Core Programmes Manager - 9 Month Fixed Contract

Core Programmes Manager – 9-month Fixed Term Contract

Salary Range : £34,000 - £38,000 per annum

Location : Slough (at least 4 days per week)

We’re looking for a passionate and organised programme lead to design, deliver, and grow high-impact innovation programmes that support ambitious start-ups and scaleups. As a key member of the Locations team at Plus X Innovation, you’ll take ownership of individual programmes, working collaboratively to ensure dynamic, high-quality programmes that attract and retain members in our Slough hubs. You’ll play an active role in programme delivery - hosting events, engaging with founders and partners, and driving continuous improvement based on feedback and market insights. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, purpose-driven environment and is motivated by supporting business growth, building strong communities, and making a real impact on the innovation ecosystem.

Responsibilities and Duties

Main Duties:

• Design, plan, and deliver Core Programmes to attract and retain SME members across Plus X Innovation hubs, ensuring a high-quality, differentiated offer that meets business needs.
• Lead ownership of individual programmes , collaborating with the wider Core Programme team to maintain a balanced, impactful portfolio that drives membership growth and retention.
• Continually improve programme content and delivery using participant feedback and industry knowledge to redesign elements and share insights that drive innovation and learning across the team.
• Host and facilitate programme days , including welcoming participants, introducing speakers, managing sessions, and fostering meaningful connections to enhance participant experience.
• Build and maintain relationships with key partners such as mentors, investors, and programme alumni, strengthening the support network available to start-ups and scaleups.
• Grow and engage the mentor community to expand the value and expert guidance available to programme participants.
• Collaborate with Marketing to support recruitment of start-ups and partners by amplifying programme impact and brand visibility ahead of key events.
• Manage programme budgets and track performance against OKRs, ensuring efficiency, high ROI, and timely reporting while also coaching Programme Coordinators on project delivery.

Key Result Areas

• NPS from programme participants and partners
• Hitting targets on membership conversion and retention

Qualifications and Skills

• Experience managing innovation and start-up programmes
• A passion for innovation and supporting start ups
• Ability to prioritise tasks and work independently
• Ability to work with and engage various levels of stakeholders
• Ability to think creatively and use initiative to get the job done
• Ability to be flexible and reprioritise in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent organisation skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Experience using Microsoft 356 (including Teams and SharePoint)
• Experience using a CRM system to manage and progress leads
• Previous experience working in a co-working space or an innovation hub
• Ambition to continually learn, develop and progress

We value great behaviours, just as much as qualifications and skills. We recognise talent is everywhere however opportunities are not. Therefore, if you are excited about working for us and can do most of what we are looking for, go ahead and apply! Even if you can’t tick 100% of the list!

Plus X Innovation offers the following perks and benefits to the team:

• Top of the range company laptop – your choice of Mac or Windows
• Flexible working around our core hours of 10-4.30pm
• 25 days holiday plus bank holidays and an extra day off for your birthday
• 2 x volunteering days per year
• £250 per year to spend on personal development and/or wellbeing
• Regular exercise classes in both our hubs
• Opportunity to be trained as an accredited mental health first aider
• Access to our Health Assured Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing resources
• Opportunity to purchase additional holiday each year
• Part of YellowNest which supports with nursery aged childcare (Tax and NI free)
• Pension scheme up to 9% total contribution
• Focus on learning and development - growing company with growing opportunities
• Collaborative environment with a focus on team success and a non-hierarchical culture
• Regular all company communication meetings – fortnightly and quarterly
• Seasonal socials including team building, summer family day and winter party
• Regular all team surveys to check in on teams' happiness

Plus X Innovation knows inclusive and diverse teams are strong teams. We support and encourage diversity to unlock potential and drive further innovation. We believe in equal opportunities and are committed to a fair and accessible recruitment process.