Working Denbighshire Programme Manager – Economic Inactivity Trailblazer

Neway International Ltd; Rhyl; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Working Denbighshire Programme Manager to lead the Economic Inactivity Trailblazer programme with Denbighshire County Council. This strategic leadership position requires strong project management and stakeholder engagement expertise. The Programme Manager will oversee programme delivery, ensuring alignment with local and national priorities, and achieving impactful outcomes for economically inactive individuals. A degree in project management or a related field and significant experience in large-scale programme delivery are essential for success.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in commissioning and delivering large-scale programmes.
• Strong understanding of funding compliance and grant-management processes.
• Welsh Language Level 2 essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning and implementation of the Trailblazer programme.
• Manage budgets, timelines, risks, and resources.
• Develop communication and engagement plans.

Skills

Project management

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Budget management

Continuous improvement

Education

Degree in project/programme management or related field

Job description

Neway International are seeking a Working Denbighshire Programme Manager – Economic Inactivity Trailblazer to join our client based with Denbighshire County Council.

Location: East Parade, Rhyl, LL18 3AH
Hours: 37 hours per week
Start Date: 26 January 2026
Duration: Initially for a 3 month contract (likely to be extended)
Pay Rate: £24.46 per hour PAYE
Work Pattern: Minimum of 3 days per week in the office

About the Client

Denbighshire County Council’s Strategic Employment service, Working Denbighshire, plays a central role in building resilient communities and tackling poverty across the region. As one of three delivery partners for the Welsh Government’s National Trailblazer Programme, the service is at the forefront of shaping innovative employability and skills support that aligns with the UK Government’s Get Britain Working strategy.

Working Denbighshire delivers a coordinated, person‑centred approach that removes barriers to employment, supports people with complex needs, and strengthens long‑term economic independence across Denbighshire.

The Role

The Working Denbighshire Programme Manager – Economic Inactivity Trailblazer will lead the planning, commissioning, and delivery of the Trailblazer programme across Denbighshire. This is a strategic leadership role requiring strong programme management expertise, a collaborative mindset, and the ability to design and implement impactful services for individuals who are economically inactive, including those with health conditions or complex barriers to work.

You will work closely with senior leaders, delivery teams, employers, and regional and national partners to ensure the programme is aligned with local and national priorities, delivered within budget, and achieves measurable outcomes. The role requires a proactive, innovative leader with excellent stakeholder engagement skills and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the strategic planning, commissioning, and implementation of the Trailblazer programme
• Conduct needs assessments and analyse data to inform service design and identify gaps in provision
• Ensure all commissioned and grant‑funded services align with local, regional, and national priorities
• Oversee programme lifecycle management, including funding, planning, delivery, and performance
• Manage budgets, timelines, risks, and resources to ensure successful programme delivery
• Build strong relationships with service providers, employers, community organisations, and government partners
• Lead the development of communication and engagement plans
• Manage and monitor grant‑funding streams, ensuring compliance and sustainability
• Identify and secure additional funding opportunities
• Establish KPIs and evaluate service effectiveness, quality, and outcomes
• Support training and development for delivery teams and employers
• Produce detailed reports for senior management and funding bodies
• Promote continuous improvement through research, feedback, and evidence‑based practice
• Provide leadership to project staff and contribute to matrix management across multiple programmes

Candidate Requirements

• Degree or equivalent qualification in project/programme management, public administration, business, or related field
• Significant experience in commissioning and delivering large-scale programmes involving procurement, legal, financial, and asset management
• Experience designing and improving services based on data analysis and community needs
• Strong understanding of funding compliance and grant‑management processes
• Excellent project management skills, including budget and resource management
• Strong analytical skills with experience conducting needs assessments and designing interventions
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience building partnerships with government bodies, third sector organisations, and community groups
• Knowledge of employability, skills, and training initiatives, including relevant policies and funding streams
• Experience using continuous improvement tools
• Ability to manage competing priorities and lead multidisciplinary teams
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
• Ability to travel across North Wales and work flexibly, including occasional out‑of‑hours work
• Welsh Language Level 2 essential (ability to handle basic conversations and workplace communication)