Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Southern VCSE Collaborative to deliver impactful community programmes across multiple partners.
- Company: Join Southampton Voluntary Services, a key player in the local voluntary sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a pension scheme, and flexible working options.
- Other info: This role offers excellent career growth and the chance to shape community services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
About the role
The Programme Director role is an exciting new opportunity to lead the recently established Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC), enabling it to deliver contracts collaboratively across the voluntary and community sector and at scale. The role will be employed technically by Southampton Voluntary Services but fully seconded into SVC. SVC is a newly established, system-backed partnership bringing together five charities – No Limits, Solent Mind, Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS), Citizens Advice Southampton and Social Care in Action (SCiA). SVC does not directly deliver services; instead, it works through a network of VCSE partners to deliver high-quality, community-based provision. SVC currently holds a £2.8m per annum contract (6 years with the option to extend for a further 4 years) delivered through 15 providers and has ambitious plans to grow its reach and impact across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
We are seeking an experienced Programme Director to provide strategic and operational leadership at this critical stage of development. This is a senior system leadership role, combining partnership-building, programme development and disciplined oversight of performance, finance and governance. As a new role, we are open to exploring the precise make up hours. The role is advertised as 0.8FTE, but other options can be suggested to deliver the required responsibilities.
You will:
- Act as the senior representative and “face” of SVC with commissioners, statutory partners and the VCSE
- Lead system, partnership and programme development across Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight
- Position SVC as a trusted system partner and secure new programmes and contracts
- Oversee delivery across multiple VCSE partners, ensuring strong performance, quality assurance and continuous improvement
- Manage contract performance, including KPIs, financial oversight and risk
- Support the Board of Directors with governance, strategy and organisational development, including fulfilling Company Secretary responsibilities
About you
You will bring:
- Significant experience working with commissioners and the voluntary sector in complex, multi-partner environments
- A strong track record of leading programmes or contracts involving multiple delivery partners
- Financial and performance management credibility, with the ability to oversee budgets, risk and value for money
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills
- The ability to operate effectively in ambiguity and shape emerging models
- A values-driven, collaborative leadership style, with the confidence to both support and challenge partners
You will have a recognised programme or transformation qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience leading complex programmes. We are open to flexible delivery models within the set budget and welcome candidates to propose how they would structure the role.
About Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS)
Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) is the umbrella body for local voluntary and community groups working in Southampton. They provide a wide range of services including specialist support, advice and training to their membership. They also provide and promote information to individuals and organisations on volunteering in the city.
Please note this role is employed by Southampton Voluntary Services (SVS) which means you will get the following benefits:
- 25 days' holiday (pro-rata) increasing to 30 after five years
- 5% employer contribution pension with Aviva
Hours: 30 hours per week.
Location: Multiple partnerships and sub-contractors across the local VCSE Sector.
Closing date: Monday 25 May.
Interview date: The first stage of interview will be a 30 minute MS Teams call on 3 and 4 June. If you are successful you will then be invited to a second stage interview which will be face to face on 12 June 2026.
NOTE TO APPLICANTS - You will be asked about gaps in your employment at interview and you will need to provide proof of your right to work in the UK before you start your employment. Unfortunately, we cannot sponsor this role as we do not hold a sponsorship licence. Any offer for this role will be subject to a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and receiving your references. We welcome people from all the communities we work in to apply. Offers are made based on merit. Please submit your application as early as possible, as we may close this advert before the advertised closing date.
Programme Director for Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC) employer: Solent Mind
Contact Detail:
Solent Mind Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Director for Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the VCSE sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential collaborators. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Programme Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to chat with interviewers or at networking events, share examples of how you've successfully led programmes or managed partnerships. This will help them see you as the ideal candidate for steering the Southern VCSE Collaborative.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for those tricky questions! Brush up on your knowledge about financial management and performance oversight. They’ll want to know how you handle budgets and KPIs, so have some solid examples ready to go.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it super easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re serious about the role and keen to be part of the SVC team. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director for Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the Programme Director role. We want to see how you can lead and collaborate effectively within the VCSE sector.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Use your written application to demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed complex programmes in the past. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and challenge partners while driving performance.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and skills stand out without unnecessary fluff. This will help us see your potential impact quickly.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert before the deadline if we find the right candidate. Get your application in through our website as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Solent Mind
✨Know Your Partners
Before the interview, take some time to research the five charities involved in the Southern VCSE Collaborative. Understanding their missions and how they contribute to the collaborative will help you demonstrate your commitment to partnership-building.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your values-driven, collaborative leadership style. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led multi-partner programmes, highlighting how you supported and challenged partners to achieve common goals.
✨Financial Savvy is Key
Since financial oversight is a crucial part of this role, brush up on your experience with budget management and performance metrics. Be ready to share how you've ensured value for money in previous projects, as this will show your credibility in financial management.
✨Prepare for Ambiguity
This role requires operating effectively in ambiguous situations. Think of instances where you've navigated uncertainty and shaped emerging models. Sharing these experiences will illustrate your adaptability and strategic thinking.