Head of Programme Management

NFP PEOPLE; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK-based charity organization is looking for a Head of Programme Management to lead initiatives supporting people leaving prison. You will ensure high-quality delivery and engage with partners while developing strategic operations. Ideal candidates will have strong leadership skills, operational experience in rehabilitation, and be committed to helping individuals with convictions. The position offers a salary of £38,000 - £42,000.

Benefits

Ongoing training and professional development

Career progression opportunities

Mentoring or coaching

Qualifications

• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent operational and project management skills.
• Experience delivering programmes within justice or rehabilitation.

Responsibilities

• Oversee delivery of Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time.
• Design and improve delivery frameworks and processes.
• Build partnerships with employers and community organizations.
• Lead and support Community Consultants.
• Monitor programme performance using data insights.

Skills

Leadership experience

Operational management

Relationship-building

Data analysis

Empathy

Job description

Overview

• We have offices in both Birmingham and London, we are open to where the right person is based.
• Salary: £38,000 - £42,000
• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Closing date: 28th November 2025

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and driven Head of Programme Management to lead the delivery of two flagship initiatives, Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time. You will be responsible for ensuring high-quality, consistent delivery across prisons and the community.

You will be based in Birmingham or London. Expensed travel will be part of the role to attend our prisons, for partner meetings and organisational collaboration. It\'s essential you can drive, and you have access to a car. We also have a long-standing partnership based in Newcastle.

Working closely with the CEO and COO, you\'ll help shape operational strategy, refine delivery processes, and scale the impact of our peer-led employment and music-based rehabilitation programmes. This is a leadership role at the heart of an innovative, mission-driven organisation committed to supporting people leaving prison into meaningful work and purposeful lives.

Due to the nature of this role, you will be required to obtain security clearance from the Ministry of Justice to work within prisons. This clearance enables team members to have key access and carry out their duties safely and effectively.

The ability to obtain security clearance will form part of the recruitment process. We welcome applications from people with lived experience and will provide guidance on the clearance process if needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the successful delivery of Inside Job and Choirs Beating Time, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Design, embed, and continuously improve delivery frameworks, operational processes, and quality assurance systems.
• Build and sustain partnerships with employers, corporate partners, and community organisations to create pathways into employment.
• Lead, mentor, and support Community Consultants to achieve excellence in delivery and participant outcomes.
• Monitor programme performance using data and insights to drive learning and improvement.
• Maintain strong working relationships with prisons, probation services, local authorities, and other key stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the CEO and COO on strategic planning, resource allocation, and programme growth.

About You

You\'re a proactive, empathetic, and results-driven leader with experience in programme management, rehabilitation, or employment initiatives. You combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery expertise and have a genuine commitment to supporting people with convictions.

Essential:

• Proven leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent operational and project management skills.
• Strong relationship-building skills with employers, partners, and stakeholders.
• Experience delivering programmes within justice, rehabilitation, or other complex environments.
• Data-literate and able to translate insights into action.
• Empathetic, non-judgemental, and committed to a strengths-based approach.
• Adaptable and comfortable working in dynamic, evolving contexts.
• Full driving licence and access to a car for regular prison visits.

Desirable

• Experience in recruitment or case management.
• Background in leading teams within high-pressure or regulated settings.
• Strong problem-solving, change management, and strategic planning skills.

About the Programmes

• Inside Job is the UK\'s first peer-led employment initiative supporting people leaving prison into sustainable work. The programme empowers those with lived experience of the justice system to support others, reducing reoffending and creating meaningful opportunities.
• Choirs Beating Time uses music to build confidence, connection, and hope in prison and beyond. Through creativity and collaboration, it helps participants develop transferable skills and a renewed sense of purpose.

What We Offer

• Ongoing training and professional development.
• The opportunity to shape and scale two innovative, high-impact programmes.
• Opportunities to attend sector events or network with partner organisations
• Career progression routes or skill development for future roles
• Access to mentoring or coaching within the organisation

Other roles you may have experience of include: Programme Manager, Operations Manager, Employment Lead, Casework Manager, Rehabilitation Manager, or Senior Consultant.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation