Senior programme development manager jobs in Manchester

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• Salary: c. £56,000 
• Full or Part Time – Open to both options 
• Permanent
• Location: We honestly don’t mind. You’ll be expected to travel between our London (Farringdon) and central Bristol offices as well as other locations across the UK. Either of our office locations or remote home working is acceptable. Please clearly state your preferred location in your application. 
• Closing date: 19 July 2026 (11:59pm) 
• First stage interviews: w/c 10 August
• Second stage interviews: w/c 17 August 

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) with experience of designing and embedding organisational DEIB strategies and leading culture change at a senior level to join our CEO Office.

This is a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment in our DEIB journey. You will lead the development of our next DEIB strategy, building on our ‘Brave, Not Perfect’ commitments and driving forward meaningful, measurable change across the organisation. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, you will shape the vision, influence decision-making and ensure DEIB is fully embedded across our culture, systems and ways of working.

You’ll act as both a strategic lead and an organisational change expert – engaging colleagues, supporting leaders, and ensuring our work reflects the diverse needs of the children and young people we support. This role does not have direct reports but carries significant influence across the organisation, requiring strong leadership, resilience, and the ability to bring others on the journey.

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

The next step in Young Lives vs Cancer’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging journey 

• Building on the work in ‘Brave, not Perfect’ to develop the next iteration of DEIB strategy at Young Lives
• To engage the organisation in the development and context of this work, and to deliver a programme model for the delivery of the goals within the strategy, including monitoring and evaluation 

Build on strong foundations

• To evaluate and develop our programme of internal DEIB engagement ‘DEIB Confident’ to reflect the goals within the next phase of DEIB strategy
• To support and develop our existing staff led networks, and the creation of new ones
• To lead and develop our approach to Equity Impact Assessment
• To coach, advise and challenge senior leaders and allies within the organisation

Leadership

• To role model the culture we want to see at Young Lives vs Cancer, through your behaviour, ways of working and approach to leadership 
• As a Head of department, you will be a key senior leader and manager, providing visible and confident leadership for all of our workforce at Young Lives vs Cancer, and taking a holistic organisational view in all matters – holding our strategy and vision for young cancer patients at heart.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Experience of developing and implementing an EDI strategy at a senior level 
• Understanding and knowledge of EDI legislation, policies and best practices 
• Experience of managing change initiatives and a practical approach to culture change including through systems, policy and procedures 
• Experience of leading, inspiring and motivating staff 
• A good leader with ambition and conviction and the ability and desire to inspire staff at all levels. 
• Demonstrable influencing skills and ability to develop networks both internally and externally 
• Experience of facilitating activities across geographically dispersed operations
• A respected project and change expert with personal confidence
• Understanding of oppression and the barriers that marginalised people face, and strong commitment to deliver anti-oppressive practices
• Demonstrate that Young Lives vs Cancer’s values are at the heart of everything you do: Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Changemaking, and Courageous

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

Interviews to be held early August

Do you have experience partnering with senior leaders to deliver people-focused solutions that support organisational success? Are you passionate about helping teams navigate change, build capability and create inclusive, high-performing cultures? Then join Shelter as an HR Business Partner and play a key role in helping us deliver our mission to defend the right to a safe home. If this sounds like you, please get in touch, expect robust interview questions as we want the best HR partnering for our charity and the most competent ER knowledge. In return will offer a supportive team environment, working from home, competitive salary and very generous staff benefits.

About the role

As part of Shelter’s HR Business Partnering team, you will work closely with directorate leadership teams to understand business priorities and translate these into effective people plans that support organisational objectives. You will provide strategic HR advice and coaching, lead on organisational change initiatives, and ensure people considerations are embedded into decision-making across your client areas.

You will build strong and influential relationships with leaders, helping them develop capability, manage performance, navigate employee relations matters and create positive workplace cultures. Working collaboratively with colleagues across the wider People Directorate, you will support the delivery of organisational development initiatives, workforce planning and cultural change programmes that enable Shelter to achieve its strategic ambitions.

Role specifics

As our HR Business Partner, you will be an experienced HR professional with strong business partnering and employee relations expertise. You will have a proven ability to work with senior stakeholders, providing both support and constructive challenge to help drive business performance and people outcomes. You will be confident leading on organisational change projects, interpreting employment legislation and applying HR best practice in a complex and geographically dispersed organisation.

You’ll act as the HR lead on change initiatives and transformational programmes, ensuring change is delivered effectively and with consideration for colleagues impacted. You’ll use HR data and insights to support decision-making, help leadership teams identify workforce priorities and champion a high-performance culture across your directorates.

You will also work closely with Trade Union representatives and internal stakeholders, supporting positive employee relations and helping ensure that organisational policies and practices are applied fairly, consistently and in line with Shelter’s values.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave (+ bank holidays), enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

The HR Business Partnering Team provides the strategic lead on people management and organisational development at Shelter. We aim to enable the organisation to have the right Culture, Capacity and Capability to achieve its purpose. We do this through providing Employee Relations and Business Partnering support, partnering with specific directorates within the organisation to understand business needs and advise on people initiatives which support the delivery of directorate objectives. Working with colleagues within the wide people directorate to delivery cultural and structural change management initiatives tailored to the needs of the business. Supporting the Head of HR Business Partnering in the continued development and delivery of the wider people plan.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions ofpeople are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in thefundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health,wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm,abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards ofbehaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Head of Community Fundraising. 

Salary: £57,000 - £66,500 per annum (dependant on experience and expertise).

Location: Remote, must be based in the UK and open to travel.

Contract: Permanent – Full Time 35 hours per week.

Benefits:    

· 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays pro rata, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave.  

· Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities.  

· Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages.  

· Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover.  

· Staff discounts and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailer's discounts.  

Why Action for Children?    

Working here is more than a job. We are passionate about protecting and supporting children, young people, and families. All our departments work together to achieve the high standards of safeguarding that make a difference to children and to the workforce. 

A bit about the role  

In this new role for Action for Children, the Head of Community Fundraising will lead the organisations Community Fundraising strategy, driving a high-performing Community Fundraising team and delivering ambitious and sustainable unrestricted income growth through standout products and excellent relationships.

How you'll help to create brighter futures 

· Develop and deliver a clear, multi-year Community Fundraising strategy that carefully integrates a faith focus, while prioritising the highest-value growth opportunities.

· Direct the organisation’s faith strategy, including acting as a senior internal and external sponsor for the Methodist Partnership and other strategically significant faith relationships.

· Lead, motivate and continual developing a team of fundraises and a specialist post to deliver at pace, setting clear expectations, stretching targets and strong performance management.

· Promote legacy giving as one of the key long-term impacts of Community Fundraising relationships.

· Accountable for community fundraising performance across the organisation through strategic leadership, prioritisation, governance, and investment decision-making.

· Lead cross-organisational collaboration by working closely with other Heads to maximise acquisition, integrated supporter journeys, and excellent supporter experience.

· Accountable for multi-million-pound income and expenditure budgets.

Let's talk about you 

· Must have extensive experience of setting strategic direction for a major community fundraising portfolio, with accountability for strategy, performance, and delivery.

· Must have a proven track record of planning, organising, and leading on major change programmes to deliver significant income growth.

· Experience of developing and managing strategic partnerships or community networks, including with faith-based audiences.

· Must have extensive experience of leading through influence across multiple functions, developing high-performing, motivated teams and improving performance where needed.

· Must have strong commercial and financial acumen, including experience of £1m+ budget management, forecasting income and driving ROI.

· Must have extensive knowledge and experience of using data, insight and testing to inform decision-making, improve performance and drive income growth.

· Must have excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.

 Please see the Job Description for the full list of accountabilities and requirements.   

Please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.  

Diversity, equality, and inclusion  

At Action for Children, we're dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace.  

We actively encourage applications from Black, Asian & Minority Ethnic, and disabled candidates as they are under-represented within Action for Children. We want to take deliberate and purposeful action to ensure equal opportunity to all groups in society and for Action for Children.  

Want to know more about Action for Children?  

Find us on  Linkedin, Facebook, Instagram or  YouTube to get to know us better.  

Closing Date: Thursday 23rd July 2026.

Interviews will be held via MS Teams week commencing 3rd August 2026. 

We Are Survivors is a survivor-focused voluntary sector organisation that aims to create and facilitate safe spaces for male (including trans and non-binary individuals) survivors of sexual harms across Greater Manchester, providing access to quality-assured support. Our work is focused on developing ways for individuals to empower themselves to work through personal and sometimes painful issues, guided and supported by our trauma-informed team, following the trauma and recovery model.

Our vision is to have “A society where NO male survivor is left behind”

The Outside Outspoken Navigator supports men as they leave prison or another secure setting and begin rebuilding their lives in the community. This role provides intensive, practical case management, helping individuals navigate the challenges of release by connecting them with services such as GP practices, housing, benefits, employment, and wider community support. The aim is to reduce barriers, promote stability, and help people establish a positive foundation for the future.

You'll be someone who is comfortable working with trauma and has experience in mental health, support, or community engagement. We're particularly interested in hearing from people who have worked with men, sexual 

harms, and their loved ones, but we also recognise that great people bring transferable skills and different experiences. If you're committed to learning, building trusting relationships, and making a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

At We Are Survivors, our values shape how we work every day. Transparency underpins our relationships, creating the openness that abuse so often takes away. Integrity is at the heart of everything we do, recognising that trust is fundamental to healing. Understanding means we take every survivor and their experiences seriously, meeting people without judgment and with genuine compassion. Being Responsive means we're committed not only to supporting survivors today, but also to predicting, educating, and preventing sexual harm against boys and men in the future.

If you're passionate about creating a society where no male survivor is left behind, and you share these values, this could be the role for you.

Why Join Us?

· a competitive salary.

· annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.

· company sick pay.

· Birthday annual leave.

· monthly clinical supervision.

· pension contribution.

· and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

At We Are Survivors, every role exists for one reason: to support male survivors of sexual harms and the people who stand alongside them. While each position has a different focus, they all contribute to helping survivors feel safer, more connected, and better able to move forward in their lives.

The ISVA supports male survivors throughout the criminal justice process, from making an initial report through to the conclusion of any investigation or court proceedings. Alongside providing specialist advocacy within the criminal justice system, the role ensures survivors understand their options, have their voices heard, and receive consistent emotional and practical support throughout their journey. The ISVA also works holistically, recognising that recovery extends beyond the legal process and helping survivors access the wider support they need. We are particularly keen to hear from men who want to support other men through the criminal justice process. We will provide training for the right candidate.

You'll be someone who is comfortable working with trauma and has experience in mental health, support, or community engagement. We're particularly interested in hearing from people who have worked with men, sexual harms, and their loved ones, but we also recognise that great people bring transferable skills and different experiences. If you're committed to learning, building trusting relationships, and making a meaningful difference, we'd love to hear from you.

At We Are Survivors, our values shape how we work every day. Transparency underpins our relationships, creating the openness that abuse so often takes away. Integrity is at the heart of everything we do, recognising that trust is fundamental to healing. Understanding means we take every survivor and their experiences seriously, meeting people without judgment and with genuine compassion. Being Responsive means we're committed not only to supporting survivors today, but also to predicting, educating, and preventing sexual harm against boys and men in the future.

If you're passionate about creating a society where no male survivor is left behind, and you share these values, this could be the role for you.

Why Join Us?

· a competitive salary.

· annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.

· company sick pay.

· Birthday annual leave.

· monthly clinical supervision.

· pension contribution.

· and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

Greater Manchester Moving is the Greater Manchester charity committed to changing lives by inspiring a healthier future in Greater Manchester through moving more, sport and physical activity. We play a strategic leadership role in support of the Greater Manchester wide movement, for movement.

We are seeking to recruit an individual with purpose, passion and integrity to lead, support and connect the Greater Manchester system in creating the conditions to enable Active Lives for All.

It’s an exciting time to join the team as we develop our vision to build and foster relationships with and between people, communities and system partners, to enable a whole system approach to supporting the development of community networks, activities and opportunities to move more and tackle inequality.

We are looking for someone who loves working with people, who can unite people from diverse backgrounds around a vision, who understands the power of collaboration and who can work with others to help people connect, support and lead across sectors, organisations and alongside communities to help us achieve the ambitions set out in the ten-year strategy, GM Moving in Action.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a high performing Active Partnership team working with a network committed to making positive change through physical activity, sport and movement.

This is a full-time role (37 hours per week), but job shares, secondments and reduced hours will be considered as part of our commitment to flexible working. Working days will predominantly be Monday to Friday. Our team works a minimum of two days a week in person, and our core office day is Tuesday. Occasional evening/weekend work may be required.

We have permanent office space at House of Sport in Manchester, and office space with GMCA and NHS GM at Tootal Buildings, Oxford Road, Manchester. We have regular team and co-working days, blended with homeworking. We trust you to work in a way that suits you and that enables you to be productive and thrive.

Greater Manchester Moving is committed to providing equal opportunities and promoting diversity, irrespective of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexuality, disability, religion, pregnancy or personal circumstance. We aspire to being a diverse, inclusive and responsible organisation. Our aim is to have a workforce that reflects and understands the communities we work alongside. 

Closing date: Sunday 19 July 2026, midnight 

Interview date: Wednesday 29 July 2026