About us

This is a rare opportunity to lead a landmark, resident-led transformation programme backed by up to £20 million of Government investment.

As Programme Manager for Pride in Place in Hulme (North Orford), you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of a neighbourhood working at the intersection of policy, place and people to deliver meaningful, long-term change.

This is a high-profile role operating within a complex partnership environment, working closely with residents, the Neighbourhood Board, senior council leaders, partners and Government. You’ll provide system leadership, influence decision-making at all levels, and ensure the programme delivers real improvements for local people.

Pride in Place is a national programme that empowers communities to take the lead in shaping how investment is used in their area. In Hulme (North Orford), this means putting residents at the heart of decision-making through a Neighbourhood Board made up of local people, organisations and partners.

As the accountable body, Warrington Borough Council works alongside the Board to ensure funding is used effectively to deliver better outcomes including improved health and wellbeing, reduced inequalities and stronger local opportunities.

The role

You will play a central role in enabling the successful delivery of the programme working alongside residents, partners and the Neighbourhood Board to turn local ambition into action working closely with the local MP and Chair of the Pride in Place Board.

This is not a traditional top-down programme management role. Instead, you will operate within a resident-led governance model, where leadership comes from the community. Your role is to facilitate, enable and support this leadership helping the Board to make informed decisions, build confidence and capability, and translate priorities into a deliverable programme.

At the same time, you will ensure the programme is well-managed, compliant and delivers meaningful outcomes, balancing community leadership with strong programme discipline and accountability.

You will:

• Support and enable the Neighbourhood Board to lead effectively, building capacity, confidence and shared ownership
• Facilitate inclusive, community-led decision-making, ensuring a wide range of voices shape priorities
• Provide professional programme management, translating community ambition into clear plans, projects and delivery pathways
• Develop and manage programme plans, performance frameworks and reporting arrangements
• Ensure robust governance, financial management, risk management and compliance with programme requirements
• Support the development of a strong pipeline of projects and business cases aligned to community priorities
• Lead commissioning and procurement activity in a way that reflects local needs and delivers value for money
• Build strong, trusted relationships across residents, partners and stakeholders
• Act as a bridge between the community, the Council and Government — ensuring the programme remains both community-driven and deliverable

What’s needed?

We are looking for a highly capable and motivated programme leader who can operate confidently in a complex, partnership-driven environment.

You will bring:

• A strong track record of leading complex, multi-agency programmes and influencing without direct authority
• Experience of working across systems, building effective partnerships and delivering through others
• Strong financial, performance and risk management expertise
• Experience of commissioning, project development and delivering value for money
• The ability to translate data, insight and community intelligence into clear decisions and priorities
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, including working with senior stakeholders
• A strong commitment to community-led, inclusive approaches, ensuring local people have a genuine voice in shaping decisions

Experience in regeneration, public sector programmes or place-based working is desirable.

Benefits

As well as a competitive salary, we offer:

•  26 days annual holiday - raising to 31 after 5 years of service
• Access to our attractive and competitive benefits package
• Access to our Health & Wellbeing Programme

Further Information

This is a full time, fixed term contract to 31 March 2029. Based at 1 Time Square with flexible working arrangements.

The interview process will be approximately 60 minutes; this will be a face-to-face interview with a test.

If you would like an informal discussion please contact Kerry Hall, Inclusive Economy Manager 07581 065583.

The ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.

If you are applying for the job internally, please ensure that you apply via the Careers Page on SAP, however if you are applying for an additional job you would need to apply externally.

If you are a permanent WBC employee you will need to apply for this fixed term position as an internal secondment opportunity and will need to discuss this with your current line manager prior to applying.

In accordance with Home Office guidance, successful candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK before commencement of employment. Sponsorship is not available for this role; therefore, you must have the right to work in the UK to be eligible for appointment.

Warrington Borough Council is a Disability Confident employer