Performance Partnerships & Programme Management Lead

UK Sport; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent sports organization in England is seeking a Partnerships & Programme Management Lead to enhance the partnership with UKSI and ensure support for athletes. This full-time, permanent position based in Manchester involves strategic advisory roles, governance management, and leading teams effectively. The ideal candidate will have a robust background in partnerships and operational excellence within high-performance environments. Competitive salary offered.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in strategic partnership management.
• Strong governance and decision-making skills.
• Ability to lead and manage teams effectively.

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.

Job description

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 Job Description 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.