Innovation Programme Lead

Manchester Digital is looking for an experienced and commercially minded Innovation Programme Lead to lead a portfolio of programmes that support the growth of Greater Manchester's digital and technology sector.

You'll take ownership of programmes from concept through to delivery and evaluation, working with businesses, partners, funders and educators to create initiatives that make a real impact.

This is a varied role combining programme management, stakeholder engagement, commercial development and event delivery. You'll also contribute to sponsorship, partnerships and employer engagement to help ensure our programmes remain sustainable and continue to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership

• Lead programmes from concept through to delivery, evaluation and continuous improvement.

• Develop project plans, manage timelines, budgets and reporting.

• Monitor programme performance and identify opportunities to improve outcomes.

• Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.

Stakeholder & Partnership Management

• Build strong relationships with employers, members, partners, funders and education providers.

• Act as the main point of contact for your programmes.

• Represent Manchester Digital at meetings, workshops, networking events and conferences.

• Develop partnerships that strengthen programme delivery and long-term impact.

Commercial Development

• Identify sponsorship, funding and partnership opportunities.

• Support commercial conversations with employers and partners.

• Contribute towards programme income and surplus targets.

• Work collaboratively across the organisation to maximise commercial opportunities.

Events & Community

• Lead and support the delivery of workshops, networking events and programme activity.

• Support flagship events including Manchester Digital Festival, Manchester Digital Conference and Tech Leaders Talks.

• Work with colleagues to ensure an excellent experience for delegates, partners and sponsors.

Collaboration & Administration

• Maintain accurate programme records and reporting.

• Use CRM and project management systems effectively.

• Work collaboratively across Membership, Marketing and Operations to deliver organisational objectives.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who enjoys taking ownership, building relationships and making things happen.

You'll be:

• An experienced programme or project manager.

• Highly organised and comfortable managing multiple priorities.

• A confident communicator who enjoys working with businesses and partners.

• Commercially aware and able to identify opportunities for growth.

• Proactive, adaptable and solutions-focused.

Essential Experience

• Experience managing programmes or projects through their full lifecycle, from planning and delivery to evaluation and continuous improvement.

• Experience managing multiple stakeholders and building strong partnerships.

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Experience managing budgets, reporting and KPIs.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills.

• Experience using CRM or project management systems.

• Ability to work independently while contributing positively to a collaborative team.

Desirable

• Experience delivering innovation, skills, business support or employer engagement programmes.

• Experience securing sponsorship, partnerships or external funding.

• Knowledge of Greater Manchester's digital and technology sector.

• Experience delivering conferences, workshops or networking events.

Why Join Manchester Digital?

This is an opportunity to shape programmes that support one of the UK's fastest-growing technology ecosystems.

You'll work with ambitious businesses, industry leaders, educators and public sector partners to deliver initiatives that have a genuine impact on innovation, skills and economic growth across Greater Manchester.

If you enjoy taking ownership, building relationships and delivering programmes that make a difference, we'd love to hear from you.

Application Note

Alongside your CV and cover letter, please include an example of a programme or project you have personally managed from concept through to completion, outlining your role, the challenges you faced and the outcomes achieved. Please send through to careers@manchesterdigital.com.