Department: Innovation Centre
Report to: Head of Innovation Centre
Location: Tynecastle Park, Gorgie Road, Edinburgh, EH11 2NL and regional outreach travel.
Salary: Competitive salary plus excellent staff benefits.
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, 5/7 days per week. Occasional weekend and evening working required as per the needs of the programme.
Closing Date: 27 January 2026 – Close of play
Heart of Midlothian FC have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to join the Clubs Innovation Centre. The Programme Manager is responsible for leading the annual planning, delivery and growth of The Brilliant Blue Programme in Scotland. The role involves managing all operations, partnerships, events, communications, budgets and reporting associated with the programme. If you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, and are adaptable, resourceful, and excited to work as part of The Brilliant Blue Programme – we would love to hear from you!
Brilliant Blue is an international STEM challenge, now launching in Scotland as Brilliant Blue Scotland. The programme supports young people aged 11 to 17 to apply STEM to the Blue Economy by developing solutions to real-world challenges affecting oceans, waterways, and coastal communities, locally and globally. Delivered in collaboration with Brilliant Labs (Canada) and other international partners, Brilliant Blue Scotland culminates in a national showcase and competition celebrating youth innovation and impact.
Programme Manager Responsibilities:
- Manage the end-to-end annual cycle of the Brilliant Blue Programme, including planning, delivery timelines, and coordination of key milestones.
- Coordinate stakeholders, volunteers and delivery partners to ensure smooth delivery across Scotland.
- Lead event operations and logistics for programme sessions and national showcase and competition activity, including venue coordination, registrations, and on-the-day delivery support.
- Support safeguarding and risk management processes, including risk assessments and safe delivery procedures.
- Build and maintain partnerships across education, industry and community networks, ensuring clear communication and consistent engagement.
- Track budgets and maintain accurate records, supporting financial tracking, reporting, and programme evaluation.
- Represent Brilliant Blue Scotland professionally at meetings and events, including occasional travel and out-of-hours delivery when required.
Experience, Qualifications & Requirements:
- Previous experience in operations, service or events management within a fast-paced environment.
- Experience in education or youth programmes is beneficial but not essential, as full programme onboarding and support will be provided.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience working across varied demographic groups and professional backgrounds.
- Experience coordinating teams and supporting high-quality delivery to deadlines.
- Willingness to travel across Scotland and work occasional evenings/weekends during peak delivery periods.
- Able to evidence the legal right to work in the UK.
Skills & Abilities:
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and programme logistics.
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage and build trust with diverse demographic groups, including young people, educators, community partners, and industry professionals.
- Able to work effectively with international stakeholders and cross-cultural teams, maintaining professionalism and clarity.
- Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond to live delivery challenges.
- Committed to inclusion, accessibility, and safeguarding in all aspects of programme delivery.
- Sound professional judgement and confidence working within safeguarding, safety, and compliance expectations.
- Confident using IT systems for planning and reporting, such as Microsoft Office or Google Workspace.
How to apply:
If you think that you are suitable for the position and meet the criteria above - we would love to hear from you. Please send a Covering Letter and CV to Recruitment@homplc.co.uk .
Due to an expected high volume of applications, this vacancy may be closed earlier than the closing date stated above.
The role will have regular contact with children, and it is therefore required by law to have a Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check through Disclosure Scotland as a condition of employment.
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN FOOTBALL CLUB IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES EMPLOYER AND FULLY COMMITTED TO THE SAFEGUARDING AND WELFARE OF VULNERABLE GROUPS.
HEART OF MIDLOTHIAN IS A LIVING WAGE ACCREDITED COMPANY.