Programme Manager- Band(8a)
Job Summary
This advert is for two Programme Manager positions. Successful applicants will join a diverse team of programme & project management professionals within Digital Data & Technology Services (DDTS), working in a busy, rewarding, and challenging environment.
* Permanent position: You will lead either large complex projects or a smaller programme. DDTS manages a wide portfolio of complex, sometimes high-risk projects and programmes. This role is critical in managing inputs and building strong relationships across the business through the full lifecycle.
* Temporary position: You will drive our Productivity Programme, working closely with the Head of the DDTS Portfolio Office to evaluate emerging productivity schemes as well as leading delivery of some of the productivity initiatives. You’ll identify and develop scoping and timeline plans to a mature level alongside subject matter experts and the Senior Management Team members, and support tracking and reporting through programme dashboards.
You will join the organisation at a time of challenge but also great excitement, you’ll help shape decisions and implement changes which will further improve the life-saving services we provide. You’ll use your programme & project management skills to drive change and be part of a proactive team making a real impact.
Working within the DDTS directorate, you’ll engage with a diverse range of people to drive performance and deliver meaningful change.
Note: This role offers a hybrid working arrangement. Your base location will be one of NHSBT’s main centres, confirmed after the final interview.
Main duties of the job
In this role you will be responsible for managing projects and programmes from inception through to completion. You will ensure timely and successful project conclusions and delivery of capability for achieving business benefits. Your responsibilities will include:
* Planning, supporting, and monitoring the progress of the project or programme
* Managing internal resources and external suppliers and consultants
* Ensuring that project or programme deliverables are tightly linked to the achievement of strategic initiatives for the business unit.
* Responsible for the planning, structuring, leading, and overseeing implementation of the project or programme, and escalation of issues relating to delivery or scope.
* Ensuring adherence to programme and/or project objectives.
* Participate in the development and improvement of the NHSBT Portfolio, Programme and Project Management tools and methods.
The role does have a requirement to travel and spend time away from base, which can involve working irregular hours and overnight stays when required, with prior notice.
About You
Experience and Knowledge
* Extensive, practical knowledge of benefits delivery by the formal management of strategic business programmes.
* Extensive experience of formal management of complex programmes/projects, including the use of formal project management tools for the full life-cycle of large scale, complex programmes/projects in a real-world environment
* Extensive experience of creating outline business cases and programme / project briefs for communication at Board / Executive level.
* Experience of working with information technology using Microsoft Office packages (Project, Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams and PowerPoint)
Qualifications and Training
* A degree in an appropriate discipline (e.g. business, management, information systems) and post-graduate level specialist qualification or demonstrable equivalent experience in one of the above specialist areas or similar
* Practitioner Certificate in PRINCE 2 or equivalent qualification
* Demonstrates commitment to own continued professional development (CPD)
Please view the attached recruitment profile which is a summary of the detailed Job Description and Person Specification for the full personal attributes we require for the role. You will need to demonstrate these throughout the recruitment process.
About Us
It takes all types of people to deliver the kind of service that saves and improves lives. At NHS Blood and Transplant, you’ll 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.
What we offer:
* NHSBT promotes flexible working opportunities where the role will allow.
* 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.
* NHS 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: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/pensions
* 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.
To learn more, please see our recruitment profile, which provides a summary of the job description and person specification. This can be accessed via the link below, or by clicking ‘Apply’ if you are viewing this advert on another site.
This vacancy will close at 23:59 on 2nd January 2026.
Interviews date(s) to be confirmed.
For informal enquiries please contact the DDTS Portfolio and Performance Team via email at DDTSPortfolioandPerformancePO@nhsbt.nhs.uk