Programme Manager - National Sports & PE Networks

Role purpose

Leading a portfolio of national or multi-region programmes that use networks, investment and partnership delivery to improve sport, physical activity and PE delivery in schools. The role turns national priorities into practical, well-managed plans that work for schools and communities in different places. It brings partners together around clear outcomes, makes sure funding and support are directed where they can make the greatest difference, and uses feedback from schools and local networks to improve delivery over time.

Key responsibilities

• Own integrated programme plans, budgets, dependencies, risks, benefits and reporting across several delivery strands.
• Coordinate government bodies, local authorities, schools, active partnerships, national governing bodies, community organisations and suppliers around shared outcomes.
• Provide proportionate appraisal and performance insight on grant‑funded activity, ensuring delivery quality, compliance
• Use participation data, stakeholder insight and evaluation evidence to identify inequalities, improve delivery and inform future investment.
• Lead regional and local partner mobilisation, ensuring safeguarding, accessibility, value for money and compliance requirements are addressed.
• Line manage or task manage programme staff and contribute to bids, proposals, client and service development.

Skills, knowledge and experience

• Substantial programme management experience in sport, physical activity, PE, education, public health, community development or a comparable public-service setting.
• Experience managing complex partner networks and influencing senior stakeholders without relying on formal authority.
• Strong financial, commercial, risk and performance management capability.
• Ability to translate strategy and evidence into clear implementation plans, turning insight into deliverable work packages, clear decisions and concise senior reporting.
• Knowledge of physical activity inequalities and inclusive, place-based or systems approaches.
• Relevant project or programme qualification, such as PRINCE2, MSP, APM PMQ or equivalent practical experience.

Personal qualities

• Inclusive and collaborative, with the confidence to build trust and productive relationships across schools, community organisations, public bodies and delivery partners.
• Organised and solutions-focused, confident managing competing priorities while maintaining high-quality delivery and accurate records.
• Committed to widening participation and motivated to reducing barriers to sport and physical activity for underserved groups.
• Comfortable travelling and working flexibly when programme activity, events or partner engagement requires it.