Programme Assurance & Appraisal Manager in Sheffield

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is investing in the future of our region, and we’re looking for a Programme Assurance & Appraisal Manager who can help us make informed, evidence‑based decisions about how and where public funding is spent. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys applying analytical thinking to real‑world challenges and wants to influence projects that make a tangible difference to people, places, and the regional economy.

Joining a collaborative and highly skilled team, you’ll play a central part in strengthening the quality, transparency, and impact of our investment pipeline. You’ll work with colleagues across SYMCA and with local partners to support the development of strong business cases, provide clear insight to decision‑makers, and ensure our investments deliver real value for South Yorkshire.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

About the role

South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is looking for a skilled Programme Assurance & Appraisal Manager to play a key role in shaping and assuring the region’s investment decisions. This is a high‑impact position working at the heart of our investment pipeline, ensuring that programmes and projects brought forward for funding are deliverable, aligned to our strategic priorities, and represent genuine value for money. You will bring technical expertise, analytical strength, and a collaborative approach to support both internal colleagues and external partners.

About you

• Lead the assessment of a diverse portfolio of funding applications and business cases, managing their progression through the assurance process.
• Produce clear, high‑quality appraisal reports and make well‑evidenced recommendations to senior decision‑makers.
• Provide expert advice on economic modelling, appraisal techniques, and the application of HM Treasury Green Book guidance.
• Support colleagues and delivery partners with advice to improve the quality and robustness of business case submissions.
• Work closely with internal teams — including Transport — on technical modelling approaches.
• Develop tools, templates, models, and guidance to improve appraisal practice across SYMCA.
• Maintain strong relationships with external consultants and technical specialists.
• Contribute to programme‑level business case development as part of the Integrated Settlement.
• Ensure new national guidance and datasets are appropriately applied across SYMCA’s assurance tools and modelling.

This is a critical role ensuring transparency, accountability, and strong decision‑making for public investment across the region.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of our benefits include:

• Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
• Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
• Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
• Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi‑Scheme which allows office‑based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time‑off in the form of Flexi‑Leave or banked Annual Leave.
• Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to‑Work schemes.
• Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on‑job training and qualifications.
• Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements. Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.