Programme Manager

Description:

Programme Manager 

Reporting to: Director of Organisational Development & Bespoke Learning
Team: Solace Learning
Location: Hybrid with mostly home working but expected to travel as required
Length of Contract: Permanent
 
Working within the Learning Team

Solace is the charitable members' network for local government and public sector professionals throughout the UK. We influence debate around the future of public services to ensure that policy and legislation are informed by the experience and expertise of our members. We also offer a range of services including personal and organisational development, events, and both interim and executive recruitment through our profit for purpose subsidiary company, Solace in Business.
 
This post would be working within the Learning Team, a function of the business that specialises in providing cutting-edge, transformative, unique learning experiences that go deeper than the average intervention for our local government clients.
 

Job Purpose

To manage the end‑to‑end delivery of Solace’s leadership, management and bespoke development programmes, ensuring high-quality client experience, operational excellence, and effective coordination with associates and internal teams.
 
The postholder will support the Director of Organisational Development & Bespoke Learning by taking operational responsibility for programme delivery, client liaison, logistics, evaluation, and business development administration, enabling the Director to focus on strategic leadership, portfolio development and innovation.
 
The Programme Manager will model Solace’s values in all aspects of their work, ensuring programmes are delivered in a way that is dynamic, open, nurturing and expert.
 
Main Responsibilities

1. Programme Management & Delivery

Manage the operational delivery of regional and bespoke leadership and OD programmes.
Act as the primary day‑to‑day client contact on all delivery matters.
Design programme timelines, schedules and delivery plans, ensuring efficient and coordinated delivery.
Coordinate associates, facilitators, coaches and internal contributors to ensure readiness and quality.
Oversee logistical arrangements including venue booking, virtual delivery setup, materials production and delegate communications.
Monitor delivery quality and escalate strategic, contractual or reputational risks to the Director.
Maintain accurate programme documentation, handbooks, materials, evaluation data and delivery records.
2. Client Relationship Management

Support initial scoping conversations with clients to understand delivery requirements and expectations.
Interpret client needs and propose delivery options within agreed frameworks.
Draft proposals, options papers and delivery plans for Director approval.
Maintain strong, professional relationships with clients throughout the programme lifecycle.
Capture client feedback and evaluation data to inform continuous improvement and to feed into the strategic evaluation KPI.
3. Business Development Support

Prepare first‑draft responses for PQQs, ITTs and tender submissions for Director refinement.
Draft proposal documents, programme outlines and costings aligned to Solace pricing frameworks.
Support the development and refresh of marketing and communication materials (e.g., case studies, web copy, product sheets).
Carry out networking, attendance at events and client engagement activity as appropriate.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Solace products, services and upcoming opportunities.
4. Financial & Operational Oversight

Track programme budgets, monitor expenditure, and ensure delivery is within agreed financial parameters.
Prepare financial summaries and delivery reports for internal review.
Work with the accounts team and learning advisors to ensure timely invoicing and cost reconciliation.
Provide operational data to support forecasting, reporting and strategic decision-making by the Director.
5. Evaluation, Data & Insight

Manage the end-to-end evaluation process for all programmes within remit.
Analyse feedback, performance data and delivery metrics to identify trends and risks.
Produce clear summaries and insights for the Director and QA Lead to support strategic planning and quality assurance.
Keep programme records updated and contribute to impact reporting and internal dashboards.
6. Collaboration & Associate Management

Liaise with associates regarding scheduling, delivery expectations, materials and logistics.
Assist with the onboarding, quality monitoring and coordination of associates.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across Solace Learning and the wider organisation.
Support and guide others who contribute to programme operations as required.
7. Professionalism & Representation

Act as an ambassador for Solace at client meetings, networking events and sector forums when appropriate.
Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of leadership and management development, public sector trends and digital learning approaches.
Uphold Solace’s values and contribute to a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement.
 
Person Specification

Qualifications

Degree-level education or equivalent experience.

Knowledge

Strong understanding of local government and the wider public sector is desirable.
Knowledge of leadership and management development approaches.
Understanding of programme management, quality assurance and client care.
Awareness of digital and blended learning methods and tools.
Good commercial understanding, including assessing programme profitability.

Experience

Proven experience managing learning and development programme delivery.
Experience liaising with clients and stakeholders to design and manage programmes.
Experience working with associates/facilitators to deliver high-quality learning.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple, complex programmes simultaneously.
Experience preparing proposal documents, costings and bid content.
Experience delivering excellent customer service and maintaining strong professional relationships.

Skills & Abilities

Strong programme and project management skills.
Excellent organisational and coordination abilities.
Clear and confident communication skills (written and verbal).
Ability to manage budgets, track costs and report variances.
Skilled at interpreting client needs and translating them into delivery plans.
Competent user of digital tools, including MS Office and online learning platforms.
Ability to work independently, use judgement, and escalate appropriately.
Collaborative mindset and ability to guide others contributing to programme operations.
Confident in networking and representing Solace professionally.
A genuine enthusiasm for supporting leadership development and public sector excellence.