Programme Manager - Productivity

Wokingham Jobs; Wokingham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government office in Wokingham is seeking an experienced Programme Manager - Productivity to lead their Business Change Team on a full-time, 12-month contract. The candidate will be responsible for delivering and monitoring productivity projects, engaging with senior stakeholders, and managing risks effectively. Key qualifications include project management experience, knowledge of local governance, and proficiency in Microsoft applications. Generous employee benefits, including annual leave and a local government pension scheme, are offered.

Benefits

Generous Annual Leave

Local Government Pension Scheme

GP Helpline

Employee Assistance Programme

Free Eye Tests

Free Onsite Gym

Learning & Development Opportunities

Qualifications

• Expertise in managing productivity programmes and portfolios.
• Proven ability to meet agreed outputs and budget constraints.
• Experience with senior stakeholders on effective governance.

Responsibilities

• Ensure productivity projects are effectively planned and reported.
• Generate reports on productivity projects for leadership.
• Monitor and manage risks affecting projects.
• Lead and support team members in productivity initiatives.
• Perform other duties aligned with the role.

Skills

Portfolio management

Project management

Team leadership

Risk management

Stakeholder engagement

MS Project

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

MS Visio

Education

Relevant qualification in programme management (e.g., MSP)

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over‑50s age inclusive jobs board.

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Programme Manager - Productivity, to join our Business Change Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full‑time, 12 Month Fixed Term Contract.

As the Programme Manager - Productivity, you will lead the delivery and monitoring of the council's Productivity Programme across all directorates, ensuring savings targets and programme deliverables are met. This will include programme level and issue risk management, engaging cross‑functional senior stakeholders to drive good governance, supporting change management and assuring accuracy and quality of programme reporting.

You'll take a proactive approach to leading and motivating colleagues involved in productivity projects in line with deliverables and work collaboratively with other stakeholders including members and partners to maximise opportunities.

Staff Benefits

• Generous Annual Leave - 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days after 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays
• Local Government Pension Scheme
• GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week
• Employee Assistance Programme - Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline
• Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines
• Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham
• Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more
• Move through Menopause Course
• Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more
• Learning & Development Opportunities
• Employee Networks
• And more!

Key Responsibilities

• Help make sure the council's productivity projects are planned, organised, and reported on, working with other colleagues in the Business Change team.
• Collect and create reports about productivity projects for the Corporate Leadership Team.
• Keep track of any risks or problems that might affect these projects, and work with senior leaders to solve issues.
• Lead and engage with team members working on productivity projects and provide further support if needed.
• Undertake any other duties aligned to the general levels of responsibility of the post.

Candidate Requirements

• Relevant portfolio, programme and project management qualification or skills and experience (MSP or similar).
• Knowledge of local government and particularly the transformational Government and efficiency agenda.
• Proven ability in managing portfolios, programmes, projects, other managers and colleagues to achieve agreed outputs, within budget, including benefit realisation.
• Experience of using Microsoft applications including Word, Excel, MS Project, MS Visio, PowerPoint.

Our Area

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We're home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

Alternatively, for more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Matthew Clift, PMO & Portfolio Manager via [e-mail]. (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: W/C 26th January 2026

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre‑employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.