Programme Lead

Are you an experienced programme leader with a strong track record in driving improvement across complex projects?

We are looking for a Programme Lead at the Motor Neurone Disease (MND) Association to support the strategic delivery of projects across our Services & Partnerships team which positively impact people living with and affected by MND.

As Programme Lead, you’ll manage a portfolio of high-impact projects that drive real improvements to the way we deliver services. You’ll shape and oversee programme frameworks that bring innovation and strategic focus to our work—ensuring every project delivers value, on time and on budget. This is a unique opportunity to embed lasting change, influence the future of our services, and champion a culture of continuous improvement across the MND Association.

Key Responsibilities:

As Programme Lead, you will oversee a wide range of service improvement projects, providing strategic direction and ensuring consistent, high-quality delivery across the programme. Working closely with Project Managers and senior stakeholders, you will ensure projects are well planned, inclusive, and aligned with the Association’s long-term goals.

• Provide strategic leadership and oversight for projects delivered by the Service Improvement & Transformation team
• Support Project Managers in developing robust project plans, ensuring effective delegation, resource use, and sustainable outcomes
• Define and agree project scopes with sponsors, setting out clear objectives, resource requirements, timelines, and measures of success
• Effectively engage and influence stakeholders including Project Sponsors, Heads of Departments and Managers to drive engagement and secure alignment with the Association’s broader strategic objectives
• Promote innovation and best practice throughout the project lifecycle, supporting a culture of continuous improvement
• Lead programme-wide stakeholder engagement, acting as the main point of contact for senior internal and external audiences
• Encourage a collaborative and co-produced approach to project design, ensuring engagement with Association staff, volunteers, and people with lived experience of MND in the project design and implementation phases to ensure accessibility, inclusivity, and relevance
• Oversee programme reporting and risk management, working closely with Project Managers to monitor progress and escalate issues where needed
• Manage programme budgets with support from Project Managers, ensuring financial plans are accurate, efficient, and aligned with delivery needs
• Oversee relationships with external suppliers and partners, ensuring accountability, timely delivery, and contract compliance

About You:

We’re seeking a Programme Lead with strategic vision, excellent leadership skills, and the ability to collaborate across teams and departments.

• Proven experience delivering a broad portfolio of projects, ideally in healthcare, non-profit or service-led settings
• Expertise in Quality Improvement and implementing service improvements across an organisation
• Skilled in programme planning, financial management, and resource optimisation
• Ability to lead with innovation and evaluate impact using data and feedback
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including at senior levels
• Committed to inclusive, collaborative leadership and continuous team development
• Strong risk management capabilities, with confidence in problem-solving and adapting approaches
• Experience overseeing supplier relationships and contract management

About Us:

Our vision is a world free from MND. Our mission is to improve care and support for people with MND, their families and carers. We fund and promote research that leads to new understanding and treatments and brings us closer to a cure for MND. The Association also campaigns and raises awareness so the needs of people with MND, and everyone who cares for them, are recognised, and addressed by wider society.

What We Offer:

• 28 days holiday, increasing to 33 days after 5 years, plus Bank Holidays.
• Access to UK Healthcare, including dental, eyecare, health screenings, and therapies.
• 24/7 GP access via phone and video.
• Life assurance and confidential counselling helplines.
• Salary sacrifice schemes (Cycle to Work, Buy/Sell Annual Leave).
• Access to Benefit Hub for discounts on everyday shopping.
• Enhanced pension scheme.
• Opportunities for training and personal development.
• Hybrid working.

The full job description is available in the candidate pack.

We are committed to equality, diversity, and inclusivity. We work to remove barriers for everyone affected by MND, employees, volunteers, and stakeholders.

As part of the Disability Confident Scheme, we guarantee interviews for disabled applicants who meet the role's requirements.

Hybrid Working and Flexibility: This role is home-based, with occasional travel to our offices in Northampton and London.

We are open to part-time applications or job shares – please indicate your preferred working arrangement in your application.

How to apply:

Please submit a CV and supporting statement. Your supporting statement should be no longer than one side of A4 and demonstrate how you meet the following areas of the role.

• Experience in leading the design, development, and strategic delivery of a diverse project portfolio, particularly in healthcare, non-profit, or service-driven organisations.
• Ability to advocate for and implement Quality Improvement (QI) practices, fostering organisation-wide engagement with service improvement initiatives.
• Experience in developing programme frameworks that align with organisational objectives, with a focus on optimising resources, meeting timelines, and ensuring sustainability.

Important Information:

• We may close applications early if we receive a high volume, so early submissions are encouraged.
• If you require sponsorship for this role, please clearly indicate this in your application.
• Depending on the role, a DBS check may be required.
• If you need reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us for support.
• We are happy to consider alternative application formats for those who find the online form challenging.

If you are looking to make a meaningful impact through improvement and innovation, we’d love to hear from you. Join us as Programme Lead and help shape the future of service improvement.