Programme Manager – Accreditation Schemes

Position: Programme Manager – Accreditation Schemes

Contract: Permanent

Location: Reading/Hybrid

Salary: £50,000-£55,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Application Deadline: This is a rolling recruitment process, the advert may close early if a high number of applications are received.

About CL:AIRE Group

Established in 1999, CL:AIRE is an independent environmental charity created through collaboration between Government, regulators and industry to advance sustainable land reuse. Its work includes research, technical guidance, training, stakeholder networks and activities that support high standards and professional practice.

CL:AIRE Initiatives Ltd, established in 2021, is the Group's wholly owned trading subsidiary. It operates assurance, compliance and accreditation activities.

Together, the two entities combine charitable purpose, technical leadership and stakeholder engagement with independent assurance and compliance services.

Job Description

We are seeking an experienced Programme Manager to lead the coordinated delivery of CL:AIRE Initiatives' accreditation schemes. The portfolio includes established and developing schemes covering sustainable soils and materials reuse, environmental assurance and industry standards.

Working across this portfolio of technical and regulatory programmes, the role will bring structure, momentum and effective programme management to schemes at different stages of development and operation.

The successful candidate will work closely with technical specialists, regulators, industry stakeholders and internal teams, ensuring that programmes are properly planned, dependencies are managed and agreed outcomes are delivered.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

• Programme management: Lead the planning and coordinated delivery of CL:AIRE Initiatives' accreditation schemes, including the management of milestones, dependencies, risks, actions and delivery requirements.
• Delivery: Maintain momentum across programmes, actively follow up agreed actions, challenge slippage and escalate issues where decisions, resources or contributions are preventing progress.
• Stakeholder management: Build effective relationships with regulators, industry representatives, technical specialists, working groups and other stakeholders, ensuring that their input is coordinated effectively.
• Working groups: Manage and steer programme and technical working groups, ensuring meetings lead to clear decisions, actions and outcomes.
• Technical and regulatory coordination: Work with CL:AIRE's technical team and external specialists to ensure programme delivery reflects relevant legislation, guidance, standards and agreed scheme requirements.
• Reporting and communication: Provide clear programme reporting to management and contribute to proposals, reports, guidance, communications and other programme outputs as required.
• Development of schemes: Coordinate the development, implementation and continuous improvement of CL:AIRE Initiatives' accreditation and assurance activities.

Person Specification

Required

• Relevant experience within the environmental, land quality, waste, resources or related regulatory sector.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex programmes or multiple interdependent projects through to delivery.
• The confidence and judgement to challenge, influence and escalate at all levels, including where there is no direct management authority.
• Strong stakeholder-management skills, including experience working with technical specialists and external organisations.
• Excellent organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, dependencies and deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Eligibility to work in the UK without restrictions.

Desirable

• Knowledge or experience of the DoW CoP, relevant land quality guidance and legislation, or comparable environmental assurance/accreditation schemes.
• Relevant programme or project-management qualification.

What We Offer

• Hybrid working.
• Life cover and Income protection schemes.
• Employee healthcare scheme, wellbeing program, and on-demand GP services.
• Access to employee discount schemes for gyms, retailers, and holidays.
• Enhanced company pension and holiday benefits.

This is a full-time role, but we are happy to consider four days per week for the right candidate.

As an equal opportunities employer, CL:AIRE is committed to ensuring fair treatment for all current and prospective employees. We do not tolerate discrimination based on age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, ethnicity, religion, belief, gender identity, or marital status. We are dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply and become part of CL:AIRE. If you need any accessibility support during the application or interview process, please inform us, and we will be happy to assist.