Programme Officer
Application Deadline: 31 August 2026
Department: Skills and Employment
Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time
Location: Sheffield Head Office
Reporting To: Keith Richardson
Compensation: £42,840 - £46,142 / year
Description
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Hours: 37 hours per week
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Contract: Permanent
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Salary: Grade 9 – £42,840 - £46,142
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Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
This is an exciting opportunity to join SYMCA's Employment and Careers Team and play a key role in delivering programmes that help employers access the workforce solutions they need to grow and succeed - – such as Apprenticeships through the Apprenticeship Hub or Skills Development via Skills Bank.
As a Programme Officer, you will support the development and delivery of employment and skills programmes, working closely with delivery partners, employers and internal teams to ensure projects are effectively managed, monitored and aligned with strategic priorities. You will help drive high-quality programme delivery, supporting initiatives that make a positive difference to employers, communities and the regional economy.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the criteria as detailed within the role profile. (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our
careers portal.
Interviews for this role are expected to take place in-person Monday 7 September.
About the role
As Programme Officer – Employer Workforce Solutions, you will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of a portfolio of programmes and projects, supporting them through development and delivery.
You will act as a key link between SYMCA and delivery partners, providing guidance, support and constructive challenge to ensure projects are well planned, effectively governed and capable of delivering intended outcomes. You will maintain programme documentation, monitor progress, manage risks and support performance reporting, helping to ensure programmes remain on track and deliver value for money.
Working collaboratively with colleagues across assurance, contracts, performance and compliance functions, you will help embed consistent programme management practices and support continuous improvement across the portfolio. You will also build strong relationships with employers, stakeholders and delivery organisations, ensuring effective communication and stakeholder engagement throughout the project lifecycle.
The role includes supporting programme reviews, contributing to reporting for senior leaders, and helping to identify opportunities to improve delivery, outcomes and customer experience.
About you
You are an organised and proactive programme professional with experience of supporting or managing projects and programmes in a complex environment. You understand the importance of effective governance, planning and performance management and are confident working across multiple priorities simultaneously.
You will bring:
- Experience of programme or project management and monitoring.
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills.
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail.
- The ability to analyse information, identify risks and develop practical solutions.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage a range of audiences.
- Experience of working collaboratively across organisations and with delivery partners.
- A proactive, customer-focused approach and the ability to work independently using your own initiative.
You will be a confident communicator and problem-solver who enjoys working collaboratively to support successful programme delivery. Most importantly, you will be passionate about helping employers and residents benefit from programmes that support workforce development, skills and economic growth across South Yorkshire.
Benefits
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 shared success.
In addition to the above, some of our benefits include -
Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact
[email protected] or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.