At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic programme creating inclusive community spaces across Greater Manchester.
- Company: Join Action Together, a creative charity making a real difference.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, professional development, and generous holiday allowance.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact while promoting equity and social justice.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing large-scale programmes and strong partnership skills required.
- Other info: Hybrid working environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.
Do you want to work for a dynamic, creative, fast-paced charity? At Action Together we see the amazing things people achieve when they work together to make the lives of others better. If you share our values: believe it’s possible, strengthen others, and be true, we’d love you to consider joining our team.
Thanks to National Lottery players, 10GM, on behalf of Greater Manchester Live Well, will receive £16.5 million over four years from The National Lottery Community Fund, the UK’s largest community funder. This investment in Live Well Spaces of Hope and Connection will create a network of 100+ inclusive, community-led and owned spaces across Greater Manchester where people can meet, belong and find everyday support.
The Head of Programme will lead and oversee delivery of this large-scale, multi-partner strategic lottery programme, ensuring delivery through funded partners is aligned to the programme’s mission, vision and values, while maintaining strong programme management, compliance and delivery of agreed outcomes. Working in close partnership with the Strategic Director of 10GM, this role provides senior operational leadership—translating mission, vision and values into clear delivery plans, pace, coordination and assurance across the full programme lifecycle.
The ideal candidate We are looking for a values‑driven programme leader with experience delivering complex, large-scale programmes through partnerships and/or multi‑stakeholder delivery models. You can translate strategic priorities into clear, accountable delivery plans that balance funder requirements with flexible, community‑led approaches. You will bring strong governance, budget and risk management skills, and are confident working across the VCSE, public sector and communities. Equity and social justice are central to how you work. You have experience embedding inclusive, community‑led approaches, using evidence and learning to reduce inequalities and improve impact. Comfortable with complexity and ambiguity, you communicate clearly, build trusted relationships, and lead teams with a learning‑led, collaborative mindset.
At Action Together we value diversity, promote equity and challenge discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are committed to ensuring that no applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of gender, age, disability, religion, belief, sexual orientation, marital status, or race.
Action Together is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We expect all of our employees to demonstrate this commitment.
We do not hold a Sponsor License and are unable to accept applications which require sponsorship to work in the UK. Please note, the successful candidates will be required to undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. A positive Disclosure of Offences will not automatically bar an applicant from being appointed and suitable applicants will not be refused employment because of offences that are not relevant.
Key information:
- Employer: Action Together CIO
- Locations: Hybrid, Greater Manchester, Manchester, Oldham, Rochdale, Tameside
- Role Type: Fixed term
- Salary: NJC PO3 SP34-35
- Working Hours: Full-Time
- Closing Date: Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 12:00pm
- Closing Time: 9am
- Contact Name: HR Team
- Contact Information: 0161 339 2345
Employee Benefits:
- Flexible working in practice (e.g., flexibility around start/finish times and the ability to balance office, home and community-based working, subject to role requirements)
- A commitment to reasonable adjustments and access support throughout recruitment and employment—please tell us what you need and we will work with you to put it in place
- An inclusive working culture with ongoing learning (including equity, anti-discrimination and cultural awareness) and support to do your best work
- Membership of SimplyHealth which pays a contribution towards the costs of visiting the dentist, opticians, and physiotherapy as well as access to counselling services
- Ongoing professional development
- Cycle and tech loan schemes
- 26 days holiday per year (increasing with length of service up to 31 days per year) plus bank holidays
- Employer Supported Volunteering
- Pension scheme - with 6% employer contribution
Flexible Working Options: Flexitime, Compressed hours
Working Pattern Details: Monday - Friday (some evening and weekend work may be required)
Would You Consider A Job Share For The Role?: Yes
Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection employer: Action Together
Contact Detail:
Action Together Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to Action Together. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the charity’s mission and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around community-led approaches and social justice. We want to see you shine, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex programmes or partnerships. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and make them impactful.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck, and we can’t wait to see your application!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programme- Spaces of Hope and Connection
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the community and how our values resonate with you.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in programme management and partnership work. We’re looking for someone who can translate strategic priorities into actionable plans, so be specific about your past successes!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key skills and experiences are easy to spot. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Action Together
✨Know the Mission Inside Out
Before your interview, dive deep into Action Together's mission and values. Understand how they align with your own beliefs about community support and social justice. This will help you articulate why you're a great fit for the Head of Programme role.
✨Showcase Your Experience with Partnerships
Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex programmes through partnerships. Highlight your ability to balance funder requirements with community-led approaches, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for Questions on Governance and Risk Management
Expect questions about your governance, budget, and risk management skills. Prepare examples that demonstrate your experience in these areas, especially in a multi-stakeholder environment, to show you can handle the complexities of the programme.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Action Together values diversity and inclusion, so be sure to share your experiences in embedding inclusive practices. Discuss how you've used evidence and learning to reduce inequalities and improve impact in previous roles.