Programme Manager Commissioning

Directorate: Policy, Strategy and Engagement

37 Hours Per Week, Full time, Temporary Fixed term for 2 years

Are you an experienced programme leader with a track record of delivering complex transformation and commissioning programmes?

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Manager to lead the development and delivery of a corporate programme management framework, alongside a significant programme of strategic commissioning activity that will help shape the future delivery of services across the Council.

This is a high-profile leadership role that will provide strategic direction, robust governance and programme oversight to a range of complex projects and commissioning activities. Reporting to the Director of Policy, Strategy and Engagement, you will work with senior leaders, Elected Members and partner organisations to drive improvement, ensure compliance and deliver value for money for our residents.

About the role

As Programme Manager, you will lead the creation and implementation of a programme management framework that can be adopted across the Council, providing a consistent and effective approach to programme and project delivery. Alongside this, you will oversee a major programme of contract re-commissioning, ensuring that governance, assurance, stakeholder engagement and decision-making arrangements are robust and effective throughout.

You will:

• Lead a complex programme of strategic commissioning activity from initiation through to contract award and mobilisation.
• Establish programme governance arrangements, including reporting, risk, issue and dependency management.
• Work closely with senior stakeholders across services including Finance, ICT, Legal, Procurement and operational teams.
• Ensure programmes remain on track through effective prioritisation, planning and performance management.
• Provide strategic advice and recommendations to senior leadership and Elected Members.
• Lead market engagement activities and support the development of commissioning documentation and evaluation processes.
• Drive a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and successful programme delivery.

About you:

You will be a credible and influential leader with substantial experience of managing complex programmes within local government or a comparable public sector environment. You will be comfortable operating at a strategic level while maintaining a strong focus on delivery and outcomes.

You will be able to demonstrate:

• Significant experience of leading large-scale programmes and projects.
• Experience of developing programme management frameworks, controls and governance arrangements.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence at senior levels across multiple organisations.
• Experience of working closely with procurement, finance and legal teams to achieve compliant and auditable outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, including the preparation of reports and recommendations for senior leaders and Members.
• Strong understanding of governance, assurance, risk management and decision-making processes within the public sector.

A Level 7 qualification is desirable, although equivalent knowledge and expertise gained through extensive professional experience will also be considered.

Why join us?

At Rotherham, we are ambitious for our borough, our communities and our workforce. This role presents a unique opportunity to influence the future delivery of key Council services and leave a lasting legacy through the development of a corporate programme management approach.

For an informal discussion about this role with Jane Maxwell, Director Policy, Strategy and Engagement, please contact Kirsty Stocks via email kirsty.stocks@rotherham.gov.uk in the first instance.

Closing Date: 12th October 2026

This post will have access to the Public Services Network, if successful you will be required to apply for a disclosure of criminal records check at the Basic level (unspent criminal convictions).

Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is committed to encouraging equality, diversity and inclusion among our workforce, and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative of all sections of society and our customers, and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. For further information, please visit our website.

This post is classed as 'politically restricted' under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended). The full details of the restrictions are set out in the Statutory Instrument, but broadly the restrictions prohibit candidature from public elected office; holding office in a political party; as well as involvement in political activities such as canvassing or public speaking/writing.