply

If you are interested in applying for this role, please head over to our website by 23:59, Thursday 3rd September and provide the following information:

1)    An outline of your previous relevant job roles (job title and dates only)

2)     A cover statement outlining your suitability for the role, with particular emphasis on how your experience, skills and knowledge meet the person specification (max. 750 words)

Thinking of using AI to help with your application? AI tools (such as Chat GTP, Gemini and Copilot) can help you research the SMF and the role you're applying for. They can also help you structure your application. The applications that stand out most are the ones that feel genuine and reflect your unique self and experiences.

Please note that generic applications and CV’s will not be considered.

About the Roundhouse:
The Roundhouse is a youth charity and independent multi-arts venue based in Camden, London. We've spent the past 20 years shaping the UK’s cultural landscape as a home for world-class music, boundary-breaking theatre, circus, poetry and immersive installations. We're the UK’s leading creative centre for young people, engaging more than 10,000 young people annually through our creative youth programme. 

The Role

As our Senior Programme Manager: Freelance and Entrepreneurship, you will lead Roundhouse's work supporting young people aged 18–30 to access, establish and sustain careers within the creative industries. You'll shape and deliver an ambitious programme that removes barriers to entry, creates equitable opportunities and equips young people with the skills, networks and experiences needed to thrive as freelancers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

Reporting to the Head of Young People (Interim), you'll manage the Workspace Membership Manager and Programme Manager, providing strategic leadership for the Roundhouse Creative Business Accelerator, the Self Made programme and the Inflexion Workspace. Working collaboratively across the organisation and with industry partners, you'll develop innovative programmes, build meaningful partnerships and ensure our work responds to the changing needs of the creative industries.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced programme leader with a passion for improving access to creative careers. You'll play a key role in shaping inclusive pathways into the creative industries, using insight, partnership and innovation to help diversify the future creative workforce and ensure more young people can build sustainable and successful careers.

Weekend and evening work will be required according to business needs.

About you:

You'll be an experienced programme leader with a strong understanding of the creative industries, freelance careers and entrepreneurship, alongside a passion for improving access to opportunities for young people. You'll have experience designing and delivering high-quality programmes, building strategic partnerships and using data and evaluation to drive continuous improvement. Confident managing projects, budgets and people, you'll bring a collaborative approach, a commitment to inclusive practice and the ability to translate emerging industry trends into meaningful opportunities that help young people build sustainable careers in the creative sector.

We welcome applications from people who feel they can bring their own skills, experiences and ideas to the table and empower those around them to do the same. We encourage those currently underrepresented across the cultural sector and all intersections of our diverse society to apply.

The successful candidate must have a current and acceptable DBS check, or be willing to undertake one due to the nature of the role. 

For more information please download the full job description from our website and if you would like to apply, and feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please click “Apply Now” to complete your application by midnight on Sunday 6th September 2026.

Contract: Permanent

Working Hours: 35 hours per week (excluding breaks); Weekend and evening work will be required according to business needs.

Salary: £47,443.45 per annum

Application Deadline: Sunday 6th September 2026

First Stage Interviews: 15th and 16th September 2026 in-person

Second Stage Interviews: w/c 21st September 2026 in-person

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays pro rata, increasing after 2 years service up to 30 days

• Ability to buy up to 3 days annual leave

• Pension scheme

• Cycle to Work, Tech  and Home Scheme

• Season Ticket Loan

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Health Cash Plan

• Group Life Assurance

• Staff discount at our bar and café

• Complimentary staff tickets

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave

• Staff networks, forms and social groups

All personal data submitted to the Roundhouse in the form of personal details forms is used for recruitment purposes and equal opportunities reporting only. By submitting a personal details form, you consent to the Roundhouse retaining your personal data for these purposes. Personal details forms contain your name, address and details relating to your gender, religion and nationality. All forms are anonymised before use. In accordance with GDPR all information submitted by unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within six months. 

About the Roundhouse:
The Roundhouse is a youth charity and independent multi-arts venue based in Camden, London. We've spent the past 20 years shaping the UK’s cultural landscape as a home for world-class music, boundary-breaking theatre, circus, poetry and immersive installations. We're the UK’s leading creative centre for young people, engaging more than 10,000 young people annually through our creative youth programme. 

The Role

As our Senior Programmes Business and Evaluation Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the successful delivery of Roundhouse's creative programmes for young people. Leading the Programme Business Team, you'll oversee the operational infrastructure that underpins our youth offer – from programme planning, timetabling and business systems, to monitoring, evaluation, compliance and financial management – enabling high-quality experiences for thousands of young people each year.

Reporting to the Head of Young People (Interim), you'll manage the Programme Business Manager, Alumni Manager and Youth Programme Data and Operations Coordinator, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to deliver efficient, compliant and insight-led services. You'll use data and evaluation to inform strategic decision-making, drive continuous improvement and ensure robust reporting against organisational and funding objectives.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced operational leader who enjoys translating strategy into action, improving systems and processes, and leading high-performing teams. You'll play a key role in supporting Roundhouse's mission to put young people at the heart of everything we do while helping shape the future of our youth programmes.

About you:

You'll be an experienced operational leader with a strong track record of managing business support functions, leading high-performing teams and delivering continuous improvement. You'll be confident using data and evaluation to inform decision-making, with experience of monitoring impact, producing insightful reports and implementing effective systems and processes. You'll also bring strong financial management skills, a collaborative approach to working across teams and stakeholders, and a thorough understanding of compliance, including safeguarding, health and safety and GDPR. Above all, you'll be passionate about creating the conditions that enable exceptional opportunities and outcomes for young people.

Due to the nature of this role, you must be available to commence work by the end of November 2026. 

We welcome applications from people who feel they can bring their own skills, experiences and ideas to the table and empower those around them to do the same. We encourage those currently underrepresented across the cultural sector and all intersections of our diverse society to apply.

The successful candidate must have a current and acceptable DBS check, or be willing to undertake one due to the nature of the role. 

For more information please download the full job description from our website and if you would like to apply, and feel you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please click “Apply Now” to complete your application by midnight on Sunday 6th September 2026.

Contract: Fixed-Term until 30th July 2027

Working Hours: 35 hours per week (excluding breaks); Weekend and evening work will be required according to business needs.

Salary: £47,443.45 per annum

Application Deadline: Sunday 6th September 2026.

First Stage Interviews: w/c 21st September 2026 in-person

Second Stage Interviews: w/c 5th October in-person

Benefits:

• 25 days’ holiday per year plus bank holidays pro rata, increasing after 2 years service up to 30 days

• Ability to buy up to 3 days annual leave

• Pension scheme

• Cycle to Work, Tech  and Home Scheme

• Season Ticket Loan

• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

• Health Cash Plan

• Group Life Assurance

• Staff discount at our bar and café

• Complimentary staff tickets

• Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption leave

• Staff networks, forms and social groups

All personal data submitted to the Roundhouse in the form of personal details forms is used for recruitment purposes and equal opportunities reporting only. By submitting a personal details form, you consent to the Roundhouse retaining your personal data for these purposes. Personal details forms contain your name, address and details relating to your gender, religion and nationality. All forms are anonymised before use. In accordance with GDPR all information submitted by unsuccessful applicants will be deleted within six months. 

KEY INFORMATION

Location: Bristol, Newcastle, Nottingham, Manchester or London

Hours: 37.5 hours

Start date: October 2026

Duration: 12 month fixed term maternity cover

Salary: £42,000 - £47,000, plus £2,730 London weighting if based in London

Application deadline:Monday 31st August 5pm. Applications will be marked on an ongoing basis with rolling interviews, so we reserve the right to close the role before this date if the right candidate is found. 

ROLE SUMMARY

We’re looking for a Senior Programme Manager (12-month fixed term maternity cover) to lead our programmes of support for Associates pursuing careers in STEM, including Energy & Net Zero, Motorsports, Tech, and Engineering. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a multilayered team and work closely with strategically important employer partners and funders, ensuring that all engagement is delivered to a high standard.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

As STEM Senior Programme Manager, you will lead on upReach’s STEM programmes of support, managing significant partner relationships and supporting a team to effectively manage partner relationships, achieve programme OKRs, and complete their day-to-day tasks. You will also play a key role in the Programme Management group, leading on a cross-functional area of responsibility with a strategic impact across the entire Programmes team.

1) PROGRAMME DESIGN AND DELIVERY

• Make strategic decisions concerning the design and delivery of STEM programmes, working closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure quality and effectiveness. 

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of STEM programmes, with overarching responsibility for meeting internal engagement and application success OKRs, which you will utilise throughout the year to set priority areas for your team.

• Contribute to weekly Programme Manager meetings, sharing your insight and experience to generate ideas and practical solutions that support the overall improvement of upReach’s programme design and delivery. 

• Lead on parts of the weekly Programmes Meeting with the wider Programmes team, to ensure weekly focus areas and key team messages are communicated clearly to all team members. 

2) TEAM MANAGEMENT

• Manage a team consisting of a Programme Manager and Programme Leaders in a variety of locations, both virtually and in person, providing ongoing personal and professional development support through weekly 1-to-1 calls or meetings, written feedback on documents, and day-to-day guidance via Slack. 

• Support your team to provide high quality personalised support to their Associates, using centralised Programmes guidance and helping them to document all interactions with Associates and application progress.

• Use relevant impact dashboards and data to set priorities, support with managing competing workload demands and time management, to ensure that OKRs and stakeholder KPIs are achieved.

• Manage performance and development, including setting SMART goals and using appropriate tools and resources to support success. Provide regular, constructive feedback through weekly 1:1s, mid-point check ins, and end-of-year appraisals.

3) PARTNERSHIPS & EVENTS

• Maintain strong relationships with significant external partners, including managing the provision of appropriate volunteering opportunities and acting as a representative of upReach at external partner-led events.

• Lead on external reporting to partners, including managing bespoke quarterly/annual data & reporting requirements on aims and objectives, and having oversight of accurate data and survey response collection. Quarterly reporting will include leading regular internal stakeholder meetings, and gathering input from teams across upReach. 

• Oversee budgets for major funder-led programmes, including managing events costs and ensuring forecasts are met. 

• Have oversight of all STEM partners, supporting your team to manage day-to-day partnership responsibilities and ensuring that relationships are managed effectively to achieve programme objectives. 

• Support with running events and application processes smoothly, both in your team and within the wider team where necessary. 

• Collaborate with the partnerships team to make strategic decisions regarding how to grow upReach's existing and new partnerships within STEM, including playing a key role in renewal conversations and helping to shape the strategy and direction of STEM partnerships.

4) ASSOCIATE SUPPORT AND ENGAGEMENT

• Support a small group of your own Associates, engaging them with the upReach programme in line with OKRs.

• Act as a role model for the broader Programmes team, ensuring Associate facing tasks are completed to a high quality.

• Proactively use data dashboards to monitor Associate engagement across STEM programmes, identifying any areas of concern throughout the year and setting focus areas/action steps for your team to address these.

EXPERIENCE

To be successful, it is anticipated that you would have prior experience in the delivery of programmes and projects.

Essential experience:

• Experience in programme delivery from end to end, from design to reporting and evaluation.

• Experience working directly with key stakeholders to manage and grow a relationship and/or partnership.

• Line management or team leadership experience.

• Strong data skills, including Google Sheets/Excel experience. 

• Experience working in a fast-paced environment and working independently to find solutions to problems.

• Ability to engage and flex communication style confidently with a variety of stakeholders, such as beneficiaries, upReach partners and all levels of employees across the organisation.

• Strong collaboration skills when working in both small and large teams of varied team members.

• Self-motivation and an ability to work in a small team as well as independently, with a creative and a proactive attitude.

• Excellent influencing, facilitation and communication skills (both oral and written) and comfortable preparing and presenting reports and proposals to senior management and external stakeholders.

• University degree in any discipline, or equivalent experience.

Desirable experience:

• Knowledge of the types of roles available in the STEM space.

• Familiarity with G Suite and Zoom video conferencing software.

• Project management or programme management qualification.

SKILLS/COMPETENCIES

• Motivation 

• Leadership 

• Continuous improvement

• Planning and organising 

• Problem solving and decision making 

• Innovative

• Management 

• Commitment to social mobility

• Communication

TEAM CULTURE & BENEFITS: 

By joining the upReach team, you will be joining a team who are committed to supporting you in your career journey and fostering an inclusive culture. 

We offer: 

• Flexible and hybrid working

• Statutory Holiday Entitlement of 25 days, plus bank holidays. This increases to 27 days 2.5 years and then to 30 days after 5 years of working with us.

• Birthday leave and volunteering leave

• Enhanced Parental Leave beyond statutory requirements for all team members. 

• 3% Pension Contribution, which increases to 5% after 5 years of working with us. 

• Cycle-to-work and tech buying schemes.

• Monthly socials

• Dedication to Staff Wellbeing through our Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aid Training and annual wellbeing days

• Summer Hours (early Friday finishes from June to Aug)

• Personal Development Budget, activated after 6 months in the role

• The opportunity to participate in our fantastic staff networks: 

  • Disability and Inclusion Network

  • Diverse Roots Network 

  • Green Network 

  • LGBTQ+ Network

  • Mindfulness Network

  • Parents and Carers Network 

  • Socio-economic Background Network

  • (Im)Migrants Network 

READY TO APPLY?

We are committed to making our recruitment process inclusive. All applications will be blind screened, and our job packs are available in Braille, large text or another format upon request. We can provide reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment application process and on the job, and we'll always endeavour to be as accommodating as possible.

Applications close on: 31st August 2026, 5pm

Applications will be marked on an ongoing basis with rolling interviews, so we reserve the right to close the role before this date if the right candidate is found. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At upReach, we are committed to being an equal opportunities employer and do not discriminate in employment matters on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, social background or any other protected class. We celebrate and value the diverse perspectives that people from all backgrounds bring to our team. We are passionate about creating a workplace that is inclusive and reflects the diversity of communities across the UK. Diversity in the workplace creates dynamic and effective organisations and we are actively working to build a more inclusive workforce by continuously improving our recruitment, retention, and development practices. We  particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented groups, including Black, Asian and other ethnic minority backgrounds, those with disabilities , those who are care-experienced, those from low socio-economic backgrounds, and those who are LGBTQIA+.

Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is part of The Rivers Trust movement. We focus on the promotion and delivery of an ecosystem-based approach to improving the River Thames, working with partners including Thames Water, The Rivers Trust, the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and a network of Catchment Partnerships across the Thames Basin, to deliver an integrated approach to managing the river basin for people, biodiversity and the environment.

We are recruiting a Programme Manager to lead day-to-day delivery of the Water Company Partnership: a developing arrangement between TRT, The Rivers Trust, Thames Water and ZSL that works alongside and helps coordinate support for the 27 Catchment Partnerships of the Thames Basin. You will oversee delivery across all five of the Partnership's workstreams and be accountable to the Partnership Board for progress, combining day-to-day programme management with support to the Board's strategic oversight.

In practical terms, this role exists to help integrate Catchment Partnership hosts and partnership members with Thames Water's delivery programme, and to upskill those partnerships so they are equipped to plan, fund and deliver more on the ground themselves, building the same kind of productive relationships with other funders and partners too, not just Thames Water. It is a genuine opportunity to shape how a major water company and its environmental partners work together, and to help turn that partnership into real, measurable improvements for rivers and the wider environment across the Thames Basin.

Your responsibilities will span five workstreams:

● Governance: catchment partnership maturity and tiering, network structure and governance models

● Monitoring and Evaluation: river health scorecards, monitoring standards and evidence for investment decisions and Thames Water's PR29 submission

● Capability and Capacity, including CaPS: TRT's own Catchment Partnerships Support Programme, learning and development, and running the Thames Catchment Forum

● Catchment and Nature-based Solutions: supporting delivery of wetland, river restoration and storm overflow projects

● Blended Finance: developing environmental market mechanisms and diversified funding for Catchment Partnerships

You will also service the Partnership Board, coordinate quarterly reviews with individual catchment hosts, and act as TRT's key liaison with Thames Water, The Rivers Trust, ZSL and Catchment Partnerships across the region.

We're looking for someone with experience delivering environmental, catchment or nature-recovery programmes, strong partnership working and facilitation skills, and the ability to coordinate complex, multi-organisation programmes through influence rather than line management. Knowledge of the water sector, WINEP or AMP planning, nature-based solutions or blended finance would be an advantage, as would a project or programme management qualification.

Please note that we are interested in receiving and considering applications from candidates who may not tick every box. You may be just who we are looking for.

The details

Salary: £40,000–£42,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Initially funded for one year, with planned funding for a further two years

Location: Thames Basin, home-based, with regular travel across catchments and to partner offices in London

Reports to: Chief Executive, Thames Rivers Trust

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter, explaining why you're interested in the role and how you meet the person specification. More details in the full job description is available.

Closing date: 10pm, Sunday 30th August 2026

Interviews: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September 2026