At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national sports programmes to enhance PE and physical activity in schools.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on improving community health through sport.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team dedicated to reducing barriers in sports.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities by promoting inclusivity in sports.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Role purpose
Leading a portfolio of national or multi-region programmes that use networks, investment and partnership delivery to improve sport, physical activity and PE delivery in schools.
The role turns national priorities into practical, well-managed plans that work for schools and communities in different places.
It brings partners together around clear outcomes, makes sure funding and support are directed where they can make the greatest difference, and uses feedback from schools and local networks to improve delivery over time.
Key responsibilities
- Own integrated programme plans, budgets, dependencies, risks, benefits and reporting across several delivery strands.
- Coordinate government bodies, local authorities, schools, active partnerships, national governing bodies, community organisations and suppliers around shared outcomes.
- Provide proportionate appraisal and performance insight on grant‑funded activity, ensuring delivery quality, compliance
- Use participation data, stakeholder insight and evaluation evidence to identify inequalities, improve delivery and inform future investment.
- Lead regional and local partner mobilisation, ensuring safeguarding, accessibility, value for money and compliance requirements are addressed.
- Line manage or task manage programme staff and contribute to bids, proposals, client and service development.
Skills, knowledge and experience
- Substantial programme management experience in sport, physical activity, PE, education, public health, community development or a comparable public-service setting.
- Experience managing complex partner networks and influencing senior stakeholders without relying on formal authority.
- Strong financial, commercial, risk and performance management capability.
- Ability to translate strategy and evidence into clear implementation plans, turning insight into deliverable work packages, clear decisions and concise senior reporting.
- Knowledge of physical activity inequalities and inclusive, place-based or systems approaches.
- Relevant project or programme qualification, such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM PMQ or equivalent practical experience.
- Personal qualities
- Inclusive and collaborative, with the confidence to build trust and productive relationships across schools, community organisations, public bodies and delivery partners.
- Organised and solutions-focused, confident managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality delivery and accurate records.
- Committed to widening participation and motivated to reducing barriers to sport and physical activity for underserved groups.
- Comfortable travelling and working flexibly when programme activity, events or partner engagement requires it.
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Programme Manager - National Sports & Pe Networks in England employer: ICF
ICF is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a hybrid working policy, comprehensive benefits including private medical insurance, and a commitment to professional development through peer-to-peer communities, ICF empowers its employees to thrive while tackling meaningful public policy challenges across the UK. Join a diverse team where your expertise will be valued and your contributions celebrated, making a real impact on society.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Manager - National Sports & Pe Networks in England
✨Get Involved in Local Sports Communities
Dive into your local sports scene! Attend community games, coaching sessions, and meet-ups. Building relationships with coaches and team managers can help you uncover job opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Leverage Internships and Volunteering
Even though you’re after a full-time role, don’t underestimate internships or volunteering in sports organisations. These positions not only give you hands-on experience but can also lead to permanent openings. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to make your face known in the industry!
✨Visit Sports Job Fairs
Keep an eye out for sports job fairs and career expos specific to the recreation management field. These events are goldmines for meeting hiring managers from organisations like ICF. Bring your A-game and be ready to chat about how you can contribute to their team!
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don't forget to check out openings on our site! Our listings will often include positions at excellent organisations in sports recreation management, including ICF. Applying directly through our platform increases your chances of getting noticed by recruiters. Let's get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Manager - National Sports & Pe Networks in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Passion for Sports:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for sports and recreation shine through! We want to see your genuine interest in the industry and how it's shaped your career choices. Sharing specific experiences, like managing a team or organising an event, can really make you stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, focus on any relevant internships, volunteer work, or part-time jobs related to sports and recreation management. Make sure to quantify your achievements – did you increase team participation by a certain percentage or successfully lead a project? Numbers speak volumes!
Tailor Your CV for Sports Management:Use a CV format that emphasises your skills in leadership, teamwork, and event coordination. Don’t forget to include specific training or certifications that relate to sports management, as these can set you apart from other applicants. We love seeing candidates with relevant qualifications!
Express Your Long-Term Goals:In your application, we want to see your career aspirations in sports management. Don’t hesitate to include how you envision your future in this industry and how joining ICF aligns with those goals. We’re looking for candidates who are not just a perfect fit for the role but are also excited about growing with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at ICF
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sports
When chatting with ICF, make sure to express your genuine love for sports and recreation. Share experiences that showcase your passion, whether it's managing a local sports team, organising events, or simply being an active participant in various activities. This helps them see you're not just a fit on paper, but also someone who truly cares about the field.
✨Showcase Your Management Skills
This role is all about managing resources and people, so be ready to discuss your leadership and organisational skills. Prepare some examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, particularly in a sports or recreation setting. Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) technique to make your answers concise and impactful.
✨Be Prepared for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect case studies or scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. You might be asked how you would handle a tricky situation, such as resolving a conflict between team members or managing a crisis during a major event. Think through these scenarios and practice how you’d articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Demonstrate Enthusiasm for Team Collaboration
In the sports and recreation management field, teamwork is essential. During the interview, be prepared to discuss how you work within a team and foster a collaborative environment. Share success stories where teamwork led to a positive outcome, emphasising how you built relationships and encouraged participation among team members to achieve a common goal.
