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- Tasks: Lead the Southern VCSE Collaborative to deliver impactful community programmes across multiple partners.
- Company: Join Southampton Voluntary Services, a key player in supporting local charities and community initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible working hours available to suit your lifestyle.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your leadership skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 ÂŁ 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 makeup of 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. You have a strong track record of leading programmes or contracts involving multiple delivery partners, financial and performance management credibility, and 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, and a values-driven, collaborative leadership style are essential. You will have a recognised programme or transformation qualification, or equivalent senior-level experience leading complex programmes.
Benefits
- 25 days holiday (pro-rata) increasing to 30 after five years.
- 5% employer contribution pension with Aviva.
About your employer
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 receive the above benefits.
Programme Director for Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC) in Southampton 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) in Southampton
✨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 contacts on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Programme Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your experience! When you get the chance to chat with someone about the role, highlight your past successes in managing complex programmes and partnerships. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven performance and quality assurance in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Be prepared for interviews! Research SVC and its partners thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your leadership style aligns with their goals. Prepare questions that show your interest in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make it easy for you to apply for the Programme Director position. By applying directly, you’ll ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Director for Southern VCSE Collaborative (SVC) in Southampton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Programme Director role. Highlight your experience in leading multi-partner programmes and your understanding of the voluntary sector. We want to see how your skills align with what SVC is all about!
Showcase Your Leadership Style: In your application, let us know about your collaborative leadership style. Share examples of how you've built partnerships and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. We’re keen to see how you can be the 'face' of SVC!
Be Clear on Your Achievements: Quantify your successes! Whether it’s managing budgets or improving performance metrics, we love numbers that tell a story. This helps us understand the impact you've made in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 and show that you're ready to represent SVC effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and how it aligns with a values-driven, collaborative approach. Think of specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led multi-partner programmes, managed complex relationships, and navigated ambiguity.
✨Prepare for Financial Oversight Questions
Since financial management is a key part of this role, brush up on your knowledge of budget oversight and performance metrics. Be ready to share examples of how you've managed KPIs and ensured value for money in previous roles, as this will highlight your credibility in financial oversight.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Excellent communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing your experience with commissioners and stakeholders. This will help you convey your influencing and negotiation skills effectively during the interview.