Job Description

Purpose of the role

The Programme Manager will lead the development and implementation of a borough-wide 5-year strategy and 1-year action plan to improve the local food system. This includes improving food security, access to healthy and sustainable food, reducing diet-related health inequalities, and supporting a resilient, equitable local food economy.

The postholder will coordinate and oversee broader food-related programmes, including projects addressing the commercial determinants of health. They will also provide strategic and operational support to the Healthy Environments and Communities team on wider public health priorities.

Interim Contract (3 months)

Responsible to: Programme Lead - Healthy Environment

Responsible for: 1 Public Health Programme Officer

DBS Required? No

Key responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership

Lead the development and implementation of a borough-wide Food Systems Strategy. Ensure alignment with the council's goals and strategies relevant to food, including health, climate, planning, poverty, and economic development. Develop measurable objectives, outcome indicators, and an evaluation framework to track progress and impact.

2. Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

Convene and manage cross-sector food partners, involving council departments, local businesses, health services, schools, faith groups, and the voluntary and community sector. Build and maintain strong partnerships across local government, NHS, civil society, and business sectors to ensure shared ownership of the food strategy Design and lead stakeholder mapping and engagement processes to identify key influencers, collaborators, and affected communities. Ensure inclusive engagement that amplifies the voices of residents and groups most affected by food insecurity and poor diet

3. Research, Data and Insight

Interpret food-related data to inform policies and strategy development. Lead and coordinate food systems mapping to analyse how food flows through the borough--production, distribution, retail, waste, and access. Conduct policy and strategy mapping across the council and partners to identify synergies, gaps, and opportunities. Oversee stakeholder mapping activities to support systems thinking and identify leverage points for intervention.

4. Programme and Project Delivery

Lead and oversee other food-related programmes, including but not limited to the borough's healthier advertising policy and fruit and vegetable voucher schemes.

5. Management and Leadership

Line manage the Public Health Programme Officer, providing clear direction, support, and professional development. Contribution to the wider Healthy Environments and Communities team. Monitor allocated budgets, ensuring value for money and compliance with council financial procedures. Provide timely updates, risk management, and progress reporting to senior leadership.

6. Cross cutting support

Provide ad hoc support to the Team Lead and Associate Director on work relating to the wider determinants of health, such as housing, air quality and planning.

Person specification

Essential Experience and Qualifications

Master's degree in Public Health or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Experience leading multi-agency programmes in public health, food systems, or environmental policy. Strong understanding of the social, commercial, and environmental determinants of health. Proven ability to build partnerships and lead stakeholder engagement in diverse communities

Skills and Abilities

Skilled in systems thinking, mapping, and strategy development. Ability to translate complex data into actionable policy insights. Excellent verbal and written communication, facilitation, and influencing skills. Strong leadership, planning, and organisational skills. Confidence in managing staff and coordinating multi-stakeholder working groups.

Values and Commitment

Committed to reducing inequalities and delivering inclusive, community-led change. Embraces innovation, collaboration, and accountability. Champions diversity, inclusion, and anti-discriminatory practice.

How to Apply

If you're an organised, driven leader with a passion for delivering impactful food programmes and making a real difference in communities, we'd love to hear from you.

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Additional Information

This post is not politically restricted. No DBS required. Flexible working arrangements available.

Privacy Assurance:

We take your privacy seriously and are committed to protecting your personal data. All data provided during the application process will be handled in strict compliance with GDPR regulations. This includes securely storing and processing your personal details solely for recruitment purposes. By submitting your application, you consent to the use of your data for the purpose of assessing your suitability for the position. We will not share your information with third parties without your consent unless required by law. For more information on how we protect and process your personal data, , please contact us or request a copy of our privacy policy.

Job Type: Temporary
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: 272.30 per day

Application deadline: 18/07/2025
Reference ID: RQ1564740
Expected start date: 04/08/2025