Programme Manager

The Role

Make a Measurable Difference to Residents’ Safety

Are you passionate about resident safety and want to lead a high-profile programme that delivers real world impact?

If yes, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

Southwark Council is seeking two experienced Programme Leads to design, embed and run our Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (PEEPs) for higher-risk buildings (HRBs) and 11-18m buildings on simultaneous evacuation.

This is a 12-month fixed-term or secondment opportunity to make a positive difference in people’s lives.

As Programme Lead, you will:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of residential PEEPs: identify residents, complete Person-Centred Fire Risk Assessments (PCFRAs), produce Emergency Evacuation Statements, and share key information with the London Fire Brigade (with consent), aligned with Building Emergency Evacuation Plans (BEEPs).
• Embed compliant, auditable processes that meet the Fire Safety (Residential Evacuation Plans) Regulations 2025 and support the golden thread of evidence. Develop policies, procedures and maintain a seven-year inspection-ready record.
• Design inclusive, multi-channel engagement, ensuring residents clearly understand fire safety instructions, can access information, respond to consultations, raise concerns and escalate complaints. Monitor outcomes against Tenant Satisfaction Measures.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships internally and externally, including the London Fire Brigade, to debrief incidents/exercises and drive continuous improvement.
• Develop a training and competency framework for staff and contractors delivering PEEPs, offering expert advice, coaching, and assurance reporting.

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Holds a degree, professional qualification or equivalent experience, with evidence of ongoing professional and managerial development.
• Has proven programme/project management experience (e.g., PRINCE2/MS Project) and a track record leading cross-functional teams from mobilisation to business-as-usual.
• Is skilled in resident engagement, able to design campaigns, broaden participation and communicate clearly in accessible language.
• Excels in stakeholder management, influencing, negotiation, report writing, conflict resolution and interpreting contracts/legal documents.
• Is organised and data-driven, experienced in budget management, performance reporting, and using IT tools (Word, Excel, databases).
• Understands local government context and resident consultation methods and is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

To Be Considered for Interview You Will:

Submit a cover letter/supporting statement (no more than two sides of A4) explaining how you meet the requirements above, as well as the essential criteria outlined in the job description and person specification (JDPS).

For full details on qualifications and requirements, please refer to the JDPS located at the bottom of this advert.

Why Southwark?

As landlord to a significant portfolio of high-rise homes, we put residents’ safety and confidence first. We are building a culture of listen–act–evidence, closing the feedback loop and demonstrating learning. If you’re ready to lead a high-impact safety programme with dignity and inclusion at its core, we’d love to hear from you.

Additional Information:

• Contract Type: 12 month fixed-term contract or secondment opportunity
• Working Hours: 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday
• Enhanced DBS check is required for this role
• Contact for Informal Discussion: Reach out to Dominic Johnson via email at Dominic.Johnson@southwark.gov.uk

Benefits and more information:

https://jobs.southwark.gov.uk/why-us/

Recruitment Timeline:

Advert close date: 11:59pm on Monday 20th April 2026

Shortlisting date/s: Wednesday 22nd April 2026

Interview date/s: Thursday 30th April 2026

The closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. We strongly advise you to complete your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We are an organisation who is passionate about our people and understands that richness of diversity is a requirement to provide the best possible services to our communities. This is demonstrated through our council-wide ambitious commitment to tackle racial inequality in our communities and workforce through our Southwark Stands Together initiative. We particularly welcome applications from members of the black, Asian and ethnic minority communities to increase representation at senior management level in the Council.

Guaranteed Interview Scheme:

As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you'll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:

• Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
• Are currently in care, or have previously been in care
• If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition

Additional Information

About Southwark:

We are the largest local authority social landlord in London, managing 55,000 homes lived in by 40% of Southwark’s residents. We are home to over 18,300 businesses including iconic London venues and social enterprises, and we have a young, diverse and growing population.

At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, (which is our work with Southwark’s communities and the council’s staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality) underpins all that we do.

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Attachments

• Job Description & Person Specification - Programme Manager