Programme Manager - Affordable Workspace in London

Lead a complex programme that makes affordable workspace work. Affordable workspace plays an important role in Islington’s local economy — supporting small businesses, social enterprises and creatives to stay and grow in the borough. Making that happen at scale depends on strong programme management, sound governance and careful coordination across many moving parts. We’re looking for an Affordable Workspace Programme Manager to take responsibility for the overall management of this high‑profile programme.

Working closely with the Affordable Workspace Commercial Manager, you’ll ensure the programme is well structured, financially sound and effectively overseen, providing confidence that it is delivering what it sets out to achieve. This is a senior role, but it is not hands‑off. You’ll lead the programme while staying close to the detail — stepping in where issues arise, resolving blockages and making sure plans translate into real progress.

What you’ll be doing

Reporting to the Assistant Director of Affordable Workspace, you’ll be responsible for the day‑to‑day management and oversight of the Affordable Workspace Programme. This will include:

• Leading the overall planning, coordination and management of the programme, ensuring alignment with council priorities and Community Wealth Building objectives.
• Maintaining oversight of a diverse portfolio of affordable workspace projects and sites, ensuring a consistent and joined‑up approach.
• Establishing and running clear programme governance arrangements, including boards, reporting cycles, risk and issue management.
• Managing programme budgets and financial forecasts, tracking spend and addressing pressures as they arise.
• Actively monitoring programme performance and intervening where delivery, financial or social value outcomes are at risk.
• Coordinating work across planning, legal, finance, commercial and delivery teams to keep activity moving smoothly.
• Leading programme monitoring and evaluation, using data to inform decisions and improve outcomes over time.
• Preparing clear, practical reports and briefings for senior officers and elected Members.
• Ensuring statutory, legal and policy compliance across the programme.

What we’re looking for

You’ll be an experienced programme or PMO professional who brings structure, clarity and sound judgement to complex work. You’re comfortable managing at programme level, but equally willing to get involved directly when needed. You’ll bring:

• Significant experience managing complex programmes or portfolios, ideally linked to place‑based, regeneration or property‑related work.
• Strong experience of programme governance, risk and issue management.
• Proven ability to manage budgets and financial planning across multiple projects.
• Experience coordinating across teams and organisations to maintain momentum and accountability.
• Confidence working with senior stakeholders, including executive leaders and elected Members.
• Clear, well‑structured written and verbal communication skills.
• A practical, problem‑solving approach and resilience in pressured, politically aware environments.
• A commitment to inclusive growth and delivering positive outcomes for local communities.

If you’re looking for a role where strong programme management really matters — where you can see the results of good governance, clear decision‑making and steady leadership — this is a rare opportunity. You’ll be shaping a programme that supports local businesses, protects affordable space in a fast‑changing borough and delivers real benefits for Islington residents. If you enjoy complex programmes, meaningful work and tangible impact, we’d be delighted to hear from you.

Our offer to you

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. Our staff benefits include:

• 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.

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.