Senior Strategy and Funding Officer – Connect to Work

Overview

Buckinghamshire Council is seeking a proactive and experienced Senior Strategy and Funding Officer to lead the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. This is a pivotal role within our Skills and Employment Team, focussed on supporting residents with complex employment needs to achieve positive and sustainable employment outcomes.

This is a two-year fixed term/secondment contract (with possible extension subject to programme funding).

About the role

You will oversee programme performance, manage relationships with subcontracted provider, and ensure the highest standards of service delivery. You’ll play a key part in partnership working with national agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), local employers, and council teams, driving continuous improvement and maximising outcomes for Buckinghamshire’s communities and economy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and assure the delivery of the Connect to Work programme, including performance management of subcontracted partner.
• Develop and implement tools and data systems to support programme objectives and continuous improvement.
• Build strong, effective partnerships with internal and external stakeholders, including DWP and local providers.
• Manage financial forecasting, funding drawdown, and dissemination to contractors.
• Prepare high-quality reports and communicate programme impact to a range of audiences.
• Identify and mitigate risks, escalating issues as necessary.
• Support the development and submission of funding bids to sustain and grow employment and skills projects.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

You will be an experienced programme manager with a strong understanding of project management methodologies and the employability sector. You’ll have the authority and credibility to influence stakeholders, excellent analytical and reporting skills, and a commitment to continuous improvement.

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience delivering employment programmes.
• Proven ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders, including national agencies like DWP.
• Strong data analysis and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable:

• Recognised project management qualification.

Other information

Interviews will be held in person on Wednesday 4th February.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions

For further information on how long it takes for cautions and convictions cautions to become spent, please refer to our guide on the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (updated 2023) | Nacro

We understand that candidates may use AI tools to assist with their applications. While we welcome innovation, we expect all submissions to reflect your own experience, skills, and achievements accurately. Please ensure your application is truthful and demonstrates your personal capabilities, as this will be assessed during the selection process.

Our values and culture

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, we know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.

From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.

We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.

We recognise and reward you

Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.

https://jobs.buckinghamshire.gov.uk/working-buckinghamshire-council/