Programme Manager, TechFirst

Are you an experienced programme leader with a passion for education, skills and social impact? Do you want to play a key role in ensuring more young people can access high-quality technology experiences and career opportunities?

We're looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to oversee the delivery of the TechFirst programme across London. Working with schools, employers, partners, and regional delivery teams, you will ensure the programme achieves ambitious targets while delivering meaningful outcomes for young people.

Reporting to the Head of Skills & Partner Engagement, you will be responsible for translating national programme strategy into an effective regional delivery, providing operational leadership across a large team and ensuring the programme achieves its targets, delivers high-quality experiences and creates measurable impact.

STEM Learning’s vision is a world-leading STEM education for all young people across the UK. We are dedicated to improving young people’s lives through the power of STEM and believe great STEM education builds knowledge and skills that are vital for everyone.

To achieve this, we provide a range of support to formal and informal education, including subject-specific professional development for teachers and other educators, quality assured resources, support for STEM Clubs, and student-facing experiences. We also lead the STEM Ambassadors programme, which enables 28,000 volunteers to share their enthusiasm and expertise with young people and teachers throughout the UK via classroom activities, career talks, etc.

TechFirst is a new national, government funded programme designed to inspire and prepare young people for the opportunities of the future technology workforce. Through partnerships with schools, employers, technology organisations, and community partners, we provide engaging experiences that develop skills, raise aspirations, and improve access to technology careers.

Our vision is to ensure every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to develop the skills, confidence, and connections needed to thrive in an increasingly digital world.

This is a senior management role responsible for the successful delivery of the TechFirst programme across one of the UK's most complex and diverse regions.

You will oversee regional planning, performance, stakeholder engagement, compliance, and reporting while leading a team of delivery professionals. You will work closely with national colleagues and external partners to ensure delivery remains aligned to programme objectives and government expectations.

The role combines strategic leadership with operational oversight and requires someone who can confidently manage multiple stakeholders, drive performance, and lead continuous improvement.

You will have significant experience leading complex programmes within education, skills, careers, youth engagement, or related sectors.

You will be a confident leader with strong programme management, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement skills. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment, you will be able to balance strategic thinking with effective operational delivery.

You will have experience of managing performance against targets, reporting to senior stakeholders, and building productive relationships across diverse partner networks.

Most importantly, you will be passionate about improving opportunities for young people and motivated by the chance to make a lasting impact.

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 12 October 2026

1st stage Microsoft Teams interviews will take place as applications are received. We encourage early applications.

2nd stage in-person interviews in London w/c 19 October 2026

• Your up-to-date CV
• A covering letter (no more than the equivalent of 2 sides of A4) explaining your interest in the role and why you think you would be the ideal candidate.