At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead funding calls and manage partnerships to improve outcomes for vulnerable children and families.
- Company: Join an impact-driven organisation focused on evidence-based solutions for social care.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days annual leave, enhanced parental leave, and a bike-to-work scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while working in a supportive, high-performing team with flexible options.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management or grant funding, ideally in research or social care.
- Other info: Hybrid working available; must have the right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 62000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Programmes Manager to join the team, in a critical role delivering funding calls, managing relationships with delivery partners, and supporting the commissioning of independent evaluations. If you want to join an impact-driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families then apply today!
Position: Senior Programmes Manager
Location: London/hybrid
Hours: 35 hours full-time, with flexible working considered
Salary: £53,300 plus generous benefits
Contract: x1 12-month fixed-term contract (Maternity); and x1 18-month fixed-term contract (secondments welcome)
Closing Date: 23:59, Sunday 15 June 2025
Interviews: Monday/Tuesday 24/25 June 2025
The organisation funds the generation of high-quality evidence to improve the lives of vulnerable children and families in England. The approach is different to many other funders: providing grants to support the delivery of interventions only where this enables rigorous evaluation. This ensures that every funded programme contributes directly to building the evidence base for what works to effectively support children and families.
The Programmes Team is central to this mission. It is responsible for designing and running funding processes, managing a portfolio of delivery grants, and ensuring that the work supports actionable, robust research. The organisation uses programme funding not only to address evidence gaps but also as a way of raising the standard of research and evaluation across early intervention and children’s social care.
We are looking for a Senior Programmes Manager to join the team. This is a critical role that will shape and deliver funding calls, manage relationships with delivery partners, and support the commissioning of independent evaluations. It calls for excellent judgement, problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and strong communication and coordination skills.
About you
You will have substantial experience in programme management or grant funding, ideally within a research, evaluation or evidence-generation context, or in areas aligned to the organisation's strategic priorities. Experience in early intervention, children’s social care or research is especially valuable. We also strongly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of children’s social care, or who have worked directly in practice.
The organisation is a great place to work, where everyone is high performing and where together everyone can achieve impact that makes a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Focussing on using and championing high quality evidence, working directly with government and local leaders, the team provides practical solutions and encourages change. This is an organisation with ambitious aims and people are essential to its success.
Some of the great benefits include:
- 30 days annual leave, plus one extra day off for your birthday, paid bank holidays with up to three which may be switched for religious observance
- Up to five days carers’ leave, in a 12-month period, three days paid
- Paid compassionate leave
- Enhanced sick pay
- Enhanced parental leave and pay
- 6% employer and 3% employee contribution. No limit on any additional employee contributions made via auto enrolment
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 counselling, legal and information line
- Unlimited access to 24/7 GP
- Mental health support
- Life cover at x4 annual salary
- Bike to work scheme.
The organisation offers excellent salaries, learning and development opportunities, and a great office location situated in the heart of St James’s. Working in a hybrid and flexible way, the organisation recognises the importance of a good work-life balance. Please note that where staff live within approximately two hours travel of the office, they are expected to work onsite two days per week. For those based further afield, more flexible or home working arrangements can be discussed.
Do you want to work somewhere that values and celebrates diversity and is committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees? People are at the heart of everything. It’s vital that the workforce reflects the diversity of stakeholders, and the wider society in the UK, and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.
You may have experience in other areas or roles such as: Programmes, Programmes Manager, Senior Programme Manager, Senior Programmes Manager, Grant Funding, Grants Manager, Grants Officer, Programme Officer, Programme Lead, Research, Researcher.
This role is currently unable to offer sponsorship. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying.
Senior Programmes Manager employer: NFP People
Contact Detail:
NFP People Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programmes Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the organisation's mission and values. Understanding their focus on evidence-based interventions for vulnerable children and families will help you align your experience and passion during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of programme management and grant funding. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with individuals who may have insights into the role and the organisation, which could give you an edge.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your problem-solving skills and attention to detail. The interviewers will be looking for concrete evidence of how you've successfully managed programmes or grants.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends and challenges in early intervention and children's social care. Being knowledgeable about the sector will not only impress your interviewers but also show your commitment to making a difference in this area.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programmes Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in programme management, grant funding, and any work related to early intervention or children's social care. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in problem-solving, communication, and coordination.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your motivation for applying to this role. Emphasise your passion for improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, and how your background aligns with the organisation's mission.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on any substantial experience you have in research, evaluation, or evidence generation. If you have lived experience of children's social care, make sure to mention it as it is highly valued by the organisation.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for the Senior Programmes Manager role.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFP People
✨Understand the Organisation's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the organisation's mission and how it impacts vulnerable children and families. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Experience
Highlight your substantial experience in programme management or grant funding during the interview. Be ready to provide specific examples of past projects you've managed, particularly those related to research, evaluation, or evidence generation.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
As the role requires excellent communication and coordination skills, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to discuss how you've successfully managed relationships with delivery partners in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and judgement. Think of situations where you've had to make tough decisions or navigate complex challenges in programme management, and be ready to explain your thought process.