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- Tasks: Lead the design and delivery of impactful programmes in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Elevate Great is dedicated to closing the inequality gap through innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model with 2-3 days in the Edinburgh office and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team at the forefront of social change, shaping impactful programmes from the ground up.
- Qualifications: Experience in developing new ideas and leading teams with empathy and clarity is essential.
- Other info: This role is perfect for those who thrive in early-stage building and are ready to make a difference.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Denholm are delighted to be partnering with Elevate Great in their search for a Head of Programmes to join them on a permanent basis. This role will work on a hybrid basis, 2-3 days a week in their Edinburgh office. Elevate Great are closing the inequality gap by backing bold ideas that start early, because change that lasts starts young. Their Innovation Hub is where that ambition gets built: designing, testing and scaling solutions that can shift the system for good.
The Head of Programmes will lead this work from the inside out. Ideally, you'll be someone who sees possibility where others see process. You will have shaped new ideas, built things from scratch, and know how to balance experimentation with execution. Maybe you've done it in a start-up, or in a small team with a big mission. Either way, you're ready to do it again - with purpose and momentum. You'll join them at an exciting point - shaping how their Innovation Hub grows, the structure of their programmes, and how they bring rigour and creativity together. They are a small, committed team looking for someone who's energised by early-stage building, not fazed by it. You'll help them figure out what great looks like - then work side by side to make it real.
What you'll be doing:
- Working with the Senior Management team to lead the design and delivery of programmes that turn our strategy into real-world impact.
- Embedding agile, evidence-led ways of working across a growing team.
- Using data, research, and insight to shape and sharpen everything we do.
- Building deep partnerships across sectors - from government to grassroots.
- Supporting the organisations we partner with through thoughtful, practical advisory support.
- Creating systems and structures that help the work run smoothly - and stand up to challenge.
What we're looking for:
You've helped shape new products, services or ideas - and know how to turn a good concept into something that works in the real world. You bring structure when it's needed, energy when it's missing, and momentum that others can rally around. More than anything, you know how to lead with humility, clarity, and purpose. You know when to push, when to pause, and how to get people moving together.
You’ll thrive here if:
- You're not afraid of doing hard things or asking hard questions.
- You lead with empathy, not ego.
- You bring discipline to creativity - and vice versa.
- You're committed to brave, bold, energetic, human and evidence-led work.
If you are interested in this unique opportunity, then please get in touch as soon as possible for an introductory chat.
Head of Programmes employer: Denholm Associates
Contact Detail:
Denholm Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Programmes
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Elevate Great's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to closing the inequality gap will help you align your experiences and ideas with their goals during conversations.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social innovation sector. Attend relevant events or webinars where you can meet people who work in similar roles or organisations, as they might provide insights or connections that could benefit your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led programmes or projects from inception to execution. Highlight your ability to balance creativity with structure, as this is crucial for the Head of Programmes role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of agile methodologies and evidence-led practices. Be ready to explain how you've implemented these approaches in past roles, as they are key components of the position you're applying for.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Head of Programmes position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their mission of closing the inequality gap.
Craft a Compelling CV: Your CV should clearly showcase your relevant experience in leading programmes, particularly in innovative or start-up environments. Emphasise your ability to balance creativity with structure, as well as any specific achievements that demonstrate your impact.
Write a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the organisation's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate how you have successfully led projects or initiatives that align with Elevate Great's goals.
Highlight Your Leadership Style: Make sure to convey your leadership style in both your CV and cover letter. Discuss how you lead with empathy and clarity, and provide examples of how you've motivated teams and fostered collaboration in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Denholm Associates
✨Show Your Passion for Innovation
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for innovative ideas and solutions. Share examples of how you've previously contributed to projects that aimed to close the inequality gap or similar missions, as this aligns with Elevate Great's core values.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership approach, especially in terms of leading with humility and empathy. Highlight experiences where you successfully led a team through challenges while maintaining clarity and purpose.
✨Emphasise Evidence-Led Decision Making
Since the role involves using data and research to shape programmes, come equipped with examples of how you've used evidence to inform your decisions in past roles. This will show your ability to embed agile, evidence-led ways of working.
✨Prepare for Hard Questions
Expect to face challenging questions during the interview. Think about potential hard questions related to programme design and delivery, and prepare thoughtful responses that reflect your problem-solving skills and commitment to bold, energetic work.
