Head of Programmes

Head of Programmes

We are looking for a Head of Programmes to lead programme delivery and grant-making functions in this hybrid-working role.

If you want to join an impact-driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, then apply today!

Position: Head of Programmes

Location: London/hybrid

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours a week

Salary: £69,700, plus generous benefits

Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract (maternity cover). Anticipated start around February 2026

Closing Date: 23 November :59pm

Interview Date: Week commencing 8 December 2025

The role

As a senior member of the Evidence Directorate, the Head of Programmes operationalises the organisation s strategic priorities through effective programme design, commissioning, grant management, and delivery oversight. You will lead the Programmes team, ensuring that all funded programmes are well-conceptualised, feasible and governed through clear and proportionate processes. You will work closely with other senior members of the Evidence team, and in particular with the Head of Evaluation, to ensure that programme delivery and evaluation are aligned and mutually reinforcing.

While the Evaluation team leads on the technical and day-to-day management of evaluation grants, the Programmes team leads on the overall grant-making strategy and processes, and they also manage relationships with funded delivery partners.

The Head of Programmes provides leadership to the team, acts as project sponsor for key areas of the evidence portfolio, and ensures that the funding activity is delivered on time, within budget and to a consistently high standard.

Key tasks include:

• Scoping and pipeline development
• Commissioning and grant giving
• Grant and programme management
• Organisational leadership and governance
• External engagement and stakeholder relationships
• Team leadership and management

About you

You will have experience of:

• Commissioning and grant giving in a relevant sector, including designing and overseeing grant-making processes and governance arrangements such as due diligence and risk management frameworks
• Managing research projects and the specific challenges these pose
• Managing large and complex work programmes in a fast-paced environment, with minimal supervision
• Managing significant budgets including from government sources
• Effective team leadership and line management
• Reporting to funders of governance bodies on programme portfolios

The organisation

This is a great place to work, where everyone is high performing and where together everyone can achieve impact that makes a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Focusing on using and championing high-quality evidence, working directly with government and local leaders, the team provides practical solutions and encourages change. This is an organisation with ambitious aims and people are essential to its success.

Benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave, plus one extra day off for your birthday, paid bank holidays with up to three which may be switched for religious observance
• Up to five days carers leave, in a 12-month period, three days paid
• Paid compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• 6% employer and 3% employee contribution. No limit on any additional employee contributions made via auto enrolment
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 counselling, legal and information line
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP
• Mental health support
• Life cover at x4 annual salary
• Bike to work scheme.

The organisation offers excellent salaries, learning and development opportunities, and a great office location situated in the heart of St James s. Working in a hybrid and flexible way, the organisation recognises the importance of a good work-life balance. Please note that where staff live within approximately two hours travel of the office, they are expected to work onsite two days per week. For those based further afield, more flexible or home working arrangements can be discussed.

Do you want to work somewhere that values and celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees People are at the heart of everything we do. It s vital that the workforce reflects the diversity of stakeholders, and the wider society in the UK, and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.

You may have experience in other areas such as Programmes, Head of Programmes, Director of Programmes, Programme Director, Deputy Director of Programmes, Programme Manager.

This role is currently unable to offer sponsorship. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.