Overview
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust — Project Director - Inquiry. The closing date is 28 October 2025. £109,179 - £125,637 per annum • 37.5 hours per week • 12 month fixed term contract (Fixed Term Contract until 31.12.2026) • The Lodge, Wickford
We are looking for a professional who has a positive attitude and excellent personal attributes to start work with the Trust at the earliest opportunity. This is a senior post with a wide range of responsibilities to ensure that the Trust meets the requirements of the Lampard Inquiry.
The post holder will report directly to the Executive Director of Governance and be responsible for ensuring the high standard, consistent and effective delivery of the project. The post holder will have line management responsibility for the Project Team.
If you're shortlisted for this role, your interview will take place via MS Teams on 7 November 2025.
Main duties of the job
* Lead a core Trust team to liaise and support the secretariat and Chair. Ensure that all requests from the external Team are processed efficiently and effectively, including obtaining and organising information for submission.
* Manage likely stakeholder engagement for the programme, including internal and external stakeholders and potential media interest. Maintain transparency and openness when liaising with senior NHS leads across the health and care economy.
* Set the strategy for major projects and programmes, and implement relevant policies and standard operating procedures; oversee sign-off by the Board of Directors/Executive Teams.
* Prepare and oversee communications-related policies and SOPs, liaise with relevant parties in their development and present them for sign-off by the Board of Directors/Executive Teams.
* Operate independently, directing and overseeing the team, interpreting organisational policies, ensuring adherence by others within the Trust and challenging non-compliance.
* Based in South Essex with regular travel across Trust sites for meetings and flexible working arrangements to meet deadlines.
About us
Valuing you. Recognising your dedication. At EPUT, we look after you.
* Receive supervision and support to help you fulfil your potential.
* Join an inclusive EPUT community and connect with others through engagement events and equality or champion networks.
* Access mental health and wellbeing services, occupational health advice and counselling.
* We run recognition awards to acknowledge staff's hard work and dedication.
* 27 days holiday, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years' service.
* Excellent pension of up to 14.5% of your pensionable pay.
* Staff discounts include Blue Light Card, NHS discount offers, and staff benefits.
* £8K relocation package if you move to Essex to join us.
* Season ticket loans are interest-free to cover travel costs.
* Flexible working: available from day one for most roles.
* Job share: Applications for job shares are welcomed.
Job responsibilities
* Planning, designing and leading a range of large requests using project management techniques, including action plans, risk logs and quality impact assessments, to ensure key milestones are met.
* Developing rapid and effective relationships with a range of stakeholders both inside and outside the organisation.
* Producing reports as required, interpreting Inquiry guidance where appropriate.
* Leading and facilitating teams across the Trust on the management of requests related to the Lampard Inquiry, including training and supervision as required. This includes implementing systems and processes as required by the programme.
* Accountable for developing and implementing project plans and project management arrangements for all requests.
* Accountable for ensuring the Project Team has all necessary data and information to track key milestones and progress.
* Responsible for the development and implementation of major policies, standard operating procedures and guidelines Trust-wide as required by each programme.
Person Specification
Education/Qualifications
* Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience with extensive knowledge across the areas detailed in the job description
* Master's degree or equivalent experience demonstrated to be equitable to a Master's degree
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Project Management Qualification such as PRINCE2
Knowledge/Skills/Experience
* Project management tools and techniques
* Advanced IT skills, including databases, spreadsheets, MS Excel/Word and PowerPoint
* Experience and achievements as a senior manager within the NHS
* Substantial experience in a Board-level or senior leadership role
* Experience within a large complex organisation
* Excellent presentation and report writing skills
* Development of option appraisals, feasibility studies and business cases
Personal Qualities
* Ability to engage at all levels in a large, complex organisation and achieve effective cooperation
* Convey confidence
* Convey confidence
* Exercising judgement to deliver solutions
* Tenacity and drive to achieve required objectives
* Manage competing priorities and achieve objectives
* Prepared to put forward alternative views
* Flexible and able to adapt
* Diplomatic and sensitive to the needs of others
Corporate
* Full UK Drivers Licence
* Ability to Travel across Trust sites as required
* Ability to work smart (from home and access to shared/hot desk space across Trust sites)
* Reliable and prepared to work outside normal hours as appropriate
* Ability to convey unwelcome news to staff regarding, for example, performance management issues
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.
Employer name
Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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