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- Tasks: Lead strategic partnerships and programme management for British high-performance sport.
- Company: Join UK Sport, a key player in supporting elite athletes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible remote work, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the future of sports and athlete support.
- Qualifications: Experience in programme management and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 74900 - 74900 £ per year.
Organisation: UK Sport
Salary Grade: 7 - £74,900
Location: Loughborough, London or Manchester based, with regular remote working.
Contract type: Permanent (Full time)
Closing date: 6 January 2026
As Partnerships & Programme Management Lead, you’ll sit at the heart of British high-performance sport. Your mission? Strengthen the strategic partnership between UK Sport and the UK Sports Institute (UKSI), ensuring world-class support for athletes and sports. You’ll lead programme management across the system, oversee governance and decision-making forums, and make sure planning and assurance cycles deliver impact. From driving collaboration to managing risks and shaping future strategy, this role is about influence, insight, and operational excellence. You’ll also line manage the Performance Programme Manager, championing development and guiding the team to deliver results that matter.
Key Responsibilities:
- Act as the strategic advisor for UKSI within UK Sport’s Performance & People directorate.
- Lead planning and assurance cycles for system-wide performance support.
- Oversee governance structures and decision‑making forums – ensuring transparency and best practice.
- Drive collaboration between UKSI, UK Sport, and system partners to improve athlete experience.
- Provide challenge and support to senior leaders on service delivery and quality assurance.
- Identify and resolve risks, issues, and performance gaps.
- Lead insights, evaluations, and reporting to shape future strategy.
- Manage the relationship with the performance board subgroup.
- Line manage the Performance Programme Manager and support professional development.
A full role overview is available in the Job Description.
Performance Partnerships & Programme Management Lead in Manchester employer: UK Sport
Contact Detail:
UK Sport Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Performance Partnerships & Programme Management Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the sports industry, especially those connected to UK Sport and UKSI. Attend events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio or presentation that highlights your experience in programme management and partnerships. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, use this to demonstrate how you can drive collaboration and improve athlete experiences.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to appear. Reach out directly to UK Sport and UKSI to express your interest in working with them. A well-timed email can put you on their radar before they even start the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application directly. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities and get your application in early!
We think you need these skills to ace Performance Partnerships & Programme Management Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in partnerships and programme management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: In your application, emphasise your ability to drive collaboration and manage risks. We’re looking for someone who can provide insights and shape future strategies, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit!
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 the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sport
✨Know Your Partnerships
Familiarise yourself with the current partnerships between UK Sport and UKSI. Be ready to discuss how you can strengthen these relationships and what innovative ideas you might bring to the table.
✨Showcase Your Programme Management Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in programme management, especially in high-performance environments. Highlight specific instances where you've led planning cycles or improved governance structures.
✨Demonstrate Your Strategic Thinking
Think about the future of performance support in sports. Be prepared to share your insights on potential risks and how you would address them, as well as how you can drive collaboration among various stakeholders.
✨Engage with the Team Dynamics
Since you'll be line managing the Performance Programme Manager, think about your leadership style. Prepare to discuss how you would champion their development and foster a results-driven team culture.