Programme Manager for Innovation

We have a brilliant opportunity for a Programme Manager for Innovation to join our Economic Development Service. This is a rewarding role where you’ll help shape the future of our city. Milton Keynes City Council aims to make a real difference for local people. Our long‑term vision is set out in the Milton Keynes 2050 Strategy and our Council Plan, which focuses on creating cleaner, safer and healthier communities, tackling inequalities and taking action on climate change. Milton Keynes is recognised as one of the UK’s leading smart cities with a global reputation for digital, technology and future‑focused urban development.

As our Programme Manager for Innovation, you’ll lead on a range of projects which support the city’s innovation agenda. This is a site-based role.

Main Responsibility

• Lead and manage a diverse programme of projects, guiding teams across all stages of delivery.
• Oversee day-to-day programme operations, including managing budgets, risks and delivery plans.
• Develop and implement creative solutions to address risks and ensure programmes stay on track.
• Lead on the development of tender documentation and funding applications to bring in resources to further support expansion of the Innovation programme.
• Apply strong project and programme management disciplines to monitor costs, timescales and compliance.
• Lead procurement activity, including contract negotiation with external suppliers.
• Produce and deliver marketing and engagement strategies to build support across the business community and key stakeholders.
• Prepare high-quality briefings, reports and updates for senior officers, elected members and Government partners.
• Provide quality assurance and ensure all major deliverables are fit for purpose.
• Lead and support colleagues working within and across the programme team.

The Ideal Candidate

• We’re looking for someone who enjoys working collaboratively, thinks ahead and takes ownership.
• Extensive experience developing projects and strategies, with the ability to communicate clearly and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong experience of leading and working within teams, promoting development and supporting creative thinking.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with confidence producing reports and presentations.
• Extensive knowledge of risk management and change management in a project environment.
• Strong background in programme, project or PMO management, ideally with relevant qualifications (e.g. APM, Prince2 or similar).

Package Description

• Great holiday benefits - most roles include 28 days annual leave every year on top of public (bank) holidays, increasing to 32 days after five years. In addition, there is a holiday purchase scheme allowing staff to purchase up to 5 additional days of leave each year.
• Excellent pension – everyone who works for us can join the national Local Government Pension Scheme, widely regarded as one of the best available.
• A full range of family friendly policies including enhanced maternity, adoption and paternity support and a childcare subsidy.
• Access to an award-winning employee benefits programme that includes a health cash plan, a low-cost bike purchase scheme as well as high street discounts and money off entertainment and travel.
• Salary sacrifice car scheme – low-cost leasing of electric and low emission vehicles.
• Blue Light Card - employees working within social care can qualify for an additional range of discounts from national retailers and local businesses.

Why join us?

Along with more on our Benefits, discover why Working at the City Council could be the right move for you.

Our roles are either designated ‘site based’ or ‘home based’. ‘Site based’ roles can include up to two days a week working from home whilst ‘home based’ roles are based at home four days a week. Of course, managers designate which category roles are in based on the needs of the service and the circumstances.

About The Organisation

Milton Keynes City Council is a large, modern and financially stable employer with around 2,500 people working across our eight areas. Together we provide local residents and businesses with a wide range of important round-the-clock services and aim to make our city a better place to live. We work hard because of the demands placed on us, like protecting children from harm or preventing homelessness. However, working for the city is always rewarding and everyone has the opportunity to make a real difference. We’re very proud of our diversity and are committed to having a workforce that reflects the community we serve. Whatever your background, you will be welcome here if you share our values of being dedicated, respectful and collaborative. We offer great training and support and because of the size and scale of the organisation there are always new opportunities to explore when it’s time for a new role.