Programme Manager - Global Talent Visa

Role overview

Tech Nation plays a central role in the UK’s effort to attract and keep outstanding tech talent. As Programme Manager for the Global Talent Visa, you’ll help run a programme that has real influence over who can build their future in the UK tech sector.

This is a practical, high-responsibility role within a small and collaborative team. You’ll report to the Programme Lead, manage the assessor group relationship, carry out detailed quality checks on their work, and identify trends that can be used to strengthen standards over time. You will also manage the Programme Administrator and look after the alumni network.

The position carries real autonomy and is well suited to someone who enjoys detail, wants to become a true expert in the area, and takes pride in keeping an important programme running smoothly.

The role is primarily full time, but candidates who can commit to at least 3 days per week may also be considered. The office is in London, although hybrid or fully remote working may be possible. Some travel within the UK, including visits to London, may occasionally be needed.

Assessor management and quality assurance

• Take full ownership of the assessor group relationship, covering recruitment, onboarding, and ongoing engagement, with day-to-day support from the Programme Administrator.
• Run regular assessor meetings and calls, including agenda setting, action tracking, and encouraging open, constructive discussion.
• Check assessor output for consistency, evidence quality, and thoroughness; identify recurring themes in decisions; and turn those findings into better guidance, training, and individual feedback.

Programme operations and systems

• Oversee the accuracy and smooth running of the visa application process together with the Programme Administrator.
• Improve and maintain programme systems and documentation, working with developers and colleagues when updates are needed.
• Ensure guidance for assessors remains accurate, up to date, and easy to use.
• Help the Programme Lead with financial administration, including invoice monitoring, processing, and budget reporting.
• Manage the Global Talent Visa inbox and step in to support the Programme Administrator when issues become more complex.

Alumni network

• Lead the alumni network, with support from the wider team, and take ownership of relationships with visa holders.
• Coordinate alumni sessions and engagement events with the Programme Administrator.
• Support the Programme Lead in growing the alumni network for the long term.

Data, insight, reporting, and communications

• Assist the Programme Lead with analysing data, spotting trends, and gathering insight across programme activity.
• Contribute to KPI tracking and operational reporting across assessor and programme activity.
• Prepare reports, briefings, and presentations for both internal and external use.
• Help write marketing and communication materials, ensuring public-facing information stays accurate.
• Work with the Data & Insights team on surveys and other information-gathering activities where needed.

Team support and line management

• Directly manage the Visa Programme Administrator and actively support their development.
• Act as the first escalation point for operational queries, including drafting or reviewing communications to the Home Office and escalating issues where appropriate.
• Contribute to other Global Talent team initiatives and workstreams as required.

What success looks like after 6 months

• The assessor group is well supported and producing stronger-quality feedback.
• You have a clear understanding of endorsement decision patterns and are using that insight to improve the programme.
• The Programme Administrator is performing well with clear processes and escalation routes in place.
• The alumni network is active, well run, and supported by well-organised events.
• You are able to represent the programme confidently in external meetings and sessions.

Requirements

You should be a careful, analytical thinker who can assess written material, identify missing or inconsistent elements, and draw practical conclusions from what you find. You’ll need to notice patterns, turn them into improvements, and work calmly and proactively in a busy environment.

This role also calls for strong operational discipline, excellent communication skills, and the ability to manage sensitive relationships with confidence. A genuine interest in the UK tech ecosystem and how it is shaped will also be important.

Essential experience

• Background in programme or operations management, ideally with exposure to quality assurance, policy application, or evidence-based decision-making.
• Strong analytical ability, including the skill to assess qualitative content against frameworks, identify gaps or inconsistencies, and convert findings into practical action.
• Experience in data handling, reporting, analysis, and written communication such as guidance, feedback, and professional correspondence.
• Ability to manage relationships well, including difficult or high-stakes discussions with professionalism and care.
• Excellent organisation and a proactive approach to solving problems.

Desirable experience

• Knowledge of the digital technology sector, or experience with government, policy, or public-sector programmes.
• Experience coordinating projects and using project management tools.
• Experience managing budgets, monitoring performance, and carrying out quality assurance.
• Strong engagement and presentation skills, along with experience building professional networks or communities.

Benefits

• 25 days of annual leave, plus an extra day off for your birthday, and an additional 2 days after 2 years of service.
• The option to work remotely from anywhere in the world for 3 weeks each year, split across Easter and July/August.
• AXA Health insurance, with dependents available at the employee’s cost.
• Life insurance.
• Medicash health cash plan.
• Competitive pension scheme.
• Perkbox membership.
• Learning and development allowance.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Weekly team lunch, office snacks, and regular team drinks.
• Quarterly team activities plus an annual team trip or day out.
• Access to the Founders Forum Group network and the wider tech ecosystem.

Working arrangements

This role is primarily full time, though applicants who can work at least 3 days per week may be considered. The team is based in London, and hybrid or remote arrangements may also be possible. Occasional travel to London and around the UK may be required.