Are you a strategic and collaborative leader passionate about the power of community to create lasting change?

About us 

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure charity dedicated to building a fairer Redbridge where everyone and every community has an equal opportunity to thrive. 

Our work helps the development of strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives. At the heart of our work is a commitment to social justice and to tackling the root causes of inequality. We’re passionate about shifting power, amplifying community voices and working collaboratively to create social change. We do this by:

• Strengthening and championing the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector with tools and support to grow and thrive.
• Supporting local people to drive change in their own communities, through social action, volunteering and active participation.
• Bringing people and organisations from the VCSE sector, public services, and local businesses together to collaborate on shared ambitions for Redbridge.

About the role

We’re looking for a Programme Director to lead the design and delivery of high-impact programmes that respond to local priorities and make a real difference.

Working closely with partners, funders and stakeholders, you’ll shape innovative approaches to complex social challenges, amplifying community voices and championing the role of the voluntary, community and social enterprise (VCSE) sector in influencing systems, policy and practice.

You’ll bring a collaborative, people-centred leadership style – building an empowering and inclusive team culture, promoting wellbeing and professional growth, focused on impact, accountability and our shared organisational values: shifting power, collaborating, learning, and seeing the bigger picture.

Who we are looking for

• This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is deeply committed to learning and understanding what matters most to the people, communities and organisations we serve, who thrives on partnership and innovation, and who wants to make a tangible difference in addressing inequalities and building stronger, more resilient communities and to do this you will bring
• Excellent understanding of whole system working and system change
• Proven experience in the leadership of multiple complex programmes working with diverse stakeholders
• Exceptional communication, influencing and engagement skills
• Excellent organisational, prioritising and time management skills 
• Fluency with data management and with digital systems including Microsoft 365
• Strategic and inclusive leadership skills able to build teams and develop culture
• A passion for social justice 
• A ‘can do’ proactive approach, able to work creatively and with impact in resource limited environments
• Resilience, change readiness, self-awareness and a committment to learning for yourself and your team

We offer

• A competitive salary 
• 35 hours per week 
• Flexible working with 3 days per week in the office and potential for compressed hours
• 28 days leave (plus statutory holidays) 
• Workplace pension
• Access to a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Community Action Redbridge in the recruitment of this role.Please click here to apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.  

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover:  

• Why you are interested in the Programme Director role at Community Action Redbridge 

• Having read the information pack, what relevant experience and skills do you feel you would bring to this role? This might come from paid work, study, community or voluntary work or other experience. 

You are welcome to send your cover letter in writing, or as a video or audio clip, alongside your CV. Any video or audio submissions should be emailed to bryan@eastsidepeople.org. 

If you would like a call to discuss any of the roles in more detail, please email Bryan McPaul to arrange a convenient time at bryan@eastsidepeople.org. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application. 

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability and potential. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately. 

The closing date for applications is Monday 8th December 2025 at 9AM. 

Shortlisting interviews will take place shortly after by Teams and shortlisted candidates will have an interview with Community Action Redbridge at their offices on 15th or 17th December 2025. 

Community Action Redbridge believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. 

Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.