Programme Manager Safe Space to Sleep

Programme Manager Safe Space to Sleep

Final date to receive applications: 8 March 2026

Department: External Affairs

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Sheffield Head Office

Reporting To: Director of Strategy Collaboration and Culture

Compensation: £47,181 - £50,269 / year

• Hours: 37 hours
• Contract: Fixed Term - Full Time (10-months)
• Salary: Grade 10 £ 47,181 - £50,269
• Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)

The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is offering an exceptional opportunity to lead delivery of one of the Mayor’s flagship priorities: the Beds for Babies:
Safe Space to Sleep Programme. This 10‑month maternity cover is ideal for an experienced programme leader who thrives in complex, multi‑partner environments and wants to deliver meaningful impact for families across our communities.

This is a key role at the heart of a high‑profile regional programme, working closely with partners across the NHS, local authorities, Family Hubs, the voluntary sector, and corporate organisations.

Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile with a focus on the below points being key:

• Experience of leading large‑scale, multi‑agency programmes, including governance and benefits realisation.
• Experience of working with senior professionals at Board / Executive Director / Senior Manager level.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational and time‑management skills
  , particularly when working under pressure.

Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal.

For this role, we are open to considering applications on a Secondment basis from other Local Authority employers.

As Programme Manager, you will provide strategic leadership and oversight for all elements of the 4‑year Safe Space to Sleep Programme, including:

• Delivering a bed and bedding for every child in South Yorkshire who needs one.
• Overseeing four test and learn pilots in Goldthorpe, Mexborough, Swinton and Gleadless.
• Managing an ambitious evaluation programme to shape future regional investment.

You will ensure robust governance, effective programme controls, and strong benefits realisation — demonstrating the measurable difference this programme is making in people’s lives.

• Provide strategic direction across all programme work streams, ensuring alignment with SYMCA priorities and strong delivery performance.
• Lead cross‑functional teams and build trusted partnerships across public, voluntary and community sectors.
• Maintain high‑quality governance, risk management and assurance processes.
• Drive benefits realisation through clear outcomes tracking and impactful reporting.
• Oversee evaluation activity and embed continuous improvement.
• Represent SYMCA at regional and national forums, producing high‑quality briefings, updates and presentations.
• Manage programme resources and budget effectively, ensuring value for money.

• Experience leading large, multi‑agency programmes in complex systems.
• Strong programme and project management capability (MSP Practitioner desirable).
• Excellent relationship‑building and influencing skills, including experience working with senior leaders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to thrive in fast‑paced, unpredictable environments.
• Understanding of local government and NHS systems.
• A commitment to SYMCA’s values of Collaboration, Integrity, Ambition, and Accountability.

For full details of the skills, knowledge, and experience required for this role, please refer to the attached role profile.

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…