Programme Manager - Global Talent Visa

Tech Nation is at the heart of the UK's effort to attract and retain the world's most exceptional tech talent. As Programme Manager for the Global Talent Visa, you will be a driving force behind one of the most consequential programmes in the UK tech ecosystem — one that shapes who gets to build the future here.

This is a hands-on, high-ownership role in a small, close-knit team. Reporting to our wonderful Programme Lead, you will own the relationship with our assessor group, rigorously quality assure their output, and surface the patterns that help us raise and maintain standards over time. You will also line manage our Programme Administrator, and steward the alumni network.

The title reflects genuine scope and independence. This role suits someone who takes real pride in the details and is looking to become a subject matter expert. If you thrive on responsibility, love seeing a programme run like clockwork, and care about the quality of decisions that shape people's futures, this is a special opportunity.

While this is primarily a full-time position, we are open to considering part-time applicants able to work at least 3 days per week.

The team office is located in London, however we may also consider hybrid or remote applicants. Please note that some occasional national travel and to the London office may be required.

What You'll Be Doing

Assessor Management & Quality Assurance

• Own the relationship with our assessor group end-to-end: recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement, supported day-to-day by the Programme Administrator
• Chair regular assessor meetings and calls — setting agendas, managing actions, and creating space for honest, constructive dialogue
• Lead assessor quality assurance: reviewing output for consistency, evidence standards, and rigour; identifying patterns across decisions; and translating findings into updated guidance, training, and individual feedback.
  
  

Operations & Systems

• Oversee the operational integrity of the visa application process alongside the Programme Administrator, ensuring it runs accurately and efficiently
• Maintain and improve programme systems and documentation, collaborating with developers and the wider team on system updates where needed
• Keep all assessor-facing guidance current, accurate, and accessible
• Support the Programme Lead with financial oversight including monitoring invoicing, processing, and budget reporting
• Oversee the TN visa inbox, stepping in to help the Programme Administrator when things get complicated
  
  

Alumni Network

• Own the Alumni Network with day-to-day support from the team, taking real ownership of the relationship with visa holders
• Work with the Programme Administrator to organise sessions and alumni engagement events
• Support the Programme Lead in building out the Alumni Network for the long term
  
  

Insight, Data & Reporting

• Support the Programme Lead with data analysis, trend identification, and insight gathering across programme activity
• Contribute to KPI monitoring and reporting across operational and assessor activity
• Help prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for internal and external audiences
• Assist with written marketing materials and comms, keeping public-facing guidance accurate and up to date
• Support the Data & Insights team with surveys or information-gathering where relevant
  
  

Line Management & Team Support

• Line manage our brilliant Visa Programme Administrator: genuine investment in their development is very important
• Be the first point of escalation for day-to-day operational queries, including drafting or reviewing Home Office communications and escalating when needed
• Be willing to roll up your sleeves across wider Global Talent team workstreams and initiatives as required
  
  

You'll Have Knocked Our Socks Off in 6 Months If…

• The assessor group is well-managed, well-supported, and producing feedback that is consistently higher quality
• You have a clear view of patterns across endorsement decisions and are actively using it to improve the programme
• The Programme Administrator is thriving under your management, with strong processes and clear escalation paths
• The alumni network is running smoothly, with engaged visa holders and well-organised events
• You can step into any external session or stakeholder meeting and represent the programme with confidence
  
  

Requirements

This Role Is For You If…

• You are a precise, analytical thinker who can read qualitative text, evaluate it and identify exactly what's missing or inconsistent
• You spot patterns others miss and you can translate them into meaningful improvements
• You are exceptionally organised, calm under pressure, and proactive rather than reactive
• You take real pride in operational excellence, you care whether things are done properly, not just done
• You are an excellent communicator: clear in writing, confident presenting, and trusted by stakeholders
• You are comfortable in a small team where everyone rolls up their sleeves
• You are curious about the UK tech ecosystem and care about who gets to be a part of it
  
  

Essential

• Experience in programme or operations management — ideally involving quality assurance, policy application, or evidence-based decision-making
• Strong analytical thinking with experience in maintaining standards and assessing qualitative content against frameworks, identifying gaps or inconsistencies and turning insights into actionable recommendations
• Strong data analysis, management, reporting, and written communication skills, including guidance, feedback, and professional correspondence
• Strong relationship management skills, with the ability to manage sensitive and high-stakes conversations with care and confidence
• Highly organised, proactive problem solver
  
  

Desirable

• Familiarity with the digital technology sector and government, policy, or public-sector programmes
• Experience coordinating projects, including the use of project management tools
• Experience overseeing budgets, performance monitoring, and quality assurance processes
• Strong communication and engagement skills, including presenting to external audiences and building professional networks or communities
  
  

Benefits

• 25 days + an extra day off for your birthday (and +2 days after 2 years of service)
• Option to work remotely anywhere in the world for 3 weeks/year (1 at Easter, 2 in July/August)
• AXA Health insurance (option to add dependents at employee's cost)
• Life Insurance
• Medicash health cash plan
• Competitive pension
• Perkbox membership
• Learning and development allowance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Weekly team lunch, office snacks, regular team drinks
• Quarterly team activities and annual team trip/day out
• Access to the Founders Forum Group network and wider tech ecosystem
  
  

While this is primarily a full-time position, we are open to part-time applicants able to work at least 3 days per week. The team is based in London, though we may consider hybrid or remote applicants. Some occasional travel to London and nationally may be required.