Main area
Leadership
Grade
NHS AfC: Band 8a
Contract
Permanent
Hours
Full time hours per week (8:30am - 16:30pm)
Site
Woodland House, Maes y Coed Road, Cardiff (the ability to travel is required for this role)
Town
Cardiff
Salary
£56,514 - £63,623 per annum
Salary period
Yearly
Closing
22/09/2025 23:59
As a senior professional manager the post holder will play a key role in supporting the Dragon's Heart Institute and Shaping Change team in the development and implementation of the Climb Programme and associated projects as part of the Intensive Learning Academy for Innovation in Health and Social Care (ILA:IHSC). Climb is a 10-month programme which combines world-leading teaching with immersive development experiences. It has a focus on innovation in health and care, enabling candidates to learn new skills, forge networks and build relationships that will support them for the rest of their careers. The post holder will manage dedicated project resources contributing to project delivery. The post holder will also work closely with identified managers within partner organisations to ensure the programme delivers against ILA:IHSC commitments. In particular, the post holder will have specific programme management responsibilities, often working within tight timescales and competing demands. As well as shaping change by designing and implementing new policies and systems related to the ILA:IHSC the post holder will need to use their influencing skills to make fundamental changes to the way we work, overcoming resistance along the way.
English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
Lead Programme Delivery
Manage the full lifecycle of the Climb Programme—from initiation and recruitment to delivery, evaluation, reporting and mobilisation of alumni.
Strategic Planning & Alignment
Work with senior leads to align Climb's strategic and operational priorities with Welsh Government goals and ILA:IHSC commitments.
Stakeholder Engagement
Engage with internal and external stakeholders to co-design and deliver programme outcomes, ensuring effective communication and collaboration.
Performance Management
Develop and implement performance frameworks, metrics, and reporting systems to monitor progress and assure quality delivery.
Financial Oversight
Ensure the programme is delivered within budget, monitor financial variance, and support income generation strategies for long-term sustainability.
Leadership & Team Development
Lead project teams, workshops, and engagement events, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and high performance.
Communication Strategy
Present complex information to diverse audiences including Welsh Government, academia, and delivery partners, ensuring clarity and impact.
Governance & Risk Management
Maintain robust systems for financial, staff, audit, and information governance, and actively manage programme risks.
Cross-Sector Collaboration
* Work with other ILA programmes across Wales and UK to share best practices, learnings, and innovations.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
The main responsibilities and further detail can be found in the job description and person specification.
Person specificationQUALIFICATIONSEssential criteria
* Educated to Masters level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
* Highly developed knowledge of project management methodologies and techniques, including change management and service redesign, acquired through training, experience and/or qualification to Masters or equivalent level
EXPERIENCEEssential criteria
* In-depth specialist knowledge and expertise across a range of disciplines including Performance Management, Project Management, Leadership, Innovation, Quality and Service Improvement Tools/Techniques
* Partnership working and stakeholder management acquired through training and experience over an extended period
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of the work of other partners, including universities, local authorities and the third sector
SKILLSEssential criteria
* Up to date knowledge and understanding of current priorities within the Welsh Public Sector
* Demonstrable ability to communicate effectively using excellent communication skills, including strong report writing and presentation skills
PERSONAL QUALITIESEssential criteria
* Understands the need to deliver short-term priorities and achieve long-term goals with a sense of balance
* Ability to "broad scan" to keep abreast of developments in public services
SPECIAL KNOWLEDGEEssential criteria
* Knowledge of organisational performance management principles and practice
Desirable criteria
* Knowledge of leadership theory and adult learning approaches
MANAGING YOUR APPLICATION:
We are committed to promoting inclusion, where all staff have a sense of belonging. We welcome applications from everyone and recognise the need for our workforce to represent the diversity of the population we serve. We value our differences and fully advocate, cultivate and support an inclusive working environment where staff treat one another with dignity and respect and where diversity is celebrated. We aim to create a working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential no matter their disability, sex, gender identity, race, sexual orientation, age, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity or marriage and civil partnership status. We are keen to break down barriers in the UHB, and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Applicants are invited to apply in Welsh. Any application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application made in English.