Senior Programme Manager

NHS Blood and Transplant; Dodworth; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working arrangements

Flexible working options

Generous annual leave

Inclusive pension scheme

Learning culture and Thrive program

Health and wellbeing support

Job summary

NHS Blood and Transplant is seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, high-value digital programmes and transform how services are delivered across our organisation. You will align programmes with NHSBT’s strategic objectives, managing delivery within agreed time, cost and quality parameters, while building strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

You will contribute to life-saving work and lead multidisciplinary teams in a matrix environment,

Qualifications

• Masters degree or equivalent senior-level experience in a relevant discipline.
• Experience leading complex change transformational programmes.
• Proven ability to develop business cases and manage major budgets.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and strategic leadership skills.
• Qualifications in MSP, PRINCE2 and Agile DSDM or equivalent.

Responsibilities

• Lead complex, high-value programmes and ensure delivery within time, cost and quality.
• Oversee end-to-end delivery, manage risks and dependencies.
• Build relationships with senior stakeholders and provide trusted advice.
• Promote continuous improvement, equity, diversity and inclusion in governance.
• Line-manage programme personnel where appropriate and support development.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Programme management

Change management

Leadership

Strategic thinking

Education

Masters degree in a relevant discipline

Tools

MSP

PRINCE2

Agile (DSDM)

APM Registered Project Professional

Benefits Realisation

Job description

This vacancy is not eligible for Visa Sponsorship. Please do not apply unless you have another means of establishing a right to work, or you are already employed by the NHS and would transfer to the pay point at the top of Band 8b.

At NHS Blood & Transplant (NHSBT), we are a unique organisation working with patients and donors to save and improve lives every day. Our mission is to ensure every patient receives the donation they need. We are seeking an experienced Senior Programme Manager to lead complex, high-value digital projects and programmes aligned with NHSBTs strategic objectives, delivering outcomes within agreed time, cost and quality parameters.

Join our dedicated organ donation and transplantation team, working at the forefront of projects that save and improve lives. The establishment of a national Assessment and Recovery Centre (ARC) service will extend equitable access to life‑saving products and treatments, helping bridge the gap between organ availability and demand.

You will have an innovative, problem‑solving approach, strong stakeholder management skills and experience in transformational change. As part of a passionate, supportive and high‑performing team, you will build positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

You will contribute to life‑saving work, with every day bringing variety and the opportunity to manage critical programmes that enhance organ donation and transplantation services.

Main duties of the job

The Senior Programme Manager will lead complex, high‑value programmes, driving transformational change and delivering benefits aligned with NHSBTs strategic objectives.The post holder will:

• Lead programme scoping, planning and definition, translating organisational priorities into clear delivery plans.
• Oversee end-to-end programme delivery, ensuring outcomes meet agreed timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Manage resources and proactively address risks, dependencies and challenges.Establish processes to track and realise programme benefits, ensuring measurable and sustainable value for NHSBT.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams within a complex matrix environment, promoting collaboration, innovation and high performance.
• Build effective relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decisions, securing commitment and providing trusted advice through strong communication and negotiation skills.
• Where appropriate, manage programme personnel, supporting performance, professional development and succession planning.
• Contribute to NHSBTs strategic direction as a senior leader, championing continuous improvement, equity, diversity and inclusion, while ensuring robust programme governance and assurance.

About us

It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, youll join a team of more than 6,000 people who are making a genuine difference to communities, families, friends, relatives and more across the UK. We play a unique and special role in the NHS by helping people do something extraordinary- donate blood, blood products, organs, tissues, or stem cells to save someone in need.

Our three core values are what set us apart. They guide and inspire everything we do.By being caring, expertly meeting the needs of our patients and our people, and accepting nothing less than the best quality, we can do extraordinary work and help our people to do something extraordinary in their career, too. Three small words, one big difference - Caring, Expert and Quality. Together we'll save and improve more lives than ever.

You will join us on our journey to create an inclusive workplace and aim to reflect the diverse communities we work with, and we positively encourage applications from all sectors of the community.

Job responsibilities

What we offer:

Hybrid working arrangements – because NHSBT works nationally, we’re able to offer hybrid working options that give you more flexibility to balance work with life.

Flexible working options – we promote flexible working where the role allows. We’re happy to discuss what flexibility might look like for you.

Generous annual leave - 27 days annual leave (pro rata for part-time) plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service and to 33 days after 10 years.

Inclusive pension scheme - the NHS Pension Scheme is a defined benefit scheme (not dependent on investment returns). Further details and outline of benefits can be found at: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/information-about-nhs-pensions

Supportive learning culture - we’ve fostered a culture of continuous learning where colleagues are well‑led, engaged, and encouraged to grow. We support you in reaching your full potential, both in your current role and future career. Our Thrive program embodies our commitment to learning and development, offering a wide range of activities to support your personal and professional growth. It’s open to everyone at NHSBT, ensuring you have the resources to succeed and shine in your role.

Health and wellbeing support – we offer confidential services including occupational health, employee assistance programme, and wellbeing resources. Our support is available to all colleagues and we endeavour to provide tailored workplace adjustments where possible.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from disabled candidates. We will talk with you to explore any adjustments that may help you during the recruitment process.

Qualifications

• Masters degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent senior‑level experience.
• Programme management qualifications such as MSP practitioner or advance practitioner or equivalent experience.
• One or more recognised project management qualifications APM Registered Project Professional, or Major Projects Leadership Academy, PRINCE 2 and Agile DSDM qualification.
• Training in Benefits Realisation and Better Business Cases (aligned to Green Book).
• Evidence of continuing professional development relevant to programme management.

Experience

• Extensive experience over a number of years of leading complex change transformational programmes with successful delivery of outcomes and benefits.
• Expertise in leading large diverse group through significant change with technique to reduce resistance and maximise adoption of change, including awareness of people change management theories.
• Proven track record in business case development using the HM Treasury Five Case Model.
• Experience of managing programme budgets, cost forecasts, and benefits realisation.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement internally and externally and with external supplier environments.
• Experience of applying lessons learned and continuous improvement in programme delivery to enhance capability.
• Deep specialist knowledge of programme management principles, methodologies (e.g., MSP), and best practices, applied in a large, complex organisation.
• Experience in driving the development and implementation of new services or policies within a programme context.

Employer name

NHS Blood and Transplant

Address

England

Barnsley Blood Centre, Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley Blood Centre, Capitol Way, Dodworth

England

South Yorkshire

S75 3FG

United Kingdom

NHSBT

Barnsley Blood Centre

Capitol Way, Dodworth

Barnsley

S75 3FG

United Kingdom

NHSBT

Tooting Blood Centre

London

SW17 0RB

United Kingdom

NHSBT

Bristol Filton Blood Centre

500 North Bristol Park, Northway, Filton,

Bristol

BS34 7QH

United Kingdom

NHSBT

Manchester Blood Centre

Plymouth Grove

Manchester

M13 9LL

United Kingdom

NHSBT

Charcot Road, Colindale

London

NW9 5BG

United Kingdom

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Birmingham Blood Centre

Vincent Drive, Edgbaston

Birmingham

B15 2SG

United Kingdom

NHSBT

14 Estuary Banks, The Estuary Commerce Park, Speke