Programme Manager

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust; Greater Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced programme and project management professional to lead complex NHS initiatives. The role emphasizes governance, benefits realisation and cross‑functional collaboration with clinical and operational leads.

The successful candidate will bring strong analytical skills, strategic thinking and the ability to drive delivery through matrix teams within a fast‑paced, quality‑driven environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level or equivalent senior experience.
• Formal Project Management qualification (MSP/PRICE2)
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Skills

Project management

Leadership

Communication

Analytical thinking

Education

Degree level or equivalent senior experience

MSP/PRICE2 qualification

Job description

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience you'll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the 'Supporting Documents' heading.

Explore 'Inside MFT - Your Candidate Place'

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT - Your Candidate Place. This welcoming one-stop hub gives you a real sense of who we are - what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. You'll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.

To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity Matters

MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we're proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU-for our patients, our communities, and each other.

As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application‑especially personal statements and responses to role‑specific questions‑is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent senior experience.
• Formal Project Management qualification (MSP/PRICE2)
• Evidence of continued professional development.

Desirable criteria

• APM, Agile, Lean, QSIR or equivalent improvement/project qualification.
• Leadership or management qualification.

Experience

Essential criteria

• Significant experience of managing complex programmes or projects in an NHS provider organisation.
• Experience of business case development, planning, governance, risk management and benefits realisation.

Desirable criteria

• Experience in NHS acute, community or integrated care settings.
• Experience of elective, productivity, outpatient or theatre improvement programmes.

Knowledge

Essential criteria

• Understanding of NHS governance, operational performance, quality improvement and service transformation at a provider level.
• Knowledge of programme management methodologies and improvement tools.

Desirable criteria

• Understanding of MFT priorities, clinical group structures.
• Knowledge of the North Manchester site and managed single service arrangements.

Analytical and Judgement

Essential criteria

• Able to interpret complex performance, finance, workforce and quality data in a timely manner.
• Able to identify issues, develop options and make recommendations.

Desirable criteria

• Experience using benchmarking tools, PLICS, Model Health System, Business Intelligence dashboards or similar intelligence platforms.

Communication

Essential criteria

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Able to produce board level reports, facilitate workshops and influence senior stakeholders.
• Experience working with clinical leaders and operational managers.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working with commissioners and corporate teams.

Planning and Organisation

Essential criteria

• Able to manage competing priorities, interdependencies and deadlines across multiple workstreams.
• Strong attention to detail and delivery discipline.
• Demonstrable ability to work autonomously in a complex and fast paced environment.

Desirable criteria

• Experience managing a portfolio of projects through formal PMO arrangements.

Leadership and Management

Essential criteria

• Able to lead through influence, coach others and support delivery through matrix working.
• Demonstrates resilience, adaptability and a positive approach when managing competing priorities, ambiguity and challenging situations within a complex NHS environment.
• Experience of effective line management.

Desirable criteria

• Line management experience in a PMO, transformation, improvement or operational delivery function.

Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Demonstrates MFT values and behaviours, including compassionate, curious, collaborative, open and honest, and inclusive ways of working.

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of promoting inclusive, improvement focused team culture.