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Strategic Programme Manager, Skills Resilience, Health & Neighbourhoods
Job Reference LBC/1997/386
Number of Positions:
1
Contract Type:
Internal Secondment/ Fixed Term
Full time
Salary Grade:
£71,859 to £79,599 a year pro rata plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Working Hours:
37
Location:
Agile/Town Hall
Closing Date:
25/10/2026
Job Category:
Directorate:
Inclusive Growth
Business Unit:
Job Introduction
Salary: £71,859 to 79,599 a year pro rata plus £3,203 car benefit allowance
Hours: 37 hours a week
Contract type: Secondment/Fixed Term till 31st March 2029
This role is available till 31st March 2029. Internal candidates who are permanent employees of Luton Council will be appointed on a secondment basis, while external candidates and other eligible applicants will be appointed on a fixed-term contract till 31st March 2029.
Current Luton Council employees applying for this opportunity must obtain written approval from their manager before applying (an email will suffice). A copy of this approval must be included with the application, as we will be unable to progress applications without it.
Please note this role does not attract sponsorship.
What You’ll be doing
As Strategic Programme Manager for Skills Resilience, Health & Neighbourhoods, you’ll provide strategic leadership for the development and delivery of Luton Council’s Skills Resilience Programme, ensuring it supports the Council’s ambitions for inclusive growth, improved health outcomes and stronger, more resilient communities . Reporting to the Director of Inclusive Economy, you’ll lead a high-profile portfolio of programmes funded through the Skills Resilience Fund, driving performance, continuous improvement and the effective use of resources to achieve meaningful outcomes for residents . You’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a system-wide approach to skills, employability and economic inclusion, with a particular focus on reducing the number of young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET). Working collaboratively across the Council and with a wide range of partners including education providers, employers, health organisations, government agencies and regional stakeholders, you’ll develop integrated pathways into learning, employment and progression that respond to local needs and labour market opportunities . Through strong partnership working, strategic planning and programme leadership, you’ll ensure the successful integration of skills, employment, health and economic growth within the Council’s emerging neighbourhood delivery model, helping to deliver the ambitions of the Luton 2040 Vision and the Jobs and Inclusive Economy mission .
We’re looking for an experienced and inspiring strategic leader with a strong track record of delivering change and improvement within education, skills, health, employability or related sectors . You’ll bring substantial experience of leading complex, multi-agency partnerships and developing integrated approaches that deliver measurable outcomes for communities. With a proven ability to shape and implement policy, strategy and service transformation, you’ll be confident identifying emerging needs, designing effective solutions and driving organisational and workforce change . You’ll have significant experience of leading and developing high-performing teams, creating a clear sense of direction, motivating colleagues and fostering a culture of continuous improvement.
The successful candidate will be a skilled communicator and negotiator, able to build credibility and influence at all levels, securing positive outcomes across a diverse range of stakeholders and partners. You’ll be able to draw on research, evidence and best practice to inform decision-making and develop innovative approaches that improve services and outcomes . Strong project and programme management skills are essential, alongside an in-depth understanding of health, skills and economic development agendas and how they can be applied at a local level . Experience of working within a political environment is key, as is a relevant professional qualification in education, skills or a related field, or equivalent demonstrable experience, supported by a commitment to continuing professional development in a leadership or management role .
Application Process
Because of the nature of this job, it will be necessary for the appropriate level of criminal record disclosure to be undertaken. Therefore, it is essential in making your application you disclose whether you have any pending charges, convictions, bind-overs or cautions and, if so, for which offences. This post will be exempt from the provisions of Section 4 (2) of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exemptions) (Amendments) Order 1986. Therefore, applicants are not entitled to withhold information about convictions which for other purposes are ‘spent’ under the provision of the Act, and, in the event of the employment being taken up; any failure to disclose such convictions will result in dismissal or disciplinary action by the Authority. The fact that a pending charge, conviction, bind-over or caution has been recorded against you will not necessarily debar you from consideration for this appointment.
We understand that job applications take time and effort, but a high-quality application shows that you are professional with a good attention to detail . The recruiting manager may receive a number of applications for each job advertised so you want yours to stand out!
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Strategic Programme Manager, Skills Resilience, Health & Neighbourhoods employer: Recruitment Opportunities
Luton Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering an inclusive work environment where employees can thrive and make a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive culture, we empower our staff to achieve their professional goals while contributing to our ambitious Luton 2040 Vision. Working in Arndale House, you will be part of a passionate team that values diversity and collaboration, ensuring that no one in Luton has to live in poverty.
