Strategic Partnership Programme Manager in Dorchester

Salary £51,871 per annum plus benefits. 37 hours per week. Home-based with occasional travel. We recommend that you live within a commutable distance of our Head Office (DT1 2PJ), enabling you to attend meetings and team events. Permanent position. The closing date for applications: 17.11.26 (Midday). Please be aware that we are unable to provide Visa Sponsorship against this role. Applicants must already have the legal right to work and reside in the UK without the need for Employer Sponsorship.

Magna has been selected as one of only 33 Homes England strategic partners nationally, securing £250 million through the Social and Affordable Homes Programme 2026–2036 to deliver 1,500 affordable homes across Dorset and Somerset. This landmark partnership reflects confidence in our strong track record and creates an exciting opportunity to help meet local housing need, build thriving communities and create great homes together.

This is an exciting job opportunity for an experienced programme manager who can bring together colleagues, partners and complex requirements to deliver outstanding results. As our Strategic Partnership Programme Manager, you will sit within our Asset Strategy team, reporting to the Head of Asset Strategy, Regeneration and Place. You will lead the day-to-day management and coordination of Magna’s Social and Affordable Housing Programme, working closely with colleagues in Growth and Finance, delivery partners and Homes England.

Bringing together programme information, funding requirements, reporting and assurance, you will provide clear advice and analysis to support senior decisions and formal approvals, managing operational priorities independently and escalating risks and issues promptly. Your confidence in working autonomously, balancing competing priorities and escalating issues at the right time will play a key role in helping us create great homes together.

The role and what you take care of:

• Programme management and relationships: Manage the day-to-day operation of Magna’s Social and Affordable Housing Programme and coordinate other development funding, monitoring progress against agreed targets, priorities and profiles. Act as the main contact for routine programme matters and attend monthly Homes England administration meetings. Work closely with the Heads of Asset Strategy and Growth, providing monthly updates on progress and risks, and prepare briefings and analysis for quarterly Programme Management Board meetings, attending in a support capacity where required.
• Systems, forecasts and claims: Maintain accurate and timely information within Homes England systems, coordinating scheme profiles, milestones, submissions and supporting evidence. Work with Finance and relevant colleagues to coordinate forecasts, grant claims and reconciliations, ensuring proposed programme changes are supported by complete and accurate information for review and approval.
• Compliance, audit and assurance: Maintain detailed knowledge of the Capital Funding Guide, funding agreement and relevant government requirements, translating these into practical programme controls. Provide timely advice on actual or potential non-compliance, support the appointment of external auditors and manage their day-to-day programme activity. Coordinate compliance, financial and mock audits, maintain audit-ready records and track findings and actions through to completion.
• Reporting and continuous improvement: Maintain programme plans and records of risks, issues, actions, decisions and dependencies, producing clear dashboards and exception reports for senior review. Provide operational guidance to colleagues and partners, develop proportionate procedures, templates and controls, and use lessons learned to improve programme management and strengthen organisational resilience.
• Wider departmental programmes: Support the Head of Asset Strategy, Regeneration and Place with regeneration funding and programme management, work with colleagues to support the Plan for Every Home programme, and manage additional departmental programmes as required. Coordinate information, requirements and reporting across these activities, ensuring priorities and issues are clearly communicated.

What you need to be successful:

• Experience managing complex programmes: A track record of coordinating programme activity, monitoring targets and milestones, maintaining accurate information and meeting fixed deadlines. You will be comfortable working autonomously, balancing competing priorities and recognising when issues require escalation or senior approval.
• Confidence interpreting funding and regulatory requirements: Experience translating funding agreements, policy or regulatory guidance into practical controls and procedures. You will be able to identify operational implications, explain requirements clearly and provide informed advice and recommendations on programme and compliance matters.
• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills: The ability to turn detailed programme information into clear reports, briefings and recommendations that support decisions. You will build effective working relationships across teams and partner organisations, coordinating contributions and providing constructive operational guidance.
• Experience supporting assurance and financial processes: Experience coordinating audits, compliance activity, forecasts, funding claims or other formal assurance processes. You will bring close attention to detail, maintain clear supporting records and work effectively with Finance, auditors and programme colleagues to resolve queries and follow actions through.
• Relevant technical knowledge and professional development: Direct knowledge of Homes England programmes, the Investment Management System (IMS) and the Capital Funding Guide is highly desirable. A recognised qualification in project or programme management, or equivalent experience, would be advantageous.

Applicants with relevant transferable skills and experience are encouraged to apply. Our full range of benefit details can be viewed on our website under each vacancy. Magna reserves the right to close the vacancy early should sufficient applications be received. We therefore highly recommend that you submit your application early.