Programme Manager - Employment Support

Communities & Skills

Collaborative, open, inclusive and fair - we work with and through partners to ensure Londoners can shape healthy, empowered and productive lives. Communities and Skills is led by Executive Director, Tunde Olayinka and is comprised of the following units: Civil Society & Sport, Communities & Social Policy, Group Public Health Unit, Skills and Employment and Health, Children and Young Londoners.

About the team

The Delivery Teams within the Skills & Employment Unit manage a complex portfolio of projects supporting Londoners, particularly those who are unemployed, economically inactive, or disadvantaged. We work closely with employers, schools, colleges, training providers, and government partners to deliver programmes that improve access to skills and employment. Key initiatives include the Get Britain Working Trailblazers and Connect to Work, alongside other employability and skills programmes aligned with the Mayor’s Inclusive Talent Strategy.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Programme Manager to lead the development and delivery of employment support programmes that help young people and economically inactive Londoners into sustainable work. A key part of the role will be operationalising policy — turning strategic priorities into practical programmes that deliver measurable outcomes. You will oversee complex projects, manage delivery partners, and ensure programmes meet compliance, quality, and value-for-money standards. You will also play a key role in maintaining strong relationships with external stakeholders including DWP, DfE, London Councils, and Sub-Regional Partnerships.

What your day will look like

• Lead the ongoing development and delivery of employment support programmes, including Get Britain Working Trailblazers and Connect to Work.

• Translate policy into operational delivery, ensuring programmes align with the Mayor’s Inclusive Talent Strategy and Get London Working Plan.

• Manage contracts with third-party organisations delivering projects on the GLA’s behalf.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with government departments and local partners.

• Take accountability for achieving Mayoral commitments on employment and skills.

• Provide high-quality support to senior stakeholders within the GLA.

• Line manage and develop a small team, ensuring resources are allocated effectively.

Skills, knowledge and experience

To be considered for the role you must meet the following essential criteria:

• Detailed knowledge of project management and outcome-related funding models, including budgeting, evaluation, risk and issue management.

• Track record of leading and managing teams, tackling poor performance, and developing talent.

• Strong contract management and negotiation skills, with experience of managing delivery through third parties.

• In-depth knowledge of employment support policy and programmes, both national and local, with hands-on experience in delivering connected programmes.

• Ability to operate successfully in complex organisational and political environments, including senior stakeholder management.

• Excellent analytical and report-writing skills, with confidence presenting at Board level.

Behavioural competencies to address in your cover letter:

• Communicating & Influencing – presenting clear, compelling arguments and gaining buy-in.

• Problem Solving – analysing complex issues and finding creative, workable solutions.

• Planning & Organising – anticipating risks, managing priorities, and delivering to high standards.

• Managing & Developing Performance – setting high standards, inspiring teams, and promoting inclusion.

The GLA Competency Framework Guidelines further detailing each competency and the different level indicators can be found here: GLA Competency Framework

How to apply

If you would like to apply for the role you will need to submit the following:

• Up to date CV

• Personal statement with a maximum of 1500 words. Please ensure you address how you demonstrate the essential criteria outlined above in the advert.

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Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement have a maximum file size of 1.5MB each and upload your Personal Statement to the ‘CV and Cover Letters’ section’ of the form, ensuring you address the technical requirements and competencies in your Personal Statement.

Word or PDF format preferred and do not include any photographs or images. Please ensure your CV and Personal Statement are saved with the job reference number as part of the naming convention (E.g., “CV – applicant name - 012345)

As part of GLA’s continuing commitment to be an inclusive and equal opportunity employer we will be removing personal identifiable information from CVs and Personal Statements that could cause discrimination. 

We may close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

If you have questions about the role

If you wish to talk to someone about the role, the hiring manager Rita Chircop who would be happy to speak to you. Please contact them at Rita.chircop@london.gov.uk

If you have any questions about the recruitment process, contact the glaopdcrecruitment@tfl.gov.uk who support the GLA with recruitment.

Is this role eligible for sponsorship?

This role DOES NOT meet the criteria for sponsorship for external candidates. It may meet the criteria for sponsorship for some internal candidates, in limited circumstances. Please contact the hiring manager if you wish to discuss this further.

Assessment process

Once you have submitted an application, your details will be reviewed by a panel.

If shortlisted, you’ll be invited to an interview/assessment.

The interview/assessment date is: 10th & 11th February 2026

Equality, diversity and inclusion

London's diversity is its biggest asset, and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London's diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority ethnic candidates and disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements. We would welcome applications from candidates who are seeking part time work as this role is open to job share. 

Please note we are a Disability Confident Employer so for candidates who wish to be considered under the scheme and meet the essential criteria, they will automatically be invited to interview. Please note, should you require any adjustments through the process, we will accommodate as much as possible. Please contact the recruitment team for further information if required.

Benefits

GLA staff are hybrid working up to 3 days a week in our offices and remotely depending on their role. As part of this, you will need to split your time between home working and coming into the office.

In addition to a good salary package, you will be paid every four weeks, providing frequent salary payments. We also offer an attractive range of benefits including 30 days’ annual leave, interest free season ticket loan, interest free bicycle loan and a career average pension scheme.

Additional Information

Please note, all candidates will need to confirm that the information provided in this application form is true and correct. Should a candidate deliberately give false information, including the use of AI software, they understand that this would disqualify them from consideration.

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record (DBS) check but some roles may require additional security screening. 

Find out which DBS check is right for your employee - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

If you are a GLA employee applying for an internal fixed-term position, as an internal secondment opportunity, you must ensure you satisfy the following secondment policy criteria listed below before applying 

• On a permanent contract or a fixed term contract where the time left on the contract at the point at which you apply for secondment is longer than the secondment period;

• successfully completed your probation period and are performing to the required standard for your current role; and

• at least 18 months service with the GLA 

If you do meet the criteria listed above, you will need to complete the Approval for secondment application form and gain line manager approval, before emailing the fully completed form to the Resourcing Assistant who is managing the vacancy. This form must be received by the closing date of the vacancy. Failure to provide this form will mean your application cannot be progressed.

If you are unable to satisfy all of the criteria, unfortunately, you are not eligible to apply for this vacancy as an internal secondment.  For further information, please see Secondment Policy and Procedure.

IMPORTANT: If you are a current GLA employee on a fixed-term contract, which is due to end BEFORE the end date of this vacancy, you DO NOT NEED to complete the Approval for secondment application form as it is not a secondment.

If you are successful in securing this secondment opportunity, you will need to be released from your existing role, so please ensure that you make your line manager aware of your application

More Support

If you have a disability which makes submitting an online application form difficult, please contact resourcingteam@london.gov.uk.