Job Description Job Title: Programme Manager/Project Manager Reporting to: Senior Transformation Manager Location: Hatfield, Hertfordshire Type: Fixed-term Contract – Initially 3 months (with possible extension up to 9 months subject to approval) / Full-time Salary: £59,538 – £68,432 per annum (Band 8a) Mode: Hybrid – minimum 1 -2 days per week on-site Please note: This role is subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check, which will be required prior to appointment. About the Client Our client is a leading healthcare organisation providing specialist mental health and learning disability services across multiple regions in the UK. With a strong focus on transformation, innovation, and patient-centred care, the organisation is committed to delivering high-quality services that improve outcomes for service users, carers, and communities. The firm promotes a collaborative and inclusive working culture and is focused on continuous improvement, operational excellence, and long-term service development. The Opportunity An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Programme Manager to support the delivery of a high-profile transformation programme within a complex healthcare environment. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate a Trust-wide programme focused on implementing multiple clinical pathways, ensuring milestones, objectives, and long-term sustainability are achieved through effective programme governance, stakeholder engagement, and change management. This role would suit a highly organised and proactive programme professional with strong stakeholder management experience and a background delivering transformation programmes within the NHS or similar environments. Key Responsibilities Programme Management Lead and coordinate a large-scale transformation programme involving multiple clinical pathway implementations Manage programme workstreams including pathway development, communications, training, digitisation, and operational delivery Ensure programmes are delivered on time, within scope, and aligned with strategic objectives Establish and maintain effective programme governance structures, reporting mechanisms, and risk management processes Monitor milestones, programme outcomes, and delivery performance Stakeholder Management Build strong working relationships with senior clinical leads, operational teams, service users, carers, and external stakeholders Organise, facilitate, and chair programme and workstream meetings Ensure meetings remain action-focused with clear ownership and accountability Communicate complex and sensitive information clearly to varied stakeholder groups Change Management & Service Improvement Support the long-term embedding and sustainability of programme outcomes Drive engagement and adoption of new clinical pathways and operational approaches Identify barriers to implementation and develop practical solutions Work collaboratively with stakeholders to support service redesign and continuous improvement initiatives Operational Delivery & Problem Solving Identify programme risks, issues, and dependencies and implement mitigation strategies Deliver discrete programme tasks and support troubleshooting activities Analyse complex information and provide clear recommendations to support decision-making Prepare reports, presentations, and programme updates for senior stakeholders Person Specification Essential Experience Proven experience managing complex programmes or transformation projects Experience working within the NHS, healthcare, or similarly complex environments Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to build credibility quickly Experience leading cross-functional workstreams and coordinating multiple priorities Ability to manage programme governance, reporting, and risk management processes Experience supporting organisational change and transformation initiatives Essential Skills & Knowledge Excellent organisational and programme coordination skills Strong communication and presentation abilities, both written and verbal Ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels Strong analytical and problem-solving skills Ability to work independently and deliver at pace in changing environments High attention to detail and ability to manage conflicting priorities effectively Strong IT and digital skills, including reporting and data analysis tools Desirable Experience Experience working within mental health services Understanding of clinical pathways and healthcare transformation programmes Experience managing large-scale change programmes in multi-disciplinary settings Previous line management or team leadership experience Qualifications Essential Degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience Project or programme management qualification or equivalent experience Desirable Leadership or management qualification Step Ahead is acting as an Employment Agency. Step Ahead is committed to preventing discrimination in its recruitment practices by stimulating genuine equality of opportunity. This means that everyone is treated solely on the basis of competence and merit, regardless of age, gender, marital status, sexuality, ethnicity, racial, religious or disability considerations, and we welcome applications from all sectors of the community.