Programme Manager (maternity cover)

Programme Manager (maternity cover)

£40,000 per year

Full-time, 35 hours per week

Maternity cover contract for up to one year

Based in London or north of England

Our client empowers people with the skills they need to succeed in life. Together, they're helping people change their stories. They are looking for two Programme Managers to provide maternity cover in their school libraries team.

What you'll be doing

Our client believes that well-resourced and effective school libraries are a vital part of the education system. As well as library space transformation, their programme helps to transform reading in primary schools by providing new books, eBooks and audiobooks, training and resources for teachers, and parental engagement strategies.

They are recruiting two experienced programme managers to provide maternity cover in their school libraries team - one will be based in the north of England as a home working role to cover specific programme delivery responsibilities there, and the other will be based at their office in London, but with flexibility to work from home.

You will be responsible for managing the development, delivery, and scaling up of this work. You will oversee operational delivery, including line management of project managers where necessary, and work closely with schools, partners, and suppliers to facilitate the smooth delivery of school-facing activity. You will also manage relationships with a range of high-profile partners, including key stakeholders and funders.

Wherever you are based, you will need to be in London at least six times per year for team and organisational days, and if you are based in London, then unfortunately our client is unable to cover travel costs for this. Your role will also require travel to project locations around the country to support partnerships and delivery, and this will be covered by expenses.

What our client is looking for

You will need to be an experienced programme manager, able to lead delivery, manage and motivate a team, oversee budgets, and manage complex relationships with funders and partners. You will also need experience of successfully marketing and promoting programmes, resources, or training to the education sector. Experience of working with corporates and volunteers would be an advantage, as would knowledge of research methodologies and impact measurement for large-scale programmes.

Why our client's work is so vital

Reading and writing change everything.

They give you the tools to get the most out of life, and the power to shape your future. They're the key to knowledge, confidence, and inspiration. They're better results at school, and better jobs. If children grow up without the tools to communicate, without books to read, or opportunities to write, it's harder to get where you want to go.

Our client helps people overcome these challenges and change their life chances through the power of words - reading, writing, speaking, and listening. From first words, through school days, to training, jobs and beyond.

- They work collaboratively in local communities, focusing their work in areas of the UK that are facing the biggest challenges.

- They support schools, developing the most effective tools and techniques and providing resources and programmes to engage and inspire children.

- They campaign to make reading and writing a priority for politicians and decision-makers.

- They support vulnerable adults, people in the criminal justice system and young offenders' institutions to build their skills.

What our client offers you

Our client's team is passionate about their mission, and have a strong and positive working culture, based on shared values and respect. They offer a range of flexible working options and promote a workplace where you can be yourself and contribute to their success, whoever you are.

As well as a competitive salary, they offer benefits, including a generous leave allowance totalling 39 days (including bank holidays and office closure between Christmas and New Year), pension contributions of 8% of annual salary, a cycle to work scheme, an employee assistance programme, and other health and wellbeing benefits.

Application details

Our client's people are their most important asset, and they value and respect diversity in all its forms (seen and unseen). They particularly welcome applications from those from Black and Asian backgrounds, as well as candidates with disabilities and from the communities in which they work. They would like to increase the representation of these groups among their staff, as they know greater diversity will lead to an even greater impact for their work.

To apply, please select the apply button shown.

Closing date: 10am, Monday 15 September 2025.

Please note, our client does not accept CVs. No agencies or recruitment sites.