Head of Programme Assurance and Appraisal

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Permanent (We also welcome applications from candidates interested in a two-year secondment opportunity)
• Salary: Grade 12 £55,949 - £59,907
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

We're looking for an exceptional Head of Programme Assurance and Appraisal to lead a high profile function that underpins the MCA's investment decisions and ensures public money delivers maximum impact for our region.

This is an opportunity to shape the way a major public organisation invests, innovates and delivers value for communities. You will lead a respected function, work with senior leaders across government and the region, and have a direct impact on the success of the MCA's investment programme.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal .

Interviews will be held W/c 23rd March 2026

Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.

About the role

In this senior role, you will shape and lead our annual Assurance Framework, guide major investments through assurance gateways, and ensure rigorous appraisal standards are applied across all programmes. You'll work closely with senior leaders, government partners and delivery teams to support effective decision making and help bring high quality schemes into delivery.

You will oversee our independent appraisal providers, and provide expert guidance to colleagues and partners on business case development, evaluation and value for money.

About you

You're a confident, strategic thinker with a sharp eye for detail and a passion for public value. You thrive in complex environments, where your ability to interpret data, influence stakeholders, and drive high-impact decisions sets you apart.

You bring a strong foundation in project appraisal and assurance and know how to translate technical insight into clear, compelling advice for senior leaders and partners.

You're not just a subject matter expert - you're a trusted advisor, a collaborator, and a change-maker. Whether you're managing independent assessors, shaping policy, or guiding multi-million-pound decisions, you lead with integrity, clarity, and purpose.

We're looking for someone who:

• Has a degree or equivalent experience.
• Is a qualified Better Business Case Practitioner with hands-on experience.
• Communicates with confidence - simplifying complexity and inspiring action.
• Has strong analytical skills and a track record of appraising funding applications.
• Builds trusted relationships across teams, suppliers, and senior stakeholders.
• Thrives on autonomy, accountability, and high professional standards.
• Brings commercial awareness and understands how to manage contracts and budgets.
• Is adaptable, solutions-focused, and committed to continuous improvement.

If you're motivated by improving outcomes for communities, shaping investment decisions, and ensuring public funding delivers real value, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now and help us drive high quality, high impact investment across the region.

Please refer to the full person specification in the role profile when submitting your application.

Benefits

All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.

In addition to the above, some of benefits include -

Continuous Employment - If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.

Enhanced Holiday Entitlement - From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.

Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave

Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.

Flexible Hours Scheme - Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees' flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.

Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.

Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications

Professional Membership Fees - Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.

Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority

Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.

All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.

Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.

If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.