Fast Forward Programme Manager

The role: Are you passionate about tackling labour exploitation and supporting a resilient and ethical UK apparel and general merchandise manufacturing sector? Are you an experienced programme manager able to engage and drive impact with a diverse range of stakeholders, including leading brands, manufacturers, governmental and third sector to achieve impact at a pivotal point in the programme’s evolution?

Then this could be the position for you.

We are looking for an experienced Programme Manager with sector specific expertise to manage our Fast Forward collaborative programme in the UK apparel and general merchandise sectors at a key moment of change and development.

In this varied role you will be responsible for the day to day running of the programme, provide developmental strategic input and support the programme’s evolution, as well as ensuring the programme maintains its integrity.

You will manage relationships with all key stakeholders in the programme including brands, suppliers, audit bodies and external stakeholders. You’ll work on the development of the programme responding to emerging risks of exploitation, industry changes and demand. You’ll also lead the integrity and quality assurance of the programme.

You’ll deliver, enhance and promote brand and supplier engagement including training workshops, webinars and forums. You’ll work with the Co-CEOs to ensure the programme delivers on target, on-time, on-budget, in line with the agreements and organisational objectives and guidelines.

You will work from home and will join a friendly, supportive, and committed global team, and contribute towards creating systemic change.

Who you are:

• An experienced project manager with an in-depth understanding of the UK apparel and general merchandise sectors and experience managing relations with a variety of stakeholders
• A professional who has worked with or within the UK apparel/general merchandise sector on responsible business behaviour and with a good knowledge/understanding of ethical labour practices
• A great organiser, with the ability to set and meet demanding targets and deadlines, and to hold others accountable to those
• An excellent trainer, with experience of preparing and delivering training to businesses
• Someone with an interest in being involved in operations as well as strategic thinking
• An excellent communicator, with experience of developing and building new successful working relationships with a range of stakeholders, as well as confidence in representing the programme professionally at a variety of events
• Someone with experience of measuring and demonstrating impact
• A motivated and enthusiastic worker, able to work independently and with remote colleagues/stakeholders, delivering day-to-day workload with minimal supervision
• Someone with a good eye for detail, whilst retaining sight of the bigger picture
• An individual with permission to work in the UK.

The role is varied with opportunity to support strategy development. You will work remotely, but in close cooperation with a Programme Coordinator, the Co-CEOs and the rest of our team.

Who we are:

We are an impact driven, not for profit organisation that provides businesses with practical training, resources, business services and collaborative programmes. We work across three continents and within multiple sectors with many organisations to achieve our wider vision of a world where all workers are recruited responsibly and have fair work, free from exploitation.

What we can offer you:

• An 0.4 FTE contract until 31st December 2025Competitive salary (salary band £39,861-51,248 gross annually for full-time, pro rata if part-time) and enhanced employee benefits
• Being part of a growing, innovative, and exciting not for profit organisation
• A friendly global team which is passionate about and committed to fair work, responsible recruitment and systemic change
• Flexible and family-friendly working arrangements
• UK-home-based, with regular in person and online meetings and social team gatherings.

How to apply:

Please send us your CV and motivation letter (max. 2 pages of A4) outlining the skills and experience you have that meet the requirements of this role as outlined in the Job Description.

Timeline

• Application deadline: noon – Thursday 13th February
• Shortlisting: W/c 10th February
• First interviews: W/c 24th February