Programme Manager

Programme Manager (Strategic & Stakeholder-Focused)

North West (Hybrid)
Circa £70,000 + benefits

The Opportunity

We’re working with a high-profile, government-backed programme focused on improving productivity across UK businesses.

This is not a traditional change or transformation Programme Manager role.

Instead, this position sits at the intersection of strategy, engagement, and programme stewardship — overseeing externally delivered initiatives, shaping interventions, and working closely with organisations, partners, and government stakeholders to drive measurable impact.

It’s a highly visible, outward-facing role, suited to someone who brings credibility, sound judgement, and a consultative approach rather than a purely delivery-led mindset.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Engage directly with organisations to understand their challenges, maturity, and growth ambitions
• Lead workshops and diagnostic conversations to identify opportunities
• Shape tailored recommendations and programme interventions
• Oversee delivery through a small, multidisciplinary team and external partners (rather than direct hands-on delivery)
• Monitor outcomes and demonstrate impact against funding and programme objectives
• Build strong relationships with businesses, partners, and government stakeholders
• Act as a trusted, senior point of contact — guiding, influencing, and aligning delivery
• Support the evolution of programme models across different sectors
• Contribute to outreach activity, including events and partnerships

About You

We’re looking for a credible, relationship-driven individual who is comfortable operating in an externally-facing, influence-led role.

You are likely someone who thrives in environments where success is driven by engagement, judgement, and partnership, rather than rigid delivery frameworks.

You might come from:

• Public sector, third sector, or economic development environments
• Professional or business services (e.g. consulting, legal, financial services)
• Programme or transformation roles with strong external stakeholder engagement

You’ll Likely Bring

• Experience working with organisations to understand challenges and shape solutions
• Strong stakeholder skills, with the ability to build credibility quickly at a senior level
• A consultative, commercially-aware mindset
• Experience overseeing programmes or initiatives where delivery is shared or partner-led
• The ability to operate strategically while maintaining oversight of outcomes and impact

Helpful (but not essential)

• Experience in publicly funded or government-backed programmes
• Exposure to multi-sector environments or economic development initiatives
• Experience working in or alongside the charity / third sector
• Involvement in shaping or evolving programme delivery approaches

Why This Role?

• High-profile, well-funded programme with national impact
• Opportunity to shape how support is delivered across sectors
• A genuinely outward-facing role with influence and visibility
• The chance to drive meaningful, measurable outcomes for organisations

In Summary

This role suits someone who can:

• Build credibility quickly with senior stakeholders
• Understand real-world business challenges
• Translate insight into practical, impactful interventions
• Guide and influence delivery rather than control it
• Operate as a trusted, experienced voice across a complex stakeholder landscape