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- Tasks: Lead exciting design projects and manage bids to tackle complex challenges.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at the forefront of design innovation.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional growth opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: 6-month contract with potential for extension based on performance.
- Why this job: Be part of a creative environment where your ideas can shape the future.
- Qualifications: Design background or strong project management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We are looking for an exceptional candidate to join our Programme team to increase our bid and tender management expertise and capacity while also supporting the team to deliver design-led projects that demonstrate the value and impact of design in addressing complex challenges. This role will suit candidates with a design background and/or strong programme and bid management experience, including those from design consultancies, innovation programmes or creative public initiatives.
You will be responsible for overseeing the bid process internally supporting the team to respond to large scale opportunities while also contributing to the successful completion of projects on time and within budget. The ideal candidate will be responsible for:
- Managing a small number of projects ensuring client outputs are achieved within budget, scope and on time.
- Coordinating multidisciplinary teams including designers, researchers and external experts.
- Overseeing bid and/or project progress and address issues or delays.
- Effectively capturing knowledge by producing case studies and sharing these with colleagues.
- Managing client relationships and identifying opportunities for future collaboration.
- Supporting senior colleagues to scope potential new projects, bids or tenders with new clients.
- Sharing your expertise and knowledge with colleagues.
- Working with senior colleagues to ensure team quality, financial and other targets are all achieved.
- Undertaking any other reasonable duties as required.
This is a 6-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension aligned to business growth and the successful progression of programme development.
About you
- Graduate or equivalent professional experience in design, the creative industries and/or project leadership.
- Experience delivering design, innovation or transformation projects/programmes.
- Experience in project and programme management - AGILE PM certification (desirable).
- Experience managing bids, tenders, grant applications or proposal development.
- Experience delivering projects using design frameworks or design methods to improve places, address business challenges and/or upskill participants.
- Range of management skills, including resource planning, client relationships, people and communication.
- Ability to work in an agile environment, to be proactive and fast-paced while always ensuring results are achieved.
- Ability to be diplomatic, able to act with confidence and integrity in all situations while influencing others.
- Passionate about how design improves people’s lives.
Our values and behaviours
- Boundless Curiosity. Dynamic scoping of new ideas and best working practices to create and demonstrate impact.
- Inspire Possibility. Brilliant team and project leadership so we clearly communicate the value and impact of design.
- Powerful Together. Role modelling how to get the best out of everyone so we all maximise our contribution to Design for Planet.
Corporate responsibilities
- Proactively identify and manage risks and financial controls in relation to the Design Council and your specific area of responsibility.
- Comply with the Design Council’s operational policies and procedures including financial and risk management, project management and evaluation processes, brand guidelines, GDPR, information security and internal health and safety policy.
Programme Manager employer: Design Council
Contact Detail:
Design Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show us that you understand their mission and values, and be ready to discuss how your design background aligns with their goals. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings—be proactive! Reach out directly to companies you admire, even if they’re not advertising roles. A well-crafted email expressing your interest can open doors we didn’t even know existed.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply for roles. We’ve got a streamlined application process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your design background and programme management experience. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage bids and projects effectively. Use metrics where possible to illustrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value passion and integrity, so share your enthusiasm for design and how it can improve lives. A genuine voice can make your application stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Design Council
✨Know Your Design Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your design knowledge and project management skills. Be ready to discuss specific design frameworks or methods you've used in past projects, as well as how they helped address challenges. This will show that you not only understand the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Bid Management Experience
Prepare examples of your experience with bids, tenders, or proposal development. Think about the processes you followed, the teams you coordinated, and any successful outcomes. Highlighting these experiences will demonstrate your capability to manage the bid process effectively.
✨Demonstrate Team Leadership
Since this role involves coordinating multidisciplinary teams, be ready to share stories about how you've led diverse groups in the past. Discuss how you managed client relationships and resolved conflicts, showcasing your ability to inspire and motivate others.
✨Be Agile and Adaptable
The job requires working in a fast-paced, agile environment, so come prepared to discuss how you've adapted to changes in project scope or timelines. Share examples of how you’ve proactively identified risks and managed them, which will highlight your problem-solving skills and ability to stay calm under pressure.