Project managers jobs in Birmingham

We aim to prevent or delay the onset of Type 2 diabetes and ultimately to achieve our vision of a world where diabetes can do no harm.

We’re working to build and grow a powerful movement of people helping to achieve a world where diabetes does no harm. The Engaging Communities and Volunteering Manager will lead a team, working alongside the diabetes community, which empowers people, communities and organisations to raise awareness, influence change and support people affected by diabetes to live well and access better care. 

You will be a dynamic and inspiring leader experienced in all aspects of project management. You will be skilled in developing and delivering programmes which support people in challenging circumstances, working with people and communities to improve life outcomes. You will be experienced in managing teams, supporting colleagues to excel and deliver high impact strategic outcomes. You will understand the needs of diverse groups and be passionate about ensuring that support is developed collaboratively with people with lived experience enabling them to live will and access better care. You will have excellent communication and engagement skills which enable you to grow and nurture relationships with a complex set of stakeholders, including people with lived experience, volunteers and community organisations.

This is a Home-based role, connected to our office in Wolverhampton. Ideally you will need to be located in the Midlands and East of England region.

We are looking for an experienced Regional Opperations Lead, to coordination all aspects of the StreetDoctors operations within the Midlands  Region and to ensure our programmes are fit for the future.

We are an award-winning national charity  which trains over 20,000 young people affected by street violence each year in emergency first-aid, through a team of 250 healthcare volunteers and youth workers. We empower young people with the skills to become part of the solution to violence by developing their skills and confidence to save lives and increasing their understanding of the medical and psychological consequences of violence.

As the StreetDoctors lead for the region, you will provide leadership in partnership development, volunteer management, the delivery of training and maintaining quality standards.
The key areas of focus include:

• To create, develop and maintain partnerships with a range of organisations including, funders, commissioners, community organisations, criminal justice organisations, education providers and youth organisations.
• To develop and manage engaged volunteers and youth workers and ensure their expectations are aligned to the organisation's objectives and provide the best volunteering experience possible.
• To deliver training and ensure the quantity and quality of projects meet the required targets and new opportunities are maximised.

At StreetDoctors we believe diversity supports innovation and creativity. We are committed to equality of opportunity, being inclusive, and being representative of the people we are here to support. We would therefore encourage applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make this role your own and take the charity to the next level, with the full support of a dedicated, experienced team.

The successful candidate will ensure that the charity remains resilient and able to deliver on its commitment to grow and evolve to meet the needs of the people we serve.

The role is a mix of operational activity, day to day management and strategic thinking; with the continuous building and nurturing of external relationships with our NHS, public sector and not-for-profit stakeholders.

Working alongside a committed trustee board, skilled staff and volunteers, you will bring drive, experience and passion to the team. You’ll get terrific support from the outgoing postholder as needed, with the space to act and bring your own ideas to the forefront.

We are looking for a manager to lead on the relationship with the project funder, to lead a team of two co-ordinators and take ownership of project monitoring, analysis and reporting. You need to bring experience of liaising with senior stakeholders, people management and project management skills, including analysing data, and writing concise and comprehensive reports.

We are expanding our team to allow us to significantly grow and develop one of our key projects, Jericho Works. The project enables us to maximise our impact and take Jericho’s expertise out into the community, engaging with community organisations to reach those who face challenges in finding work and helping them progress in their journey towards employment. Jericho Works offers one-to-one employability support, short-term work tasters and placements, support into progression opportunities including volunteering, training and employment, and employability-focussed hardship and practical support.

We would consider 0.8 FTE for the right candiate. The successful applicant must have the Right to Work in the UK as we are unable to offer sponsorship.

What you will be doing: 

· Maintaining and developing our relationship with the key funder and their team

· Leading on regular funder meetings 

· Budget forecasting and monitoring

· Line management of project co-ordinators, including regular one-to-ones, appraisals, overseeing their development and supporting them to achieve their targets 

· Identifying creative opportunities to maximise the impact and reach of the project, including for example creating and delivering workshops or other training.

· Contributing to direct participant support as needed and offering support to the team with more complex cases 

· Meeting project targets including numbers of participants supported and positive outcomes 

· Working with colleagues across Jericho and external partners to identify opportunities for participant progression 

· Strengthening our network of community organisations and referral partners 

· Ensuring timely submission of appropriate reports to trustees, senior management team and key funders, including data, finance and narrative reporting. 

 

What skills are we looking for? 

Essential

· Experience of people management and team leadership

· Experience developing partnerships

· Excellent verbal and written communication, networking and presentation skills

· Strong planning, organisational and project management skills

· Ability to record, manage and analyse data for monitoring and reporting purposes

· Good understanding of safeguarding

· Experience of providing support, mentoring and/or coaching to individuals who face barriers to employment

· Ability to work independently and manage own workload in addition to working as part of team

· An appreciation of and sympathy with The Jericho Foundation's Christian roots and values, and a commitment to its mission of supporting people facing barriers to employment into sustainable work.

· Ability to travel to various sites including ones not accessible by public transport 

Desirable

· Experience within the charity or employability sectors.

· Knowledge of Birmingham's community organisations and support providers

· Experience of liaising with funders

· Understanding of supported employment and employability programmes. 

About JERICHO 

JERICHO is an award-winning Birmingham-based charity and family of six social enterprises. We provide supported work opportunities for people facing extreme challenges in getting a job and have been helping people across Birmingham into employment for over 30 years. We primarily support marginalised young people and survivors of modern slavery. What makes our model so effective is the way we combine work placements with individualised wrap-around support, training and a range of targeted activities. Our approach is focused on helping people address the issues that are affecting their life chances, build skills and confidence and ultimately become more employable. 

INTERVIEWS ARE PLANNED IN PERSON ON TUESDAY 28th JULY

We have an opportunity for an experienced and motivated leader to join our Service Improvement & Transformation team. As a Programme Lead – Integrated Support, you will lead the development and delivery of integrated support models for people living with Motor Neurone Disease (MND).

As a Programme Lead, you bring expertise in project governance, stakeholder engagement and service improvement. You are confident managing risk, budgets and performance, and skilled at turning strategy into delivery. This Programme Lead role will see you coordinate interconnected projects, drive collaboration and ensure consistent, high-quality delivery across an ambitious programme.

This is a pivotal role at the heart of national transformation, where you will drive innovative approaches to service design, strengthen partnerships across health and care systems, and ensure that people affected by MND receive high-quality, coordinated support wherever they live.

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead the planning and delivery of the Programme Lead – Integrated Support portfolio
• Coordinate seven connected workstreams, ensuring alignment and quality
• Develop and manage programme frameworks, governance and reporting
• Drive progress across projects, managing risk and dependencies
• Work with senior stakeholders to shape and deliver strategic priorities
• Oversee timelines, budgets and outcomes across all activity
• Promote inclusive collaboration with colleagues, volunteers and communities
• Use data and insight to track performance and embed improvement

About You 

• Proven experience as a Programme Lead or within a similar role
• Strong project and programme leadership across multiple initiatives
• Formal project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM or Agile)
• Experience in service improvement and quality improvement methods
• Strong stakeholder engagement, including senior leaders
• Skilled in risk management, planning and delivery within budget
• Analytical thinking with the ability to translate insight into action
• Experience within health, charity or service-led organisations
• Knowledge of integrated service delivery approaches
• Experience developing sustainable programme frameworks

Further information about working for the MND Association and full job description is available in the attached Candidate Pack. 

This is a home-based role with travel requirements across England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders. 

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements. 

What We Offer 

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays 
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies 
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video 
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines 
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave) 
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping 
• Enhanced pension scheme 
• Opportunities for training and personal development 

About Us 

Motor Neurone Disease moves fast. It takes away time, it takes away independence and it has no cure. Every day we support people affected by MND. We fund ground-breaking research. We campaign for better care. We’re here for everyone who needs us. Because with MND, every day matters.   

Think Active is entering an exciting period of growth, collaboration and system leadership. Over the coming years, we aim to strengthen our influence and impact across Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire, particularly in tackling inequalities through the power of sport and physical activity.

At the heart of our work is our vision:

#WeThinkActive – Everyone in Coventry, Solihull & Warwickshire to benefit from movement and enjoy sport and physical activity in safe and thriving communities.

And our mission:

We will use the power and potential of sport and physical activity to enable future generations to have healthier and more prosperous lives.

The role reflects the growing recognition that physical activity has an important role to play in improving health, reducing inequalities and strengthening communities across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, pre-employment checks, a DBS check and proof of the right to work in the UK.

The main responsibilities of this role are:

Main Responsibilities 

Relationship Management 

• Lead and manage relationships with partners and support the development of local partnerships and networks that drive collaboration across relevant sectors. 

• Lead or support the development of place-based partnerships that align multiple agendas across sectors and advocate for the benefits of physical activity.

Project Management 

• Lead Think Active-managed initiatives, ensuring aims are clearly defined, delivered on time and within budget, and aligned with organisational values. 

• Use data and insight to co-design, deliver and evaluate projects and initiatives. 

• Produce clear performance reports, reporting against SMART goals and targets.

Financial Management 

• Take responsibility for diversifying Think Active's income streams in line with the business development plan, operating within funding guidance and financial procedures. 

• Manage project budgets, including forecasting, monitoring income and expenditure, and submitting financial reports. 

Demonstrating Impact 

• Track and report progress through case studies and evaluation processes that evidence the impact and value of Think Active's work. 

Marketing and Communications 

• Build brand visibility by strategically managing partnerships and contributing to Think Active's wider marketing and communications activity. 

• Help position Think Active as a leading voice in health, wellbeing, and physical activity through innovative partnerships and initiatives. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

Essential Criteria

• Relevant degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience in business, health, sport, physical activity or a related field.

Desirable Criteria

• Project management qualification

Knowledge

Essential Criteria

• Knowledge of local and national strategies and policies relating to sport, physical activity and health promotion.

• Knowledge of current trends and innovations in sport and physical activity participation and promotion.

• Knowledge of the barriers facing the least active members of society and the benefits of physical activity.

• Knowledge of the local community and key stakeholders across Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire.

Desirable Criteria

• Knowledge of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults in sport.

•  Experience of leading and managing people, including setting and reviewing work programmes, providing clear direction and demonstrating the behaviours required to achieve agreed standards.

Experience

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience in partnership development or a comparable role within a sport, physical activity, health, charity, non-profit or similar setting.

• A track record of delivering successful individual, team and partnership outcomes.

• Experience of developing, managing and nurturing relationships with partners and stakeholders.

• Experience of drafting, implementing and reporting on strategic development plans and policies in partnership with stakeholders and communities.

• Experience of planning and managing budgets, including meeting the requirements of funding agencies or partner organisations.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of fundraising and grant applications.

• Experience of event planning and delivery.

Skills and Abilities

Essential Criteria

• Ability to successfully lead, project manage and motivate individuals and project teams.

• Well-developed written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to motivate, persuade, negotiate and influence others.

• Strategic thinking, critical thinking and sound decision-making skills.

• Ability to work independently and manage a broad portfolio of projects, partners and budgets, balancing competing priorities and deadlines.

• Ability to promote and champion equality, diversity and inclusion, demonstrating a fair and ethical approach in all situations.

• Ability to effectively network and collaborate with internal and external stakeholders.

• Professional, supportive and able to maintain confidentiality at all times.

• Ability to reflect on performance, welcome feedback and commit to continuous professional development.

• Competent in Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills, with the ability to deliver workshops and group sessions.

• Ability and willingness to travel across Coventry, Solihull, Warwickshire, the West Midlands and nationally, and to work occasional evenings, weekends and public holidays as required

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to develop and implement effective partnership strategies.

• Demonstrates resilience, professionalism, flexibility and a supportive approach.

ABOUT THINK ACTIVE

Think Active is a charity and the Active Partnership for Coventry, Solihull, and Warwickshire. We are one of 6 sub-regional Active Partnerships within the West Midlands and one of 42 across England.

Active Partnerships are strategic organisations that recognise activity levels are affected by a complex system of influences, and no single organisation or programme can create sustainable change at scale. Understanding the unique attributes and challenges within Coventry, Solihull and Warwickshire, we work collaboratively with our network of local partners to help create the right conditions for those facing the greatest inequalities to have access to movement, sport and physical activity, in a way that works for them For further information on Think Active, please visit our website here

 

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR THINK ACTIVE

• Employer pension contribution of 6%, subject to scheme eligibility and terms.27 days annual leave (FTE), plus bank holidays.

• Agile and flexible working, with a blended approach to home, office, and remote working.

• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and sick leave policies.

• Contribution to the cost of eye tests.

• Commitment to professional development and training.

• Cycle to Work Scheme.

• Life Insurance cover

 We love difference and will be interested to find out what motivates you and how you can contribute to Think Active. We encourage diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We are a Disability Confident committed employer, and we actively encourage applicants from all protected characteristics and commit to providing any reasonable adjustments required during the application and assessment process, and upon joining Think Active.

We recognise that some of the language used within this job description may be sector specific. We are committed to keeping jargon to a minimum and would encourage interested applicants to ask questions or seek clarification at any point during our recruitment process.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Project Development Officer to join our team as a pivotal element of our new National Lottery Heritage Fund-supported project.

The project will significantly augment our capacity to support UK synagogues in need of support to preserve their historic fabric and protect and make accessible the Jewish heritage they embody. The successful candidate will report to the Foundation's Projects Director, leading on essential organisational development and project set-up in the year 1 Development Phase of the project.

While a specialist consultant team will be recruited to implement this project during years 2-6 of the project subject to a successful Delivery Phase application, the Project Development Officer is integral to scoping and developing the delivery programme in the crucial initial planning of the project.

We have a newly created opportunity for a Head of Portfolio Assurance and Reporting to join our fantastic Change and Transformation team at RBL.

Here at the Royal British Legion, we are currently embarking on an exciting new phase with our Customer, Technology and Change directorate. Together this team, covering Technology, Data Protection and Change & Transformation, takes great pride in supporting across RBL with all things technology, security, digital, data, portfolio and project management, and change. It’s a great time to join as our organisation begins to drive our new 10-year strategy and ensures we are best able to continue to make a difference to our Armed Forces community now and for the future.

Based in our Change & Transformation team, the new Head of Portfolio Assurance and Reporting will be responsible for leading RBLs portfolio assurance and reporting function, ensuring the change portfolio is clearly defined, prioritised, monitored and governed in a way that supports strategic priorities, strengthens confidence and enables effective decision-making.

The role provides leadership for portfolio reporting, performance insight, assurance, governance support, benefits management and portfolio-level visibility of risks, dependencies, resources and financial position. Working as part of the Change and Transformation leadership team and reporting to our Director: Change and Transformation, the role strengthens confidence that RBL is doing the right change, in the right order, with appropriate control, insight and evidence. It will work closely with delivery, change and business stakeholders while maintaining sufficient independence to provide objective insight, constructive challenge and assurance.

Come and be part of the leading Armed Forces charity, making a difference to the lives of those who have served to keep us safe and protect our way of life.

You will be experienced in supporting Portfolio Boards or senior governance functions with decision quality reporting, insight and assurance, with a strong understanding of portfolio management in a complex change environment. Your strong leadership, coaching and stakeholder management skills will be well utilised and you will be able to create clarity, structure and portfolio confidence in ambiguous environments.

You will be expected to travel regularly in the course of your work including regularly to London, Haig House. You will be contracted to your home address, where you will be expected to work when not travelling.

Employee benefits include –

- 28 day’s paid holiday (plus bank holidays) increasing with service, with optional annual leave purchase scheme of up to 5 working days
- Private Healthcare
- Enhanced paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Generous pension contributions, with Employer contributions ranging from 6% to 10%
- Range of flexible working options may be available, depending on your role
- Employee Assistance Programme providing confidential counselling, financial and legal advice
- Range of courses delivered by learning specialists to support your development goals and objectives
- Opportunities to volunteer
- Travel loans, Cycle to Work, and more!

For more detailed information about the role, please see the Job Description attached to our direct advert. Our teams take a personalised approach to shortlisting, which is carried out without the use of AI and is based on the evidence provided in your application against the essential and desirable criteria in the Person Specification.

RBL is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organisation, reflecting the diversity of the armed forces community and of wider society. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and personal characteristics.

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer interview schemes for candidates who declare an Armed Forces connection and/or a disability. However, candidates are only eligible for this scheme if their application clearly demonstrates that they meet all of the essential criteria listed in the Person Specification for the role.

We may close this vacancy early if we believe we have enough strong applications to be able to successfully fill the role. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

Peripatetic - Midlands and Wales, United Kingdom

Please note in regards to location this role can be based anywhere and travel will be required across the Midlands and Wales

We are looking for two collaborative and purpose-driven Project and Relationship Managers to join The Salvation Army’s Research and Development team helping shape projects that strengthen mission, support communities and make the very best use of resources.

This is a unique opportunity to work within a role that involves managing a varied portfolio of projects, facilitating collaboration, developing proposals and reports, and working with stakeholders across the organisation to shape effective and sustainable mission-focused solutions.

As a Project and Relationship Manager, you will have strong project management experience, excellent communication and relationship-building skills, and the ability to manage competing priorities while producing high-quality written work. You will be confident working with a range of stakeholders and influencing through collaboration.

You’ll bring people together, facilitate thoughtful conversations, build trusted relationships and guide projects from early ideas through to high-quality proposals ready for delivery.

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Experience in planning, managing, and delivering projects, ideally with a Christian ministry/mission focus
• Ability to clearly express the purposes and aims of The Salvation Army through your Christian faith, an ability to exercise your spiritual gifts to the benefit of The Salvation Army and your projects, and an ability to lead others in a process of spiritual discernment

• Strong communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and produce high-quality written reports and proposals
• Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to build collaborative relationships, facilitate meetings, and work effectively with stakeholders at all levels, both internally and externally
• A flexible and adaptable approach, with willingness to support the needs of the role, including occasional evening meetings and travel across the UK & Ireland Territory

This role has an “occupational requirement” to be a practising and committed Christian, actively involved with your own Church. The job holder will be in sympathy with the doctrines of, and supportive of, the purposes, aims and objectives of The Salvation Army.

In order to complete your application please download and read the job profile and any other attachments.

In the job profile you will find the criteria required for the role please make sure that you address this in your supporting statement as this forms the basis of our shortlisting.

Appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and evidence of your Right to Work in the UK in line with Home Office requirements. As we are not a licensed sponsor, applicants must already have the right to work in the UK. Details on how to prove your Right to Work can be found on the Government website.

The Salvation Army actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates, including those with criminal records. 

Please note that any Salvation Army employees who are under notice of redundancy and apply for this position will be given priority consideration.

We reserve the right to close this advert earlier if we feel that we have received sufficient applications.

Promoting equality in the workplace and as a disability confident leader scheme employer, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet all the minimum essential criteria for the vacancy.

Benefits:
25 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time) a contributory pension scheme; an employee assistance programme

This is a fixed term maternity position for up to 12 months

Working hours: Minimum of 35 hours per week

Closing Date: 30 June 2026

Interview Date: “Please note that the interview process will consist of two stages: an initial online discussion with the hiring manager, followed by a second-stage in-person interview on 16th July 2026, for candidates who are successful at the first stage.

Additional Salary information: £43,904 to £45,815 per annum, depending on experience

Job Description

The Head of Delivery & Partnerships is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing the 
successful implementation, quality of outcomes, and retention of DFN Project SEARCH programmes 
across the UK, the Republic of Ireland and Iberia, in line with our franchise agreement from Project 
SEARCH . This role leads the Delivery & Partnerships team, ensuring strategic alignment, excellence 
of delivery, and sustained impactful partnerships.
You will play a pivotal role in driving programme quality, ensuring retention, maintaining model 
fidelity, and ensuring high-quality outcomes for interns. Additionally, you will oversee the growth of 
our number of programmes, in line with our strategic regional and national plans. You will also 
contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation, working closely with cross-functional teams 
to maximise DFN Project SEARCH’s impact.
Regular travel throughout the UK will be required, with occasional travel to other areas of our delivery. 
In addition, occasional international travel may be required, for example to the annual conference in 
the United States.

Essential Experience and Skills
• A passion for changing the lives of young people with learning disabilities and / or who are 
autistic 
• Educated to degree level or relevant Professional Qualification 
• Highly motivated and organised self-starters with the ability to work under your own initiative 
• Strong understanding of supported employment, education, and local authority partnerships.
• Experience in project management, partnership development, and stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent communication, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Experience using data systems and performance management tools.
• Experience delivering training and speaking at events or conferences.
• Understanding of SEND provision and funding arrangements in the UK (e.g., EHCPs, DWP, local 
authorities).
• Experience working with senior stakeholders via formal reporting mechanisms.
• Leadership experience managing people/teams.
• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.

Desirable Experience and Qualifications
• Experience working with DFN Project SEARCH programmes or similar supported internship 
models.
• Experience in selling services or products and effective account management.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and health & safety in programme delivery.
• Knowledge and experience of using the Microsoft suite, in particular Outlook and Excel 
• Experience of using a CRM for administrative and reporting purposes

DFN Project SEARCH are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young 
people and adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. This post is subject 
to an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ 
candidates, disabled candidates, and from men, because we would like to increase the 
representation of these groups at this level at DFN Project SEARCH.

-Interviews will take place on:
  1st round July 23rd and July 24th
  2nd and final round: July 31st
  Closing date: Sunday July 12th

-Start date - Asap

This exciting role combines project coordination, relationship building, and impact development, supporting community organisations and ensuring our projects make a real difference.

You'll coordinate delivery across multiple projects, support staff and partners, capture and share the impact of our work, and represent BCM across the city. We are looking for someone who is collaborative, resourceful, and enjoys connecting people and ideas to make things happen.

At Diabetes UK, we believe that supporting healthcare professionals is key to improving the lives of people affected by diabetes. We’re looking for a dynamic and relationship-focused Healthcare Engagement Manager to join us and help strengthen our connections across the healthcare sector.

In this exciting role, you’ll drive engagement with healthcare professionals across the UK by building strong partnerships, delivering targeted communications, and coordinating impactful events and conferences. You’ll work closely with NHS staff, professional bodies, charities, and internal teams to create meaningful collaboration and drive positive change.

You’ll also help shape innovative ways of engaging healthcare professionals, while ensuring our messaging reaches the right audiences at the right time. From managing complex cross-organisational projects to developing thriving professional networks, this role offers variety, influence, and real purpose.

Freshwater Habitats Trust is the UK’s leading charity for all freshwaters. We are an evidence-led conservation organisation working to protect freshwater wildlife through practical, innovative and scientifically robust conservation projects across the UK and Europe.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Freshwater Habitats Trust’s New Forest team, delivering practical, landscape‑scale freshwater conservation projects across the National Park.

The role will focus on identifying, developing and delivering habitat creation and restoration projects to improve freshwater biodiversity at a catchment scale. This will include undertaking catchment walkover surveys to identify issues and opportunities, and working closely with landowners, technical specialists and a wide range of stakeholders to design and implement effective interventions—including habitat creation, restoration and nutrient management.

The postholder will lead on developing project work plans, securing necessary consents and licences, and managing contractors through delivery. Alongside this, the role will involve full project and financial management responsibilities, including budget oversight, reporting against targets, and liaising with funders.

Strong stakeholder engagement is key, with the role also representing the Trust at meetings and contributing to partnerships across the New Forest. This is a varied role combining practical conservation delivery with project leadership, offering the chance to make a meaningful impact on freshwater environments.

Role Purpose:

About Responsible Finance

Responsible Finance is the membership association for the UK’s Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs). CDFIs are community lenders, committed to delivering positive social impact, and offer fair and affordable finance to businesses, social enterprises and to people unable to access it elsewhere.

This is an exciting moment to be joining the CDFI sector. Responsible Finance and its members are focused on increasing access to fair and affordable finance for SMEs, social enterprises, people, places and communities that are underserved by mainstream finance. The Partnerships Manager will play a central role in turning that ambition into practical referral pathways, stronger partnerships and measurable growth in responsible lending.

Awareness of CDFIs remains low among many organisations that support SMEs and entrepreneurs. Many businesses that could benefit from CDFI finance are therefore not currently being directed to the sector. An increasing number seem to be turning to high interest lenders, which don’t always consider good customer outcomes.

We are therefore seeking an exceptional Partnerships Manager to develop and deliver a partnership outreach and creation strategy that raises awareness of CDFIs, increases referrals and signposting, and supports growth in CDFI SME lending. Our recent pilot with Lloyds Bank to refer declined SMEs to Responsible Finance, and our partnership with Grow London Local are just two examples.

Success in this role will mean building a prioritised partnership pipeline, converting relationships into active referral pathways, improving the quality and volume of referrals to CDFIs, and using data to learn what works.

Purpose of the Role

As Responsible Finance’s dedicated Partnerships Manager you will build strong relationships with banks, brokers and broker organisations, professional advisers, business organisations, government, local growth bodies and others to raise awareness, establish referral routes and strengthen onward pathways to finance readiness and business support.

Your work will be a driving force in delivering Responsible Finance’s ambition to unlock an additional £1bn of lending over the next five years.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading the development of Responsible Finance’s partnership and stakeholder relationship strategy, working with our CDFI members to identify the organisations with the greatest potential to support growth in demand and referral pathways.
• Educating potential partners and referrers about what CDFIs are, the finance and support they provide, and of their role in local economic growth and community development.
• Increasing referrals and signposting to CDFIs centrally through Finding Finance and locally from organisations supporting businesses, improving access to finance and supporting lending growth.
• Managing the ongoing development and continuous improvement of the Finding Finance platform to ensure that it supports frictionless referrals and good customer outcomes – and that ongoing attribution data informs the ongoing targeting of partners.
• Developing routes for onward referrals to organisations that can support businesses with technical assistance, finance readiness and wider business support, creating a stronger future pipeline for CDFIs.
• Representing Responsible Finance at sector events, roundtables and stakeholder meetings, with a clear engagement plan, follow-up process and route for converting contacts into partnership opportunities.

This is a varied and dynamic role, working closely with our members and a range of external stakeholders. This job description is not exhaustive; it outlines the key tasks and responsibilities of the post which are subject to change. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.

Role success measures and outcomes

• A prioritised partnership strategy and engagement plan agreed with Responsible Finance and informed by CDFI member needs.
• A live pipeline of target partners, with clear next actions, ownership, status and expected impact.
• New or improved referral pathways from priority partner segments, such as banks, brokers, accountants, local growth bodies, business support organisations and others.
• Improved quality, tracking and attribution of referrals through Finding Finance and local partner routes.
• Evidence of learning from pilots, including what drives referral quality, customer engagement, member value and responsible lending growth.

Skills and Experience:

Essential

We are looking for someone with experience of partnership development, stakeholder engagement or business development in a relevant environment. Experience of the finance ecosystem, SME support landscape or local economic development networks would be particularly valuable. Knowledge of CDFIs is highly desirable but not essential for the right candidate.

• Strong relationship-building skills. Must be comfortable working with stakeholders at a range of levels.
• Proven ability to build partnerships from prospecting through to implementation, including converting conversations into practical actions, pilots or agreements.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Previous experience in a similar stakeholder / partner facing role.
• Highly self-motivated and able to drive your own work forward, but equally a team player with a collaborative working style.
• Willingness to travel regularly – this role is partner and stakeholder facing and the post holder will be required to travel frequently, up to twice a week, and sometimes at short notice.
• Strong presentational and public speaking skills and experience.
• Ability to develop compelling value propositions and engagement materials for different audiences.
• Strong project management skills, including planning, budgeting, prioritisation, delivery against milestones and managing dependencies across multiple stakeholders.
• Confidence using data, dashboards or CRM-style tools to track pipeline activity, referral performance and outcomes.
• Ability to work collaboratively with members or delivery partners, balancing different organisational priorities and capacities.
• Understanding of good customer outcomes, referral quality, consent and data-sharing considerations in a partnership or customer journey context.
• Strong judgement and political/stakeholder awareness when representing an organisation externally.

Desirable

Working as part of a small organisation, you will need to demonstrate flexibility and versatility and have opportunities to support a range of other projects and support services for our members, developing a wide range of skills and competencies.

Therefore, in addition to the essential criteria above, we are also interested in candidates with the following skills and experience:

• Experience in organising and delivering events and workshops.
• Experience of creating and delivering presentations.
• An understanding of CDFIs and/or lending helpful – particularly investor relations and social enterprises.
• Experience line managing and/or directing the work of other team members.
• Experience working with banks, brokers, accountants, business support organisations, local authorities, combined authorities, chambers of commerce, growth hubs or social investment networks.
• Experience designing referral journeys, customer pathways, partner onboarding processes or account-management frameworks.
• Experience using or improving digital referral platforms, CRM systems, forms or reporting processes.
• Understanding of SME finance, access-to-finance barriers, finance readiness, social enterprise finance or inclusive/local economic growth.
• Experience developing partnership agreements, memoranda of understanding, pilot plans or data-sharing processes.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and responses to the following questions to Careers4Change:

• What appeals to you about this job/Responsible Finance and why do you think you’ll do a great job?
• Tell us about a partnership or stakeholder relationship you developed. What was your approach, what changed as a result, and what did you learn?
• Based on what you know about Responsible Finance and CDFIs, what would your approach be to developing strong partnerships and referral pathways?

We recognise that the use of AI tools is widespread these days, and it is often obvious when it’s used. We will automatically reject applications where the use of AI without any editing or your original thoughts is evident. The ability to be thoughtful and tailor to your audience is crucial for being successful in this role.

 

Job title: Responsible Finance, Partnerships Manager

Location: Remote with frequent expenses-paid travel – up to 10 times /month

Reporting To: Programme Director 

Contract: 18-month fixed term contract with intention to make permanent, subject to performance and funding 

Salary: £40,000

Date Closes: Friday 17th July