At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a flagship programme supporting underrepresented creative entrepreneurs and build strong community connections.
- Company: Join Somerset House, a vibrant hub for creativity and innovation in London.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, mental health support, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering diverse founders and shaping the future of creative entrepreneurship.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and a passion for building inclusive communities.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 42000 £ per year.
Department: Residents Team (creative community)
Location: London
Application Deadline: 29 November 2026
Compensation: £38,000 - £42,000 / year
The Programme Manager will lead Somerset House's flagship talent development programme for underrepresented creative entrepreneurs and founders. Working at the heart of the Exchange community, you will design, adapt and deliver a programme framework that combines practical business support with meaningful access to knowledge, networks, expertise and opportunity. You will oversee the programme’s strategic planning, logistics and delivery, while building strong relationships with participants, partners and stakeholders to ensure founders are supported to grow with confidence and purpose.
More than a programme manager, you will be a connector across the Somerset House ecosystem. You will create opportunities for business founders to engage with the wider resident community of artists, makers, freelancers, and creative enterprises, as well as with our inclusive talent programmes for young people, our public programme, and our broader network of industry partners and collaborators. By connecting people, programmes and communities, you will help founders develop sustainable businesses while strengthening Somerset House's wider talent development infrastructure.
The successful candidate will combine strong experience in programme strategy and management with a generous, collaborative approach to building communities, developing partnerships and managing strategic relationships. Highly organised and guided by relationships, they will be motivated to help creative founders build ambitious, resilient businesses that make an impact.
Please see the job pack for more information on Exchange and the role.
What we are looking for
- Programme Strategy, Management & Delivery
- Lead the strategic planning and management of the programme across multiple cohorts
- Develop systems, process and frameworks for participant journeys from recruitment and onboarding through to alumni engagement
- Responsibility of programme budgets, timelines and operational delivery, including overseeing the delivery of workshops, masterclasses, advisor support, and networking opportunities
- Build and maintain relationships with key programme stakeholders
- Shape and manage the programme’s evaluation framework, aligned with the Paul Hamlyn Evaluation Study, establishing clear measures of success and monitoring progress against agreed outcomes.
- Lead the evaluation of programme impact and translate findings into compelling reports, case studies and impact stories that demonstrate outcomes, capture learning and inform the programme’s ongoing development
- Lead on programme marketing activities and communications across all platforms
- Develop a strong exit and aftercare strategy, providing participants with clear next steps, continued support and access to an engaged alumni network beyond the programme
- Own the programme’s operational and administrative systems continuously seeking opportunities for improvement, automation, and cost-effectiveness
- Line-manage the Programme Coordinator & Producer who is responsible for the day-to-day operations and delivery of the programme
- Community Development
- Build a connected and collaborative founder and creative entrepreneurial community with frameworks and process that ensure an equitable and inclusive collaborative environment
- Identify and create development opportunities for peer learning, collaboration and knowledge exchange internally and beyond Somerset House
- Identify opportunities for participants to showcase their work, increase visibility and expand their networks
- Develop progression routes both within Somerset House, externally, and with wider Somerset House networks
- Cultivate an active alumni ecosystem that contributes to future cohorts and wider organisational activity
- Ecosystem Building & Cross-Departments Collaboration
- Develop opportunities to connect and embed the programme in Somerset House’s wider supported programmes to enable the long-term growth, sustainability, and programme alignment with the organisational objectives
- Build strong relationships across all Somerset House teams, including Public Programme, Studios, Exchange, Inclusive Talent Engagement, Live Events, Makerversity, Commercial and Development
- Identify and develop opportunities for collaboration between participants and the wider Somerset House creative community of artists, makers, and creative businesses
- Champion cross-departmental working with colleagues to develop joint programming and events that benefit founders while enhancing Somerset House's overall offer
- Use programme insights and share learning to inform future talent development strategies and partnerships across Somerset House
- Advocate for participant needs and identify opportunities to improve organisational accessibility and inclusion
- Act as a credible and compelling ambassador for the programme, representing it publicly at events, meetings, presentations and other external forums.
- Develop relationships with prospective funders and partners, presenting the programme’s vision, impact and case for support and contributing to organisational funding pitches and proposals.
- Skills, knowledge & expertise required for the role
- Experience Managing programmes combining strategic thinking with practical delivery
- Designing inclusive, purpose-driven programmes that create meaningful opportunities for diverse and underrepresented communities to grow, develop and thrive.
- Successful development and optimisation of operational systems and processes
- Building collaborative and impactful communities, networks or member-based programmes, with the ability to connect people, ideas, and opportunities
- Successfully working across multiple teams and influencing without direct authority
- Working within arts, culture or creative industries (desirable)
- Delivering programmes that support entrepreneurs, creatives, freelancers or small businesses
- Working within complex, multi-stakeholder organisations (desirable)
- Skills
- Exceptional relationship-building, networking, and stakeholders’ management skills
- Exceptional project management skills
- Strong budget management and finance
- Strong IT literacy and easily adaptable to new technology
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Events management
- Flexible and adaptable to change and comfortable working in a fast-paced environment
- Knowledge of entrepreneurship and business support (desirable)
- Existing networks within London's creative and cultural sectors (desirable)
Benefits to working at Somerset House
- Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Access to our external Employee Assistance Programme (CiC) for free 24/7 confidential advice and support, including up to 6 free counselling sessions per year where needed
- Mental health support and guidance from our in-house trained Mental Health First Aiders
- Hybrid working based on having 3 days in the office per week (pro rata if part-time)*
- Contribution towards eye tests and glasses
- Trust life insurance scheme
- We offer winter flu vaccination vouchers
- Holiday
- Enhanced annual leave – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
- Birthday leave - additional day leave
- Celebration day - to celebrate anything of your choice
- Other Leave
- Sick leave – 20 days full pay, followed by 20 days half pay (pro rata & following 3 months service)
- Emergency dependent care – option to use 25% of paid sick leave for emergency care of a dependent (pro rata & following 3 months of service)
- Enhanced maternity pay
- Benefits
- 8% employer pension contributions, no employee contribution required*
- Option for salary sacrifice
- Season ticket loan
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discounts, offers and free stuff
- The list is endless and includes tickets to Somerset House events and entrance to other London Heritage sites
- Discounts in Somerset House cafes and restaurants
- Discounts with various high street retailers and restaurants
- Discounts to local leisure centres
Exchange Programme Manager in London employer: Somerset House
Somerset House Trust is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work culture in the heart of London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development and continuous improvement, ensuring that our Finance Business Partner can thrive while making a meaningful impact. Our commitment to supporting decision-making through robust analysis and reporting makes this role not just a job, but a rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Exchange Programme Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Exchange Programme Manager at Somerset House!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Somerset House or be willing to refer you for that Exchange Programme Manager position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Somerset House who’s on the lookout for their next Exchange Programme Manager star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Exchange Programme Manager role at Somerset House!
We think you need these skills to ace Exchange Programme Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Somerset House. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Somerset House
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Somerset House. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
