Social Value Manager (Diversity & Inclusion)
Major Rail Infrastructure Programme
Initial 4-Month Contract | Hybrid Working | North East / North West England
Are you passionate about creating meaningful social impact through major infrastructure projects?
We are seeking an experienced Social Value Manager with a strong background in Diversity & Inclusion to join a nationally recognised programme delivering one of the UK's largest rail infrastructure investments.
This is an initial 4-month contract, with a strong possibility of extension. The role offers a flexible hybrid working arrangement, supporting majority remote working with occasional travel to project locations across the North East and North West of England. Candidates based within these regions will be particularly well suited due to the travel requirements.
The Opportunity
You will be seconded into the project team of a leading UK rail organisation, working as part of a specialist consultancy renowned for delivering programme management, project management, sustainability and advisory services across some of the country's most complex infrastructure and built environment projects.
Working directly alongside senior client stakeholders, you'll play a key role in ensuring social value, equality and inclusion remain at the heart of project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and implementation of project Social Value Plans, agreeing measurable outcomes and ensuring successful delivery.
- Deliver socioeconomic assessments, including Equality Impact Assessments and Diversity Impact Assessments.
- Support the ongoing development and implementation of the client's Sustainability Strategy.
- Provide specialist social value consultancy, helping to maximise social outcomes across the programme.
- Work collaboratively with contractors, suppliers and delivery partners to develop social value KPIs, reporting frameworks and practical guidance.
- Coordinate regular sustainability and social value reporting, including Power BI dashboards and client reporting systems.
- Contribute social value evidence to Business Case development and the client's annual Social Benefit Report.
- Attend project and client meetings, providing updates on progress, opportunities, risks and key performance indicators.
- Build strong relationships with client stakeholders, identifying opportunities to further enhance social value outcomes.
- Support bid submissions and participate in client presentations where required.
- Assist in developing and promoting the consultancy's social value capability, including marketing materials, case studies and thought leadership.
- Deliver training and awareness sessions on social value and inclusive delivery to project teams and stakeholders.
- Identify best practice, produce case studies and help share lessons learned across projects to drive continuous improvement.
- Support wider sustainability and social value initiatives across the business as required.
About You
We're looking for someone who combines technical knowledge with the ability to influence, engage and inspire a wide range of stakeholders.
You'll ideally have:
- A degree in Social Sciences, Geography or a related discipline.
- Membership of, or progression towards Fellowship of, the Institute of Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability (ICRS) or an equivalent professional body.
- Demonstrable experience delivering Social Value strategies on major infrastructure, construction or public sector programmes.
- Strong knowledge of Diversity & Inclusion, Equality Impact Assessments and wider socioeconomic evaluation.
- Experience working collaboratively with clients, contractors and supply chains.
- Excellent report writing, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Experience using Power BI or similar reporting platforms would be highly advantageous.
- The ability to manage multiple workstreams in a fast-paced project environment.
What's on Offer
- Initial 4-month contract with strong likelihood of extension.
- Hybrid working with excellent flexibility.
- Opportunity to work on one of the UK's most significant rail infrastructure programmes.
- Exposure to senior client stakeholders and nationally important projects.
- Collaborative, supportive and purpose-driven project environment.
- Competitive day rate.
If you're passionate about delivering lasting social impact, driving inclusion and helping shape the future of UK infrastructure, we'd love to hear from you.
