Innovation and Development Programme Manager | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust; Poole; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an Innovation and Development Programme Manager to lead three linked portfolios: Dorset Innovation Hub, Federation Innovation, and Private Patient Development.

The role reports to the Director of Strategy and Improvement and will guide a small team to turn innovative ideas into measurable patient and staff benefits across the Dorset health and care system.

Job description

Innovation and Development Programme Manager | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

Company:

Company: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust

This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and innovative leader to join our team, playing a pivotal role in shaping and delivering a diverse portfolio of innovation and commercial opportunities across the Dorset health and care system.

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategy and Improvement, the Innovation and Development Programme Manager will lead a small, high-performing team and play a pivotal role in turning innovative ideas into tangible improvements that deliver measurable benefits for patients, staff and Dorset community.

The role exists to lead three linked portfolios:

• 1. Dorset Innovation Hub — co-hosted by Dorset HealthCare and Health Sciences University, developing the Hub from a partnership forum into a delivery function with visible outcomes for the Dorset population.
• 2. Federation Innovation — identifying, developing and delivering innovations that improve outcomes, experience and cost across the Federation.
• 3. Private Patient Development — growing Private Patient activity at Dorset County Hospital and establishing the foundations for a service within Dorset HealthCare.

The balance of work across the three portfolios will vary considerably over the life of the programme. The postholder will be expected to work flexibly across all three, deploying the team's capacity accordingly, with priorities agreed and reviewed regularly with the Director of Strategy and Improvement.

1. Set direction and secure agreements for the Innovation and Development Team.

2. Lead the innovation development function, holding personal accountability for delivery across the Dorset Innovation Hub, Federation innovation and Private Patient development portfolios, working in close partnership with the Head of Commercial and Business Development, who retains responsibility for established commercial activity.

3. Accountable for the successful delivery of the innovation development work programme, ensuring plans are developed, maintained, delivered and reported against, and supporting the Band 7 in the delivery of individual projects.

4. Develop and maintain the Dorset Innovation Hub work programme with the co-host and partners, agreeing a small number of cross-cutting priority themes that more than one partner owns and no single partner can resolve alone, and holding the partnership to delivery against them.

5. Undertake and commission horizon scanning, research and evidence review to identify innovations, models and technologies with the potential to improve outcomes, experience or cost within the Federation and across the Hub partnership.

6. Act as a senior member of the Transformation team, providing line management, professional development, support and challenge to the Band 7 and Band 6 posts, setting objectives, managing performance and building the capability of the team.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [e-mail]

This is a fixed term role and for those with current NHS service, the role will be offered on a secondment basis only. Please obtain permission to be released on a secondment before submitting an application.

This advert closes on Thursday 5 Nov 2026

Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust