Programme and Events Manager (Talent and Skills)

Reports to: Head of Talent and Skills

Works closely with: internal Membership and Marketing team, external partners, stakeholders and suppliers 

Location / travel: The post holder will be based in Manchester at our office based on Oxford Road. The role will be a mix of office, home working and local site delivery for projects across Greater Manchester (across 10 local authority areas). 

Start date: As soon as possible. 

The opportunity:

Join our team as a Programme and Events Manager to spearhead the delivery of engaging talent and skills initiatives. You'll play a pivotal role in managing diverse programmes and events focused on digital skills, career development and progressing diversity and inclusion in the tech sector. This position offers a stimulating mix of responsibilities, including programme coordination, content design, stakeholder engagement, and impact evaluation.

These programmes include, but are not limited to high profile programmes such as Digital Her and the city-region’s Digital Skills Festival 

Main responsibilities: 

As a Programme and Events Manager (Talent and Skills) you will:

• Serve as the primary contact for a portfolio of programmes and events
• Handle all aspects of programme administration and delivery, including reporting, risk management, budgeting, and evaluation
• Provide support to learners throughout digital skills programmes
• Collaborate with employers and industry experts, role models and mentors to shape course and programme content
• Coordinate work-based industry placements and experience opportunities
• Grow and nurture a community of volunteers to support programmes and initiatives from industry partners
• Grow and nurture the Digital Her role model community
• Curate and publish digital content and resources aligned to programme objectives
• Design, organise and lead high-profile events in the local ecosystem
• Cultivate relationships with educators, businesses, and stakeholders
• Undertake outreach to support prospective sponsorship opportunities
• Ensure core professional and employability skills are integrated into programmes
• Promote and celebrate programme successes through various channels, including social media
• Manage programme data capture in line with programme requirements
• Contribute to outreach efforts aimed at informing individuals about tech careers
• Adhere to organisational policies and regulations regarding safeguarding, equality, diversity, inclusion, data protection, and GDPR compliance
• Remain flexible to support the wider team, organisational aims, priorities, and business needs as required

Personal Qualities, Aptitudes and Skills:

• Alignment with Manchester Digital’s mission and values
• Interest in or willingness to learn about the digital and technology sector
• Ability to communicate effectively at different levels and with different audiences
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Proficiency in GSuite/MS Office and digital collaboration tools
• Ability to thrive in dynamic environments and manage multiple priorities and projects simultaneously
• Understanding of project management principles
• Experience with curating and delivering events 
• Experience with platforms like Canva, Adobe, or similar
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholder relationships effectively
• Aptitude for teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to see the bigger picture and think multiple steps ahead
• Proactive approach to learning and development
• An innovative self-starter, excited by the prospect of being involved in a dynamic working environment, driving forward projects that will change people’s lives and help grow the technology sector in the region
• Resilience and problem-solving mindset
• Adaptable and patient, able to manage many priorities at once and resolve concerns with empathy and compassion
• Ability to develop and implement efficient working practices
• Be focused on practical outcomes

About us:

Digital Growth. For Good. 

Manchester Digital, the largest independent trade body for the digital and technology sector in the North West. Established for nearly 20 years, we have over 500 digital and technology businesses in our membership, including GCHQ, BBC, Auto Trader, On the Beach and Deloitte who are committed to working with us to deliver relevant and impactful digital skills training and careers insights programmes with schools, colleges and local people  across Greater Manchester. 

As well as being a cohesive voice for the region’s industry and ensuring that its views are represented at a local and national government level, the organisation also galvanises the power of its network and takes direct action to solve specific issues and barriers impacting the sector’s growth.

Manchester Digital is renowned for the employer-led approach it has taken to solving the current skills gap. Each year we run a 5-day skills festival that connects over 150 businesses and 2000 school, college and university students to bridge the gap between industry and education.

Our award winning Digital Her programme is at the forefront of increasing gender representation and equity in the tech sector, with a 360+ strong role model community and has reached over 5000 girls and women to date. 

We also run a widening participation programme called Digital Futures programme that will create industry interventions at critical stages of education to help increase the number of young people entering the industry. The programme also has specific strands to support girls and hard to reach demographics to find a career in the industry. 

Find out more about who we are and what we do: www.manchesterdigital.com and specifically the Talent and Skills work we do here: www.manchesterdigital.com/talent-and-skills 

Values:

At Manchester Digital, we:

• Reward results and hard work
• Value knowledge sharing and autonomy
• Prioritise honesty, loyalty, and accountability
• Encourage resourcefulness, creativity, and informed decision-making

Apply:

We’d love to see your competency based CV and a brief cover note outlining your excitement for this role and how your experience aligns with its requirements to careers@manchesterdigital.com  

Interviews will be scheduled promptly upon receipt of suitable applications. We reserve the right to close this job listing earlier should we receive sufficient suitable applicants prior to the stated deadline without prior notice. If you wish to apply, don't delay. 

We welcome individuals from all backgrounds and experience levels. While formal qualifications are not mandatory, a demonstrated ability to fulfil the role and a positive attitude are highly valued.

Manchester Digital is committed to increasing diversity in the sector and encourages applications from underrepresented groups, including women, individuals from different ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from diverse socio-economic backgrounds.

Please note that Manchester Digital does not offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must have the legal right to work and reside in the UK.

Note:

Recruiters are kindly requested not to contact us at this stage. Direct applications only, please.

Learn More:

Explore our website to learn more about Manchester Digital and our Talent and Skills initiatives: www.manchesterdigital.com   and www.manchesterdigital.com/talent-and-skills