Project Support Officer

Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Dorchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK healthcare provider is seeking two proactive Project Support Officers to join their Strategic Estates Team. This critical role supports the delivery of important capital and infrastructure projects, enhancing patient care and service delivery. Ideal candidates should possess strong organisational and communication skills, and thrive in a dynamic environment. Key responsibilities include maintaining project documentation, coordinating meetings, and engaging with various stakeholders. Candidates should be educated to degree level with project management qualifications.

Qualifications

• Experience of supporting project delivery in estates or service improvement.
• Experience engaging internal and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of capital and estates projects by maintaining project documentation.
• Coordinate and facilitate project meetings.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams and external contractors.
• Maintain effective communication and engagement plans.
• Assist in data collection and preparation of progress reports.
• Monitor project progress against milestones and risks.
• Support compliance with Trust policies and health and safety standards.
• Help organise site visits and stakeholder workshops.

Skills

Strong written and verbal communication skills

Excellent organisational and administrative skills

Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications

Ability to analyse and interpret data

Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills

Education

Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field

Project Management qualification (e.g. Prince2, APM)

Job description

Job overview

We are looking for 2 proactive and organised Project Support Officers to join our Strategic Estates Team at Dorset County Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. This role is essential in supporting the delivery of estates-related capital and strategic infrastructure projects across the Trust. You will work alongside Project Managers and wider stakeholders to coordinate activities, track progress, and help drive forward key improvements in the estate that directly support patient care and service delivery.

As part of the Strategic Estates Team, you’ll support a variety of complex and high-impact projects such as relocations, refurbishments, and capital investment programmes. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong organisational and communication skills who thrives in a fast-paced and evolving environment. You will act as a key point of coordination across multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring that tasks are completed in line with timescales, risks are identified early, and all stakeholders remain informed and engaged.

Main duties of the job

• Support the delivery of capital and estates projects by maintaining project documentation (plans, timelines, risks, benefits, reports).
• Coordinate and facilitate project meetings, including preparation of agendas, capturing of minutes, and tracking of actions.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams, estates professionals, external contractors, and clinical/non-clinical staff to ensure smooth delivery.
• Maintain effective communication and engagement plans, acting as the first point of contact for project queries.
• Assist in data collection, analysis, and preparation of progress reports, decision logs, change management and risk register to governance forums.
• Monitor project progress against milestones and escape any risks or delays to the Project Manager.
• Support compliance with Trust policies, health and safety standards, and construction-related governance procedures.
• Help organise site visits, stakeholder workshops, and engagement events where required.
• Use project management software and Microsoft Office tools to support the delivery and oversight of the programme and estates initiatives.

Working for our organisation

At DCHFT, we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients, and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under-represented groups.

Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

UKVI Sponsorship

This role is eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Sponsorship will be offered subject to meeting UKVI eligibility criteria.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

Person specification

Education, Qualifications & Training

Essential criteria

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field
• Project Management qualification (e.g. Prince2, APM)

Desirable criteria

• Evidence of ongoing CPD in estates, healthcare or project work

Knowledge & Experience

Essential criteria

• Experience of supporting project delivery in estates or service improvement
• Experience engaging internal and external stakeholders

Desirable criteria

• Experience in NHS or public sector estates projects
• Knowledge of health and safety or facilities compliance
• Familiarity with QSIR or other improvement tools
• Understanding of project lifecycle and governance

Skills & Abilities

Essential criteria

• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent organisational and administrative skillsli>
• Ability to work under pressure and to tight deadlines

Desirable criteria

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Ability to analyse and interpret data
• Ability to work independently and within a team
• Ability to adapt and respond to change
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills

Closing information

The closing date / interview date is subject to amendment; this vacancy may therefore expire at short notice, so we recommend that you submit an application at your earliest convenience. We reserve the right to close any vacancies without notice.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted via email; therefore it is important that you check your personal email account regularly.

Unfortunately we are unable to respond to every application; if we do not contact you within 4 weeks of the closing date, please be advised that you not have been shortlisted on this occasion.

You can contact us on 01305 254655 to find out whether you have been shortlisted or if you would like feedback.