Programme Manager - Migration in Coventry

In line with our One Coventry Values, we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applicants from minority ethnic, LGBT+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents so that equity and respect remains at the heart of everything we do.

Our Values are:

• Open and fair: We are fair, open, and transparent.
• Nurture and develop: We help and encourage everyone to be their best and do their best.
• Engage and empower: We talk and listen to others, working together as one.
• Create and innovate: We embrace new ways of working to continuously improve.
• Own and be accountable: We work together to deliver the best services for our residents.
• Value and respect: We put diversity and inclusion at the heart of all we do.

We value diverse perspectives and experiences and are striving to create a workplace culture that is inclusive, accepting of all and free from discrimination and bias. Coventry is proud to be a City of Sanctuary and an International City of Peace and Reconciliation. The Migration Team exists to meet the needs of newly arriving communities and facilitate a successful integration journey into the city. As recognised leaders in refugee resettlement, we provide tailored support to vulnerable individuals through initiatives that promote employment, education, language acquisition and training, empowering people to contribute to the economic, civic and social fabric of our vibrant city. We work in close partnership with local organisations and national programmes to deliver innovative projects.

As a Programme Manager in the Council’s Migration Team, you will be a strategic leader managing a number of projects, designing and delivering outcome‑based interventions that improve integration and remove barriers for asylum seekers, refugees and other migrant groups. The role directly manages a team of internal Migration Team project managers and staff, co‑ordinates partnership working with Council departments, manages, builds and maintains relationships with key local and national voluntary and community sector partners and represents the Council in dialogue with Home Office and MHCLG colleagues. The role has grant and budgetary management responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead on the delivery of current programmes to support newly arrived communities in line with the Council’s One Coventry priorities.
• Build and manage key external partnerships and programmes to ensure the team can maximise its impact to improve integration and community cohesion.
• Effectively manage the Project Managers in the Migration Team supporting them to develop and deliver effective programmes, that addresses the needs and participation of newly arrived communities towards independence.
• Along with the other senior members of the Migration leadership team, lead the development of highly impactful influencing strategies, building collaboration across the Public Health and Migration department and wider organisation towards common objectives.
• Work effectively across the organisation to ensure that the team’s work is actively informing, supporting and underpinning cross‑organisational planning and integrated initiatives.

All candidates must have the Right to Work in the UK. We are currently not offering sponsorship for this role.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for someone who champions Coventry’s diversity and is passionate about breaking down barriers to integration.

Essential Behaviours

• Inclusive and collaborative: Builds strong partnerships and values diverse perspectives.
• Clear communicator: Explains complex issues simply and persuasively to varied audiences.
• Adaptable leader: Thrives in a fast‑paced environment and responds confidently to change.
• Results‑focused: Keeps projects on track and drives improvement when needed.

Key Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience managing complex partnership programmes and contracts.
• Strong understanding of migration in the UK and the challenges for local authorities.
• Skilled in analysing data and using evidence to inform decisions.

This is a two‑year fixed term position. We welcome applications for secondment.

For more information about the post please contact: peter.barnett@coventry.gov.uk 024 7697 2680