Strategic Programme Director

James Paget University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust; King's Lynn, Gorleston-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A major healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Strategic Programme Director to oversee a major capital redevelopment programme across the Norfolk and Waveney Healthcare system, leading the design and delivery of two new hospitals. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in healthcare capital projects and demonstrated leadership skills to manage diverse teams and stakeholders effectively. This role is permanent and requires full-time commitment across locations in King's Lynn.

Qualifications

• Proven track record of delivering large-scale capital programmes, ideally within the NHS.
• Experience managing significant budgets and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for capital project planning and execution.
• Manage relationships with external advisors and contractors.
• Ensure robust governance and compliance with regulations.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Project Management or related field

Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP)

Better Business Case Practitioner qualification

Job description

Strategic Programme Director

The closing date is 03 December 2025

We are seeking an exceptional Programme Director to lead a major capital redevelopment programme across the Norfolk and Waveney Healthcare system. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare provision in our region, overseeing the design and delivery of not just one but two new hospitals as part of the national New Hospital Programme (NHP).

We recently committed a significant strategic change and bought all three acute hospitals into a Group formation- Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group. As a result we have established a group Programme board and are driving the programme under one leadership team with appropriate resource allocation.

Both the Queen Elizabeth and James Paget Hospitals are part of the Wave 1 programme, with agreed allocation of funding, approx 3 billion across both schemes and timescales for completion of 2032. Both schemes are starting OBC and require an exceptional leader to drive the programme.

This role will also continue the progress made so far with establishing the programme team so that we are set up for success through OBC, FBC and construction phases.

Main duties of the job

• Provide strategic leadership for the planning, execution, and delivery of a major capital project, ensuring alignment with NHP Hospital 2.0 standards.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams, including clinical, operational, estates, and technical staff, through all phases of design and construction.
• Manage relationships with external advisors, contractors, and key stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration and communication.
• Oversee the development of business cases, procurement, and contractual arrangements for construction and enabling works.
• Deputise for the Group Chief Delivery Officer as required, representing the programme at internal and external forums.
• Ensure robust governance, risk management, and compliance with all regulatory and organisational requirements.

About us

We want to attract the best and brightest people to work with us and that means we will look after you from the moment you apply for a role at the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospital Group Trust and throughout your career with us. Our staff are central to everything we do, and we believe that investing in you is crucial if we want to enable you to reach your full potential.

Although the recruiting trust is the James Paget, the role will span across two trusts and will also require collaboration with potential developments at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

There will be a requirement to travel across Norfolk to have a visible presence for both schemes and local‑based teams.

Job responsibilities

The post holder will be required to demonstrate the following:

• Proven track record of delivering large‑scale capital programmes, ideally within the NHS or a similarly complex environment.
• Outstanding leadership and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate diverse teams.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience managing significant budgets and contracts.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Commitment to innovation, quality, and continuous improvement.

Person Specification

• Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's degree in Project Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
  • Master's degree or relevant certification (e.g., PRINCE2, PMP) is preferred.
  • Completed the 'Better Business Case Practitioner' qualification.
• Experience:
  • Led a significant capital project valued in excess of £1 billion.
  • Project within the NHS or public sector.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and, as such, it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

177-CORP-7596652-A

Job locations

James Paget Hospital / Queen Elizabeth Hospital