Programme Manager, Secondments

WIG is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workforce. We pride ourselves on being an equal-opportunity employer and are committed to building a team that represents a whole host of backgrounds, perspectives and skills. We strongly encourage candidates of all different backgrounds and identities to apply. 

About WIG 

WIG is a purpose-driven, not-for-profit membership body that champions collaboration between leaders in business, government, and not-for-profit sectors for the common good. We believe that developing leadership capabilities for cross-sector collaboration is the key to helping build long-term prosperity for everyone in the UK. 

With a cross-sector membership base of around 250 organisations – FTSE and professional services companies, central government departments and agencies, local authorities, universities and significant charities - WIG has been convening members for 40 years through three key sets of collaboration-based activities: 

• Events - to explore the latest public policy developments and share best practice; 

• Talent exchange - through mentoring, secondments and board appointments; and 

• Leadership development – through programmes for leaders at all stages of their careers. 

An overview of the opportunity 

Reporting to the Head of Talent and Leadership Development, we are looking for a customer-focused, organised, forward thinking and creative Programme Manager to join us and drive our mission of cross-sector collaboration.  

WIG was founded on secondments, and as such, they continue to play a hugely important role in our vision for a country where leaders collaborate for the common good. As leaders second in and out of organisation's, so too does knowledge sharing and porosity which enables strong decision making and improved collaboration. This is an exciting time to join the Talent and Leadership team and play an integral role in providing a first-class, customer-centric experience to WIG’s members. 

You will be responsible for managing the Charity Next Secondment Programme ( a collaborative partnership between the Civil Service Fast Stream and Charities, Not for Profit's and Academia) working collaboratively to maximise secondment engagement between the sectors. You will also manage inwards secondments to member organisations as well as working on and developing new concepts, programmes and solutions to maximise porosity and knowledge sharing. You will work closely with other departments and the wider team to develop and increase both the volume and impact of secondment initiatives. You will do this by leveraging your data-driven and research approach as well as evidencing your strong relationship and stakeholder development skills.  

What we’re looking for: 

• Prior experience as a programme manager, project manager or similar, client-facing role with a demonstrable track record of excellent customer service. 
• Prior experience in internal and external stakeholder management and proven ability to build rapport and liaise with senior stakeholders. 
• Demonstrable experience in delivering successful and effective business development strategies - with strong outcomes. 
• A successful track record of using CRM systems (a plus if it's Dynamics!), Microsoft Forms, and other software applications to help aid decision making, keep on track of KPIs and to ensure strong project management and outcomes. 
• Demonstrable aptitude in managing administration and processes including the signing of secondment agreements, onboarding meetings, feedback cycles and regular communication strategies.  
• Demonstrable history of meeting deadlines and the ability to oversee several different projects simultaneously. 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills with a successful track record of building rapport and liaising with senior stakeholders. 
• Exceptional organisational skills and impeccable attention to detail. 
• Whilst not mandatory, it would be a huge plus if you displayed an interest in current affairs, contributing to a well-rounded and informed professional perspective. 
• Prior experience of working to budgets, KPIs and forecasted elements of work. 
• Strong teamwork - picking up other elements of work as required from the Talent & Leadership team as well as other interdepartmental bodies. 
• A strong self-driven attitude and results orientated attitude - having a positive outlook and a clear focus on high quality output, ability to solve problems and work calmly under pressure. 
• Prior experience of operating in the leadership, talent experience would be desirable but is not essential. 

What can we offer you for your skills and experience? 

• A salary between £35,000 - £37,500 per annum, depending on experience. 
• A discretionary annual salary review and increase in line with inflation and organisational performance. 
• Unlimited access to WIG’s 120 events per year, including roundtables, breakfast briefings and our annual D&I conference. 
• Enhanced annual leave including increased leave for length of service, birthday leave, and festive office closure. 
• An opportunity to give back with the ability to take paid time off for up to 40 hours a year for community and volunteering. 
• Health and well-being support including annual BUPA health assessments, annual eye test, employee assistance programme and flexible working opportunities. 
• Blended learning and development opportunities including Internal WIG learning programmes on leadership, EDI and soft skills, access to LinkedIn Learning and FTPro and our platform, Mentor Match.
• The chance to join various internal workstreams that drive team building and belonging at WIG including our EDI committee, Social committee and GreenStream. 
• Hybrid working (at least 2 days a week from the office) with access to our office in London, Victoria. 

What do some of the main role responsibilities look like? 

• Working closely with the Head of Talent and Leadership Development; own the management and delivery of all WIG secondment programmes, including Charity Next, advertised inwards secondments and other secondment programmes and knowledge exchange initiatives both in train, and those that are yet to be developed.
• Responsible for strategic improvements and improving year on year service, impact and volumes.
• Working with the Fast Stream, the Charity Next Advisory Board, and Charity Hosts to develop, enhance and protect the future strategy of the programme.
• Maintaining and building on key stakeholder relationships within the Civil Service, not-for-profit sector partners and other potential partners.
• Presenting and being the face of secondment programmes at external events – seeking out publicity where possible to promote secondment programmes.
• Development of alum strategy, impact tracking and case studies highlighting porosity, knowledge sharing and other key elements for WIGs purpose.
• Lead analysis of feedback at relevant points during secondment cycles, utilising to form case studies and evidence of what works for further business development.
• Lead on business development activities, such as regular mailshots, business development meetings, proposals, and strategies to ensure we have the right hosts for the programmes.