At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to tackle smoking issues and improve community health.
- Company: Join West Suffolk Council's Feel Good Suffolk, a leader in public health initiatives.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a unique employee benefits package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on health inequalities while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: No smoking background needed; just bring your passion for project management and community support.
- Other info: Full training provided; apply online by 17 September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28114 - 32176 £ per year.
- West Suffolk Council – Feel Good Suffolk
- Address: Western Way, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 3YU
- Salary: £33,143 – £38,220 per annum,
- Hours: 37 hours per week
- Contract: Fixed Term contract for 18 months
- Reference: 0373
Feel Good Suffolk at West Suffolk Council are looking to recruit a Programme Coordinator to lead our Smoke Free Generation Team and drive forward one of the county\’s biggest public health priorities.
Feel Good Suffolk is the county\’s healthy lifestyles service, supporting residents to stop smoking, manage a healthy weight, and get more active. In just the last year, more than 11,000 people have turned to us for support, and 93% of customers have rated their experience with Feel Good Suffolk as Excellent\’ or Good\’. Since January 2025, we have helped over 700 people in Suffolk to stop smoking.
About the role
Smoking remains one of Suffolk\’s most pressing challenges, linked to nearly 1,000 deaths a year and costing the county millions. This role will have real purpose, helping to reduce health inequalities and create lasting change in communities across Suffolk.
As Programme Co-ordinator, you will:
- lead and support a team of advisors delivering targeted community projects
- develop project plans, monitor performance, and ensure consistent quality across the service
- build strong partnerships across councils, the NHS, community groups, and local organisations
- support and oversee projects funded through Suffolk\’s Smoke Free Generation community fund
- produce reports, case studies, and presentations to showcase the impact of the programme
- shape new initiatives that strengthen Suffolk\’s smoke free future.
You don\’t need a background in helping people quit smoking, what matters is your ability to lead, organise, motivate, and deliver projects that make a difference. Full training and ongoing support will be provided.
You will need to be:
- a confident communicator, able to build trust and collaborate with diverse partners
- skilled in project and people management, with experience juggling multiple priorities
- passionate about tackling health inequalities and reaching those who need support most
- adaptable, resilient, and able to think both strategically and creatively
- inclusive and empathetic, with lived experience or community outreach experience a real asset.
Please refer to the job description and person specification for full details of this exciting opportunity.
Why work for us?
Our benefits include:
- Holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years (pro rata if part time) plus bank holidays (with an option to buy up to 10 extra days each year subject to approval)
- Generous pension scheme, contribute 5.5 – 6.8% (salary dependent) and the council will contribute 26%
- Life assurance – a payment of three times your annual salary
- Flexible working options to enable work/life balance
- Agile working – ability to work in the office and from home
- Access to a unique employee benefits package which includes discounts and cashback on supermarkets, high street shops, holidays, mobile phones, electrical goods, savings and loan schemes and many other products and services
- Salary sacrifices benefits including Cycle to Work scheme, Tusker Leased Car Scheme and SmartTech (buy the latest tech products interest free and repay through your monthly salary)
- Rail and bus staff discounts
- A range of Health and Wellbeing initiatives including an employee assistance programme
- Discounted membership at Abbeycroft Leisure centres
- A culture of learning inspiring staff to focus on continuous learning
- Modern office accommodation
For more information:
For an informal discussion about the role please contact either Georgina Howe, Strategic Manager for Feel Good Suffolk, by calling 01284 757116 or by emailing georgina.howe@westsuffolk.gov.uk or Laura Cooledge, Smoking Cessation Lead for Feel Good Suffolk, by calling 01473 433273 or by emailing laura.cooledge@ipswich.gov.uk .
How to apply
Please complete your application online, by visiting West Suffolk Council\’s website .
Please note, we are unable to accept CVs.
Closing date: 17 September 2025.
Interview date: 29 and 30 September 2025.
West Suffolk Council has been rated in the top 10 councils for climate action and as a member of UK100 has demonstrated its commitmen to a rapid transition to Net Zero with Clean Air in our communities. The council has declared a climate and biodiversity emergency and is committed to working towards net zero emissions by 2030.
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Programme Coordinator employer: Suffolk County Council
Contact Detail:
Suffolk County Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Programme Coordinator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the key public health priorities in Suffolk, especially around smoking cessation. Understanding the local context and challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in public health or community outreach. Attend local events or workshops related to health initiatives to build connections that could support your application and show your proactive approach.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership and project management experiences in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led a team or managed multiple projects, as these skills are crucial for the Programme Coordinator role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Feel Good Suffolk's current initiatives and outcomes. Being able to reference their work and suggest potential new initiatives during your interview can set you apart as a candidate who is genuinely interested and engaged.
We think you need these skills to ace Programme Coordinator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Programme Coordinator position. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role's focus on public health and community engagement.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your application to reflect the specific skills mentioned in the job description, such as project management and communication abilities. Use examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your capability to lead and motivate teams.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for tackling health inequalities. Mention any relevant experience in community outreach or project coordination that showcases your commitment to making a difference.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail and communication skills.
How to prepare for a job interview at Suffolk County Council
✨Understand the Role and Its Impact
Make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of a Programme Coordinator and how this role contributes to public health in Suffolk. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can help tackle smoking-related issues and improve community health.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Programme Coordinator, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed projects or motivated a team, highlighting your ability to juggle multiple priorities.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Abilities
This role requires strong communication skills to build partnerships with various stakeholders. Be ready to share instances where you've collaborated with diverse groups, showcasing your confidence and ability to build trust.
✨Express Your Passion for Health Inequalities
The council is looking for someone who is passionate about tackling health inequalities. Be prepared to discuss why this issue matters to you and how you envision making a difference in the community through this role.