LIFT Senior Programme Manager in London

Are you passionate about inclusive growth and creating pathways into high‑growth sectors? Do you bring strong programme leadership, partnership skills and a track record of delivering impact across complex systems? This is an opportunity to lead LIFT, a high-profile, cross-borough programme supporting residents from underrepresented backgrounds into careers and entrepreneurship in tech, creative and life sciences sectors. Please note this is a fixed term / secondment opportunity until June 2027.

About the role

As Senior Programme Manager, you will lead the strategic development, delivery and ongoing evolution of LIFT across Islington, Camden and Hackney. You will be accountable for programme performance, governance and partnerships, working with employers, training providers and community organisations to connect local people to opportunities and strengthen inclusive local economies. This role combines programme leadership, commissioning and partnership development, with a focus on delivering measurable outcomes and continuous improvement.

What you’ll do:

• Lead delivery of a complex, cross-borough programme, ensuring strong performance and impact
• Build and influence partnerships across local authorities, employers and sector stakeholders
• Design and commission activity that supports skills, employment and entrepreneurship pathways
• Oversee delivery partners, governance, budgets and reporting
• Lead a dispersed team, fostering a high-performing and inclusive culture

What we’re looking for:

• Experience managing complex, multi-partner programmes and budgets
• Track record in inclusive growth, skills, employment or entrepreneurship
• Strong partnership and stakeholder influencing skills
• Ability to lead teams and deliver through others in a cross-borough environment

About LIFT

LIFT is a partnership between Islington, Camden and Hackney councils, focused on creating a more inclusive knowledge economy by connecting residents to opportunities and supporting local businesses and sectors to grow. If you’re motivated to drive inclusive growth and deliver impact at scale, we’d love to hear from you.

For an informal conversation, contact Hamish Mackay, Head of Inclusive Growth.

Email: [email protected]

About You

Working for the team, service and our organisation. Islington is a place rich with diversity and culture. As a council our sense of purpose couldn’t be clearer: we serve. It’s in the logo. We are committed to challenging inequality in the borough and as one of the largest employers we know that to look after the place and the planet, we have to look after our people. Together we can change the future. We are determined to create a more equal Islington, where everyone who lives here has an equal chance to thrive.

To do this, everyone who works at Islington Council lives by a set of values which guide us in everything that we do: collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering. They spell out ‘CARE’, which is what we think public service is all about.

Our offer to you:

• Up to 31 days leave per year, increasing to 36 days after five years of local government service
• A range of flexible working arrangements to maintain a healthy work-life balance, as well as a 35-hour working week
• Learning and development opportunities to maximise your potential
• Competitive pay and a commitment to paying all staff the London Living Wage at minimum
• Excellent local government pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme and discounted gym memberships
• Local discounts from restaurants, shops, health and beauty therapists, and more!

Please note: Priority will be given to those at risk of redundancy within Islington Council. Current employees who are part of the redeployment pool must meet the essential criteria for shortlisting to be prioritised.

Workforce Equality, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and equitable workforce, where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. Our workforce strategy places equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the heart of everything we do, reaffirming our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusion. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel they belong and can safely express their thoughts, ideas, and challenges, without fear of judgement or discrimination.

We maintain a zero-tolerance approach to any unlawful discrimination, harassment, or victimisation on the grounds of any protected characteristics under the 2010 Equality Act, including but not limited to race, disability, sexual orientation, sex, religion and belief, age, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, and maternity. Any incidents of discrimination will be promptly investigated and addressed in line with our HR policies to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all colleagues.

We use data to identify and address disparities, ensuring that our policies and practices are transparent and impactful in promoting a diverse representation of backgrounds and perspectives at all levels of the organisation. We look at inequality through an intersectional lens, recognising that different aspects of someone’s identity can combine to create unique experiences of discrimination and disadvantage.

We know that advancing diversity and inclusion is a continuous journey, and we must listen to our colleagues and learn where we can further improve. We work closely with our Colleague Forums and Trade Unions, supported by active allies from our Corporate Management Team, to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.

Every one of us has a role to play in making Islington Council a truly inclusive workplace. By living out our CARE (collaborative, ambitious, resourceful, and empowering) values every day and embedding the principles of equality, equity, diversity, and inclusion in our work, we can all actively contribute to empowering people and creating a more equal Islington.

Pre‑Employment Checks

Any offer of employment will be subject to the successful completion of required pre‑employment checks. These may include:

• Proof of address
• Evidence of any name changes (if applicable)
• Right to work in the UK
• Overseas criminal record check (if applicable)
• Satisfactory references
• Occupational Health clearance
• Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations
• DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable)

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults, and expect all staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts are subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

The post is subject to a basic DBS check, qualifications check and 3/5 years referencing.

Disability Confident Scheme

Islington Council operates a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria and we are committed to providing support to applicants who request reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.