Network Manager

Purpose of the job

UK Youth exists to widen the reach and deepen the impact of youth work and outdoor learning. To do this, we work with a network of youth organisations delivering youth work and outdoor learning across the UK, as well as national, regional and specialist infrastructure bodies that collectively strengthen the impact and sustainability of the sector. Together, this network forms a connected system focused on one shared aim: widening the reach and deepening the impact of youth work and outdoor learning.

As our Network Manager, you will live and breathe our network, developing a deep understanding of the makeup, needs and priorities of network members to lead effective engagement and establish a high-quality experience for network members. You’ll drive a number of projects and steward relationships as part of our evolving offer, focusing on listening, moving from a transactional to a relational approach to supporting and learning from our network, equipping leaders with the skills, networks, and confidence to deliver exceptional support to young people.

You’ll support the Head of Network Development and the Senior Leadership Team to evolve UKY’s network offer as part of our new strategy. You will be a key advocate for the sector, ensuring our network remains responsive, resilient, and well equipped to meet emerging opportunities and challenges.

The role requires a deep understanding and experience of the youth sector, the ability to confidently build relationships with leaders of practice and organisations, as well as a highly organised and proactive individual with strong project management and excellent stakeholder management skills.

Key responsibilities:

• Relationship Building, Network Onboarding and Partnerships
• Network Engagement, Experience and Capacity Building
• Planning, Budget and Resource Management
• Leadership and Management

Experience we're after:

• Experience delivering youth work practice with young people.
• Understanding of youth policy, workforce challenges, and sector-wide trends including the changing aspirations and needs of young people and the impact of youth work in supporting these.
• Knowledge of youth sector infrastructure organisations and their roles at national, regional, and local levels.
• Strong programme and project management expertise, including a demonstrable track record of successfully leading and managing large-scale or complex programmes and projects in a previous role.
• Excellent relational and stakeholder engagement skills, with proven experience building and maintaining relationships across diverse organisations.
• Proven experience in network development, membership engagement, or partnership management within the charity, youth, or community sector.
• Experience in workforce development, training, or skills enhancement within a sector-focused setting.
• Excellent line management skills, with experience developing staff and effectively managing performance.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage diverse audiences in a variety of settings.
• Experience in budget management and financial planning.

What we can offer you:

• We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture.
• Flexible/Agile Working
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part-time employees)
• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity
• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development
• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)
• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay out up to 4 times your salary
• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally
• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.
• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract
• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply:

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 7th April 2026 at 09:00am

Provisional Interview Dates: 13th and 14th April

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.