At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful programmes supporting people facing homelessness into sustainable employment.
- Company: Join Change Please, an award-winning social enterprise making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and the chance to create social change.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Be a changemaker in your community while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing employability programmes and strong relationship-building skills.
Change Please is an award-winning social enterprise. Since launching from a single cart in Covent Garden in 2015, we have grown into an international business operating across four countries.
Through the sale of our coffee to large national and global organisations, we generate profit to fund barista training, living wage employment and holistic support for people experiencing homelessness. Our work enables individuals to access housing, therapy, financial wellbeing support and onward employment opportunities.
We exist to do business better, partnering with organisations to turn social value commitments into measurable impact.
As we continue to expand our employment programmes nationally, we are looking for a Programme Manager (England) to lead and develop our work across North West England and the Midlands.
Role Objective
The Programme Manager (England) will lead the delivery and development of Change Please's Impact programme across North West England and the Midlands. The role is responsible for managing the full trainee journey, developing regional partnerships and ensuring high-quality programme delivery that creates sustainable employment opportunities for people experiencing homelessness.
Location
This role is based within commuting distance of North West England, with regular travel across Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham and other programme locations as required. Occasional travel to London, including overnight stays, will also be required.
We recognise the importance of balancing work with personal and family commitments, and we will always aim to consider requests for flexibility wherever reasonably possible.
Key Responsabilities
Programme Delivery
- Lead the day-to-day delivery of Change Please's Impact programme across North West England and the Midlands, ensuring a consistent, high-quality trainee experience across all locations.
- Plan and coordinate programme activity, including training schedules, venues, staffing, travel, resources and partner engagement to meet agreed delivery targets.
- Manage regional programme resources, budgets and logistics, ensuring effective use of funding and operational efficiency.
- Work independently across the region, managing priorities and planning activity to achieve programme outcomes.
Trainee Journey & Support
- Manage the end-to-end trainee journey, from referral and assessment through to training, work experience, employment and sustained in-work support.
- Deliver employability support including CV writing, interview preparation, confidence building and workplace readiness.
- Work closely with the Support Team, Safeguarding Leads and external agencies to ensure trainees receive appropriate support while maintaining professional boundaries and safeguarding standards.
- Monitor trainee progress, identify barriers to success and coordinate timely interventions to maximise positive employment outcomes.
Partnership & Employer Engagement
- Build and maintain strong relationships with referral partners, employers, local authorities, charities and community organisations to develop sustainable referral pathways and employment opportunities.
- Develop a diverse network of employers offering work experience, placements, internships and permanent employment.
- Represent Change Please professionally across the region, acting as a key contact for partners, funders and stakeholders while identifying opportunities for programme growth and future partnerships.
Leadership & Continuous Improvement
- Provide guidance and support to trainers, contractors, volunteers and local delivery resources, ensuring consistent programme delivery.
- Maintain accurate programme records and produce reports on activity, outcomes and impact to support organisational learning, funding and quality assurance.
- Identify opportunities to improve programme delivery, contribute to future service development and support the expansion of Change Please's regional programmes across England.
Skills, Experience & Attributes
Essential
- Experience managing employability, education or social impact programmes.
- Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment.
- Strong relationship management skills.
- Experience working with external stakeholders.
- Excellent organisation and project management.
- Understanding of safeguarding.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel regularly across the region (or ability to travel independently between locations).
Desirable
- Coffee/hospitality experience.
- Knowledge of homelessness sector.
- Experience securing employment partnerships.
Package
- Contract: Permanent
- Salary: £37,000–£39,000 per annum, dependent on experience
- Working Pattern: 40 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
- Location: This role is based within commuting distance of North West England
A note about Change Please Job Descriptions
A job description is an outline of this role, setting out the main responsibilities and the skills, knowledge and experience required. It is not intended to be a complete detailed account of all activities involved. We would encourage anyone who has experience that would match this role and wants to join our movement to get in touch.
Change Please is a fast moving, developing business so roles need to be flexible, and we need flexibility from our latest Changemaker!
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
At Change Please, equality, diversity and inclusion are not side projects; they sit at the heart of who we are and why we exist. As a social enterprise supporting people with lived experience of homelessness into employment, we see first-hand how systemic barriers, stigma and inequality can affect opportunity. We believe everyone deserves the chance to thrive, not just survive.
We are committed to building a workplace where people feel safe, respected and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. We actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities that are under-represented in our workforce or who may have experienced barriers to employment.
We are committed to creating an inclusive recruitment process and working environment. If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know and we will be happy to support you.
Safeguarding Statement
Change Please is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all clients, many of whom may be adults at risk.
All roles require a commitment to safeguarding, and the successful candidate will be expected to uphold safe working practices at all times.
This role may be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks, including references, right to work verification, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks where applicable.
Programme Manager (North West England) in London employer: Change Please
Change Please is an exceptional employer that prioritises social impact while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture. As a Programme Manager in North West England, you will have the opportunity to lead meaningful initiatives that empower individuals experiencing homelessness, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and professional growth opportunities. Join us in making a tangible difference in the community, backed by a passionate team dedicated to creating sustainable employment pathways.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (North West England) in London
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Change Please.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Change Please.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Change Please.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Change Please. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (North West England) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Change Please. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Programme Manager (North West England), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Change Please
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Change Please. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
