At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage strategic programmes to drive positive change in the community.
- Company: Join Wokingham Borough Council, a vibrant local government with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, a local government pension, and free gym access.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your career in programme management.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and knowledge of local government processes required.
The predicted salary is between 52414 - 57870 € per year.
We have a fantastic opportunity for a Programme Manager to join our Business Change Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time 12 month fixed term contract. As a Programme Manager, you will ensure the successful delivery and monitoring of core strategic programmes within a portfolio of change. Your role will focus on programme objectives, programme level risk and issue management and benefits to be owned, measured and tracked. You will engage with cross-functional senior stakeholders to drive good governance across the programmes and ensure information is clear and transparent, support change management, maximise opportunities, escalated issues and address any resourcing impacts.
Benefits
- Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- GP Helpline – Available 7 days a week
- Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
- Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
- Free Onsite Gym – Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
- Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
- Move through Menopause Course
- Sports & Social Group Activities – Including running, football, cricket & more
- Learning & Development Opportunities
- Employee Networks
- And more!
Key Responsibilities
- Responsible for supporting the daily delivery of programmes across the housing services whilst working with other council directorates.
- Responsible for coordination of a strategic portfolio, working closely with the Business Change colleagues, especially the PMO and Portfolio Manager and Project Managers to ensure successful implementation and impact management.
- Accountable for the tracking of programme level related risks across the council with appropriate escalation and facilitation of risk and assurance sessions with senior leaders to understand potential issues, seek mitigations and provide successful delivery of services.
- Leading, motivating, and developing staff involved with projects and programmes in line with delivery requirements, to achieve consistently high employee engagement and performance, including line management responsibilities if required.
- Contribute to strategy, performance and quality control, and service and financial planning for specialist areas.
Candidate Requirements
- Relevant programme and project management qualification or skills and experience (MSP or similar).
- Knowledge of local government and particularly transformational Government and efficiency agenda.
- Relevant change management qualification or skills and experience (Prosci or similar).
- Experience of using Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, MS Project, MS Visio, PowerPoint.
Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside. We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.
Click the link below and Apply Today. Alternatively, for more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Lewis Borges, Head of Customer Experience and Change via lewis.borges@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).
Interview W/C 26th January 2026. Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying. If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer. Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.
We will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified. Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment. Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually. If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply. Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.
Programme Manager in Wokingham employer: Children's Social Care, Wokingham
Wokingham Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With generous annual leave, a robust local government pension scheme, and numerous learning opportunities, employees can thrive both personally and professionally in a vibrant community known for its excellent quality of life and strong local economy.
Contact Detail:
Children's Social Care, Wokingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager in Wokingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working at Wokingham Borough Council. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the council's recent projects and initiatives. Show us that you're not just interested in the role but also in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common interview questions, but keep it natural. We want to see your personality shine through, so don’t sound too rehearsed!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager in Wokingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for the Programme Manager role. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs at Wokingham Borough Council.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of your successes in programme management. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure you apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and keep track of all submissions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Children's Social Care, Wokingham
✨Know Your Programmes
Familiarise yourself with the core strategic programmes that Wokingham Borough Council is currently managing. Understand their objectives, risks, and how they align with the council's goals. This will show your genuine interest and help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Change Management Skills
Be prepared to discuss your experience with change management methodologies like Prosci or MSP. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led change initiatives in the past, focusing on the outcomes and benefits achieved. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the Programme Manager role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in engaging with cross-functional senior stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with different teams to drive governance and transparency in previous projects. This will illustrate your ability to navigate complex organisational structures.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions related to risk management and issue escalation. Think about past challenges you've faced and how you resolved them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
