At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting robotics programmes and engage with schools and youth groups.
- Company: Join FIRST UK, an EdTech charity making STEM fun and inclusive.
- Benefits: Flexible remote work, competitive salary, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's futures through robotics and STEM.
- Qualifications: Experience in outreach, event management, and a passion for STEM.
The predicted salary is between 32000 - 39000 £ per year.
WHO WE ARE
We're FIRST UK, an EdTech charity using robots, role models and competitions to make STEM more approachable and inclusive – empowering young people with the technical knowledge and soft skills to thrive.
WHAT WE’RE LOOKING FOR
A Programme Manager who wants to play a pivotal role in driving forwards the UK’s most ambitious, impactful student robotics movement. Reporting to the Head of Delivery, you will be responsible for overseeing participation in our programmes, assuring high-quality and effective delivery whilst maximising opportunities for growth through:
- Outreach: Expanding participation among schools and youth groups
- Support: Delivering a high-quality experience for participants and educators
- Events: Coordinating and executing impactful robotics tournaments
- Volunteering: Recruiting, training, and supporting event staff and mentors
- Partnerships: Fostering a community of industry partners and STEM champions
You will be passionate about working with young people, educators, and industry to engineer better futures. You assume responsibility readily and will harness your knowledge and experience to scale our impact nationally.
What you'll get: Responsibility, sense of purpose, growth. You’ll be working in a small organisation which is lean, agile and fast-paced. Unimpeded by hierarchy and bureaucracy, you’ll have the freedom to experiment, fail fast and crack on. You’ll be using the latest tools and tech, promoting a validated and well-respected programme. Long before pandemics, we were working flexibly and remotely – it’s embedded in our culture.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
Working alongside other programme managers and with support from our development team, you will help scale our programmes regionally.
Outreach and growth
We work with thousands of young people in schools and youth groups, who are designing, building and then competing with robots in a series of epic competitions. Getting into schools is challenging, retaining them is a stretch, and achieving teacher referrals is harder still. Your energy and enthusiasm will help:
- Engage schools, teachers, and youth groups to increase participation
- Develop and manage partnerships with organisations and networks to drive growth
- Represent the programme at community events, educational fairs, and conferences
- Develop and nurture a community of ‘More Than Robots’ STEM champions
- Gather community insights to improve participant experiences and maximise impact
Programme delivery
Through your project management wizardry, you’ll support all aspects of programme delivery to ensure a safe, high-quality, impactful experience for participants by:
- Providing timely assistance and resources to educators, volunteers and participants
- Overseeing events, managing volunteers and delivery partners
- Developing programme content, educational materials, and communications
- Managing records, data, and reporting using tools like Salesforce CRM
- Assisting with surveys, evaluation, and monitoring to assess programme impact
Volunteer and partner engagement
We partner with leading UK companies who invest their money and people supporting our programmes. Using brilliant interpersonal skills you will:
- Recruit, onboard, and manage event volunteers and team mentors
- Develop and lead employee engagement initiatives which drive volunteerism
- Foster relationships with companies, universities and other organisations
- Evolve and enhance the volunteer customer journey, ensuring high-quality experience
WHO MIGHT THIS ROLE SUIT?
Someone who loves delivery, likes to roll their sleeves up and muck in - whether around events, outreach, volunteers, or partners. A real team player who wants to derive a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Perhaps you have worked in event and volunteer management, programme or delivery, or you might be an educator looking for a career change. Or perhaps you are just mad about robots.
KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
You will have:
- Experience conducting outreach and stakeholder engagement
- Experience in managing others to deliver programmes, events, or services
- Passion for STEM, tech for good, young people, inclusion, diversity
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
You are:
- A strong communicator - both written and verbal
- Familiar with technology and tools like Google Drive, MS Office, and Salesforce
- An effective project manager with great attention to detail
- Excellent with time management and ability to meet deadlines
- Resilient, robust and empathetic to others
VALUES AND BEHAVIOURS
You are:
- Driven - self-motivated with positive energy.
- Solution-oriented - see solutions not problems.
- Reliable - committed to seeing tasks through to completion.
- Curious - keen to learn, ask questions and grow.
- Collaborative - team player willing to take initiative and support colleagues.
- Adaptable - flexible and resilient in a dynamic environment.
I'm loving the sound of this, is there more I need to know? If there is, we'll chat about it in the interview.
CONDITIONS
We don’t talk about benefits; we talk about culture. It’s not about how many hours you work, or where you work them – it’s about what you deliver.
Salary – we've benchmarked the role at £32,000 - £39,000 pa, let's understand the value you can bring.
We advocate a work-life balance, maximising happiness and productivity.
We work remotely from home most of the time (but the role is technically hybrid).
We come together regularly to collaborate, at least once or twice a month in London, and more during event season.
You have access to coworking spaces where you live.
25 days of annual leave.
Our insurances are comprehensive – including 4 x salary, covered from start date.
Pension Scheme (Smart Pension) auto-enrolment of all staff after 3 months of service.
LOCATION
Our team is home-based, coming together regularly to co-work and deliver events. You should expect to attend a team collaboration day at least monthly, usually in London. This may require an overnight stay depending on your location. You'll work with schools and youth groups across England, building relationships primarily in the Midlands, Greater Manchester and Yorkshire, or in the South West, covering Gloucestershire, Dorset, Cornwall and Devon.
THE PROCESS
All applications via our Workable HR platform (no agencies, no pre-approaches).
Answer 3 simple screener questions.
Optional cover letter.
Closes 2359 on Sun 28 June.
To apply you must live in, and have the right to work in the UK. In accordance with our Safer Recruitment Policy, all employees of the charity will be asked for two references which will be conducted by phone and are subject to Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service checks upon appointment.
Programme Manager (Delivery) in London employer: FIRST Tech Challenge UK
At FIRST UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions a culture of flexibility, collaboration, and purpose-driven work. As a Programme Manager, you will thrive in a dynamic environment where your contributions directly impact young people's engagement with STEM, all while enjoying a healthy work-life balance and opportunities for personal growth. With a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, our team regularly comes together to foster creativity and community, making this an inspiring place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager (Delivery) in London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research FIRST UK, their mission, and their programmes. This way, when you chat with them, you can show off your passion for STEM and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend events, fairs, or conferences where FIRST UK is present. Meeting people face-to-face can make a huge difference and help you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your enthusiasm! When you get the chance to speak with someone from FIRST UK, let your passion for working with young people and STEM shine through. They want to see that energy!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team and making an impact.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager (Delivery) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to show your passion for STEM and working with young people.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. Mention specific examples of your outreach or event management skills that relate to what we do at FIRST UK.
Keep It Clear and Concise:We appreciate clarity! Use straightforward language and get to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your key achievements stand out.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our Workable HR platform. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at FIRST Tech Challenge UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand FIRST UK’s mission and the specifics of the Programme Manager role. Familiarise yourself with their outreach strategies, event management, and how they engage with schools and youth groups. This will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more confidently.
✨Show Your Passion for STEM
Since this role is all about empowering young people through STEM, be ready to share your enthusiasm for technology and education. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've inspired others or contributed to a STEM initiative. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the programmes, team dynamics, and future goals of FIRST UK. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and career aspirations.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Be ready to discuss your project management experience in detail. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to manage events, coordinate volunteers, and deliver high-quality programmes. Mention any tools you’ve used, like Salesforce, to showcase your tech-savviness.
