Senior Programme Manager – Prosperity & Devolution

• Senior_Programme_Manager__Prosperity___Devolution_

Please apply online via the link provided.

Please note, we do not accept CVs submitted without a fully completed online application form.

We have an exciting and unique opportunity for a Senior Programme Manager – Prosperity & Devolution to join our Prosperity and Devolution Team here at Wokingham Borough Council, on a full-time, 12-month fixed term contract.

Berkshire’s Local Authorities, working alongside Oxfordshire councils, are progressing plans to establish a Mayoral Strategic Authority (MSA) – creating stronger local decision-making and better outcomes for communities and businesses. We are now seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to help turn this vision into reality.

As the Senior Programme Manager, you will play a lead role in one of the most ambitious devolution programmes in the Thames Valley. You will lead the coordination of complex, high-profile programmes that span multiple councils and partners, bringing structure, momentum and clarity to a fast-moving and politically important agenda.

Employed by Wokingham Borough Council as the accountable body, you’ll work closely with Senior Leaders, Members and Government, shaping strategy, managing risk, and ensuring strong delivery across key workstreams including infrastructure, housing, economic development and public service reform.

⭐Staff Benefits⭐

Not only is this an excellent opportunity to work on a county-wide, significant programme, but it’s a fantastic time to join our team. You will receive an extensive range of employee benefits including:

⭐Generous Annual Leave – 31 days annual leave (rising by 5 days with 5 years of continued local government service), plus bank holidays

⭐Local Government Pension Scheme

⭐GP Helpline - Available 7 days a week

⭐Employee Assistance Programme – Including a 24/7 Your Care Helpline

⭐Free Eye Tests and Flu Vaccines

⭐Free Onsite Gym - Located at Shute End Offices, Wokingham

⭐Local & Lifestyle Discounts - Save on shopping, entertainment, dining out & more

⭐Move through Menopause Course

⭐Sports & Social Group Activities - Including running, football, cricket & more

⭐Learning & Development Opportunities

⭐Employee Networks

⭐And more!

We’re looking for a confident programme leader with a strong track record of delivering complex change within a local or central government setting. You will be collaborative, politically astute and motivated by making a real difference at scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading programme planning, coordination and governance for MSA and prosperity workstreams
• Developing and maintaining robust programme plans, risk management and reporting arrangements
• Supporting the development of business cases and evidence to support proposals to central government
• Managing stakeholder engagement with councils, partners, businesses, the voluntary sector and residents
• Acting as a principal advisor to the Devolution Director and Berkshire Prosperity Board Programme Director
• Supporting and coordinating a virtual, multi-authority team and commissioned support
• Manage the programme's budget and monitor expenditure and costs against the MSA milestones and forming an MSA.

Candidate Requirements:

• PRINCE2 (or equivalent) project/programme management qualification and continuous professional development
• Substantial experience of leading large, complex programmes and portfolios
• Strong understanding of devolution, public service reform and local government governance
• Proven ability to operate at senior level and influence across political and organisational boundaries
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills

Our Area:

Wokingham Borough is set in the heart of Berkshire with excellent transport links to Reading and central London. Our area comprises of a vibrant and historical market town, attractive villages, and miles of beautiful countryside.

We’re home to a range of high performing schools, a host of international businesses and an incredible community. The borough has a strong local economy with accelerated growth, a range of excellent public facilities and low levels of crime, offering an exceptional quality of life.

Click the link below and Apply Today!

Alternatively, for more information or to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please contact Paul Patterson, Programme Director – Devolution via email: paul.patterson@wokingham.gov.uk (Strictly no agencies).

Closing date: Sunday 15th March 2026 at 11pm

Interview date: TBC

Whilst this is a fixed term contract appointment, for anyone already employed by Wokingham Borough Council this would be classed as a secondment if successful. Therefore, the usual permission requests for secondments apply and you must speak to your line manager in the first instance before applying.

If your application is shortlisted for an interview, you will be required to provide proof of your right to work in the UK at that stage. Additionally, successful candidates must present proof upon receiving a job offer.

Please note that all offers are conditional and subject to the satisfactory completion of pre-employment checks.

Please be aware that we will be reviewing the applications we receive on a daily basis, and we reserve the right to close the advert early if suitable candidates are identified.

Wokingham Borough Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff, other workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Due to the high volume of applications we receive, we regret that we are unable to respond to every applicant individually.

If you do not hear from us within 4 weeks of the application closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion.

We appreciate your interest in joining Wokingham Borough Council and thank you for taking the time to apply.

Wokingham is an equal opportunities employer.