Purpose of the job

This role is an exciting opportunity for a proactive and driven individual to join the UK Youth Network Delivery Department. The Summer Jobs Programme is the largest programme in UK Youth’s portfolio. Funded until the end of 2026, the programme is currently operating in its second year. Reporting to the Head of Programmes, you will be responsible for programme managing our Summer Jobs programme. As Programme Manager, you will deliver the programme to a high standard and that the benefits to young people are realised. This will include ensuring that colleagues and stakeholders are clear on their roles and delivering on them effectively, that programme deliverables are met, risks managed effectively, and delivery is within budget.

The Summer Jobs Programme is a paid employment initiative running from July to September 2025 and 2026, supporting vulnerable young people in England and Wales. It aims to reduce youth violence and improve future engagement in education, training, and work by removing barriers to employment and offering structured, empowering opportunities. This programme is delivered with a network of local youth work Delivery Partners and employers. Young people begin with a one-week pre-employment training course, followed by a five-week job placement. Throughout, they’re supported by both a local youth worker and an employer-based supervisor to ensure they receive consistent guidance.

Funded by the Youth Endowment Fund and Youth Futures Foundation, the programme launched in 2024 with over 400 participants and has expanded in 2025. A built-in Randomised Control Trial (RCT) will assess its impact on youth violence and long-term outcomes. In 2026, the programme will grow further, including working with over 2000 young people, completing a three-year period of delivery and investment aimed at driving long-term, evidence-based change.

Why work at UK Youth?

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We have influence as a sector-supporting infrastructure body, a direct delivery partner and a campaigner for social change. As outlined in our 2025 #unlockingyouthwork strategy, we believe youth work is a catalyst for change that young people need now more than ever. We play a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment into the youth sector, the lack of cross-sector understanding of how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions.

We are building a movement of change; galvanising likeminded individuals, organisations, government, and businesses from all sectors, to work together and deliver system change for all young people. Together we will create a society that understands, champions, and delivers effective youth work for all.

Key responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end delivery of the Summer Jobs programme, ensuring successful implementation across multiple regions.
• Manage the selection, contracting, and contract management of delivery partners and work with Project Officers to ensure effective fulfilment of contractual obligations.
• Coordinate timelines, budgets, and reporting requirements in line with funder expectations.
• Collaborate with IFF Research to support robust programme evaluation, including participant tracking and RCT protocols.
• Monitor programme performance and provide regular updates to internal stakeholders and the Youth Endowment Fund.
• Champion the voice of young people and embed youth participation throughout programme delivery.
• Manage the relationship with our payroll company, working closely to ensure the successful delivery of Right to Work check and payroll services.
• Lead management of the programme risk register, implementing mitigation strategies and escalating risks as required.
• Mobilise our team of Project Officers to ensure effective Delivery Partner engagement with programme requirements and task manage other delivery roles to ensure effective programme management.
• Ensure compliance with UK Youth safeguarding policies and manage risk proactively across programme activities.
• Work with the Summer Jobs Employer Engagement Manager and the CRM Manager to refine and complete the development of the programme’s CRM system.

   

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working
• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)
• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity
• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development
• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)
• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary
• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally
• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.
• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract
• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: 29th June 2025 at 23:59pm (midnight)

Interview Dates: 9th July 2025

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference.