Programme Manager – Pride in Place

Please apply online via the link provided.

About the Role

We are seeking an innovative and highly organised Programme Manager (Pride in Place) to play a pivotal role in establishing and supporting the new Sheppey East Neighbourhood Board, helping shape a long-term vision and Investment Plan for £20m of central government funding.

In this new and unique role, you will work collaboratively with residents, partners, councillors, officers and central government representatives, including close working with the area’s MP, to turn community priorities into practical, impactful actions. The role involves analysing local and national data, developing well‑evidenced recommendations, and producing accessible materials that support effective decision‑making.

You will lead the coordination and delivery of the Investment Plan—managing contractors and consultants, overseeing performance metrics, monitoring risks and finances, and ensuring timely reporting to the Board, Council and government. You will also support communications and engagement activity, working closely with the Community Engagement Officer to ensure residents remain at the heart of the programme.

This is a high‑profile, strategic role that requires strong analytical skills, excellent relationship‑building, and the ability to drive complex programmes that deliver long‑term, positive change for the community.

This role is full time, working 34 hours per week on a fixed term contract for a period of 12 months. The role offers the benefit of hybrid working, combining homeworking with an average office attendance of 2 days per week. You will also need to be able to work occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate Board requirements, and to travel to Sheppey East on a regular basis as required.

About Swale Borough Council

Swale Borough Council is a progressive and ambitious Local Authority, located less than an hour from Central London in an attractive and diverse part of Kent involving urban, rural, and coastal areas. We believe that staff are our most valuable asset and we’re committed to attracting and retaining the very best. In recent times we have adapted and evolved to meet the current world by introducing a highly flexible hybrid working policy, along with a 34-hour week, recognising that staff wellbeing and work life balance is high on our agenda.

Our Offer

A range of benefits including:

• 34 hour full time working week with the offices closing at 1:30pm on Friday
• Highly flexible hybrid working opportunities
• 7am to 7pm flexi time to suit personal circumstances for most roles
• Generous holiday entitlement which increases after 5 years LG service plus bank holidays with the option to buy additional leave.
• Additional 3 days leave given to enable a close down of the offices between Christmas and New year.
• Free parking
• Range of flexible working opportunities to accommodate people’s home/work life balance including compressed hours, 9-day fortnight, part time.
• Invitations to staff events to celebrate success and support wellbeing that include holistic therapies and outdoor activities
• Employee Assistance Programme which provides confidential & independent information and access to counsellors
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with valuable life cover and financial protection for your family.
• Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS)
• Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand-new car. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
• Annual flu vaccine
• Cycle to work scheme
• Staff benefits discounts on leisure, eating out, holidays and shopping
• Excellent learning and career opportunities for committed individuals
• A professional fee payment, if required for the role

About You

You are degree educated (or equivalent) and have experience in managing faceted projects within time and budget constraints. You are organised and analytical with the ability to turn data and community insight into clear, practical plans.

You communicate clearly, build strong collaborative relationships, and work effectively with varied stakeholders. You are proactive, solutions‑focused with an understanding of project delivery in a local government or public funding environment.

Above all, you care about place‑based change and are motivated by helping deliver meaningful, long‑lasting improvements for the community.

Selection Process

Following the submission of your application form, it will be reviewed by the recruiting manager. Those that are successful in securing an interview can expect job specific interview assessment, followed by an interview.

Swale Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employee and volunteers to share this commitment.

This post is considered to require political sensitivity and the councils’ Politically Restricted Posts Policy applies. If you would like further information on this, please contact us at hrsupportteam@midkent.gov.uk.

If you would like to discuss this position, please contact Joanne Johnson, Head of Place on 01795 417080.

To apply for the position, please click on the apply link above and complete the online application form or apply by phone on 01622 602555.

Closing Date: Sunday 19th April 2026

Interview Date: TBC