At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage a programme to support affordable workspace for local businesses and creatives.
- Company: Islington Council, dedicated to community wealth building and inclusive growth.
- Benefits: Up to 36 days leave, flexible working, competitive pay, and excellent pension scheme.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and inclusion in the workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local communities while developing your career in programme management.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex programmes, strong governance, and financial planning skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the Role
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. This high‑profile role requires strong programme management, sound governance and careful coordination across many moving parts. 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 its goals. This is a senior role, but you’ll still be involved in detail – stepping in where issues arise, resolving blockages and turning plans into real progress.
What you’ll be doing
- 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.
- 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.
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 and 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.
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. We maintain a zero‑tolerance approach to 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 diverse representation at all levels of the organisation. We work closely with Colleague Forums and Trade Unions to monitor and evaluate our practices, identify barriers, and empower colleagues to promote equality and inclusion in the workplace.
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 during the recruitment process and throughout their career with us.
Programme Manager - Affordable Workspace employer: Islington Council
Islington Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community wealth building and inclusive growth. With generous leave entitlements, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to professional development, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on local businesses and communities. The council's dedication to equality, diversity, and inclusion ensures a respectful and equitable workplace for all staff members.
