Head of Programmes

Leeds United; Leeds; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Leeds United Foundation is seeking an experienced Head of Programmes to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across its programme areas, including Women & Girls, Education & Employability, Sports & Wellbeing, and Community Inclusion.

You will lead multi-disciplinary teams, build strong partnerships with schools, authorities and funders, and ensure programmes deliver measurable social impact while contributing to sustainable growth.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Sport Development, Community Development, Education, Management, or related field.
• Significant leadership and people management experience.
• Experience managing budgets (£2m+).
• Experience developing strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Experience safeguarding in community programmes.
• Experience working in charity/not-for-profit sport/education.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across Leeds United Foundation programme areas.
• Drive growth, quality, sustainability and impact of programmes.
• Lead high-performing teams and develop strategic partnerships.
• Oversee programme performance, budgets and reporting to funders.
• Ensure safeguarding, compliance and participant welfare across all programmes.
• Monitor monitoring, evaluation and impact reporting with Data & Impact Manager.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Financial awareness

Communication

Planning & organisation

Education

Degree in Sport Development/related field

Leadership qualification (Level 7)

Coaching qualifications (FA Level 2/ UEFA C)

Safeguarding training (Children/Adults)

Job description

What You’ll Be Doing

We are seeking an experienced and inspirational Head of Programmes to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across all Leeds United Foundation programme areas.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving the growth, quality, sustainability, and impact of programmes delivered across Women & Girls, Education & Employability, Sports & Wellbeing, and Community Inclusion.

You will lead high-performing teams, develop strategic partnerships, oversee programme performance, and ensure all activity delivers meaningful outcomes for participants while supporting the Foundation's long-term growth ambitions.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the development and implementation of the Foundation's programme strategy.
• Drive programme growth and maximise opportunities for social impact.
• Ensure programmes align with organisational priorities and community needs.
• Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion across all programme areas.
• Oversee the successful delivery of Foundation programmes, including:

Premier League Primary Stars

Soccer Schools

Technical Centres

• Ensure programmes achieve KPIs, outcomes, and reporting requirements.
• Maintain high standards of quality, consistency, and participant experience.
• Work with Senior Managers to develop and manage programme budgets.
• Support the Foundation's annual growth plan through income generation and partnership development.
• Drive sustainable growth through funded and traded programme activity.
• Monitor financial performance and ensure effective budget control.
• Balance commercial growth with community impact and accessibility.

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with:

Schools

Local authorities

Community organisations

National Governing Bodies

• Identify and secure new partnership opportunities.
• Represent the Foundation at external meetings, networks, and events.
• Support funding applications and programme development opportunities.

Leadership & People Management

• Lead, support, and develop a team of Senior Managers, coordinators, and delivery staff.
• Create a positive, inclusive, and high-performing culture.
• Support workforce planning, recruitment, CPD, and staff development pathways.

Safeguarding & Compliance

• Ensure all programmes operate in line with safeguarding policies and best practice.
• Maintain compliance with charity, funding, health & safety, and regulatory requirements.
• Act as a safeguarding champion throughout programme delivery.
• Promote best practice in equality, diversity, inclusion, and participant welfare.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Impact

• Oversee programme monitoring and evaluation frameworks.
• Work closely with the Data & Impact Manager to demonstrate programme outcomes.
• Use data and evidence to support strategic decision-making and continuous improvement.
• Ensure accurate reporting to funders and stakeholders.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll have:

A relevant degree or equivalent experience in Sport Development, Community Development, Education, Management, or a related field.

Outstanding leadership and people management skills.

Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities.

Strong financial and commercial awareness.

Excellent communication, planning, and organisational skills.

A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and community impact.

Experience

Significant experience leading programmes within a charity, sport, education, community, or not-for-profit environment.

Experience managing multidisciplinary teams, including managers, coordinators, and delivery staff.

Experience managing substantial budgets (£2m+).

Experience overseeing funded programmes and contractual delivery requirements.

Experience developing strategic partnerships and funding opportunities.

Experience monitoring programme performance and delivering measurable impact.

Experience managing safeguarding requirements within community programmes.

Programme management and operational leadership.

Community engagement and social impact delivery.

Safeguarding, welfare, and participant safety.

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion best practice.

Monitoring, evaluation, and impact reporting.

Financial planning, budgeting, and income generation.

Partnership development and stakeholder engagement.

Professional leadership qualification (Level 7 or equivalent).

FA Level 2, UEFA C, or higher coaching qualification.

Safeguarding Children and/or Safeguarding Adults training.

Experience working with Premier League Charitable Fund programmes.

Experience within the sport-for-development sector.

Why Should You Join The Leeds United Foundation?

Whether you are on the pitch or behind the scenes here, we’re united by passion, pride, and a drive to always improve. You’ll be joining a supportive team where your voice is valued and your development matters.

In return for your dedication, you’ll receive a competitive salary package and pension scheme, along with a range of exciting perks.

Deadline: August 24, 2026