Job summary
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Project Manager (Band 8a) to support delivery of the accelerated Delegated Commissioning programme from 2026/27.
This 12-month fixed-term role will support the expansion of delegated commissioning arrangements across the Mental Health, Learning Disability and Autism (MHLDA) portfolio. This includes supporting the Programme Director to shape and implement the delivery programme and associated projects, establishment of robust governance frameworks, oversight of phased contract and budget transfer arrangements, and development of ongoing Trust infrastructure requirements.
The postholder will work closely with the Programme Director to deliver programme priorities and will be line managed within the Transformation and Change Team, with access to structured supervision, peer support and professional development.
This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, system-wide transformation programme within a supportive and collaborative environment, focused on strengthening commissioning infrastructure, partnership working and system assurance.
Main duties of the job
Lead and manage the delivery of defined workstreams within the Delegated Commissioning programme.
Support development of the Full Business Case and programme governance arrangements.
Develop and maintain detailed programme plans, risk and issue logs, and reporting frameworks.
Support the design and implementation of transparent governance and assurance processes.
Contribute to effective collaborative working with VCSE, NHS and system partners.
Coordinate phased contract and budget transfer arrangements.
Support development of mechanisms for SPFT to host and manage delegated contracts.
Prepare high-quality reports, briefings and Board papers.
Work closely with finance, operational and commissioning colleagues to support financial and performance oversight.
Identify, manage and escalate risks relating to delivery, governance and system confidence.
Monitor progress against milestones and ensure delivery to agreed timescales.
About us
Our support services help to keep the trust running. They are the core to everything we do and are valued as such.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Programme / change management and governance Lead one or more projects within the programme ensuring they are planned, managed and evaluated in a timely and effective way to ensure high quality of delivery across their portfolio of projects.Accountable for strategic planning and delivering projects against set objectives, within agreed timeframes and achieving quality outcomes Responsible for identifying and reporting on issues and risks and undertaking mitigating actions Take a lead for analysis and reporting of specific target areas as agreed Identify of the accurate and reliable evidence relevant to the projects from the large amount of complex information availableStakeholder engagement and collaborationWork and engage constructively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders on a range of complex issues. Build key relationships, manage stakeholders and maintain networks internally and externally to ensure the delivery of the project. This may require working at various external sites for concentrated pieces of work within required timescales. Communicate complex information and issues to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, persuading them of the need for change and influencing their decision- making when appropriate using tact and diplomacyTranslate information into clear and appropriate formats, such as written documents or graphical representations to ensure understanding across a range of audiencesAct as source of specialist knowledge on a dedicated project or projects, preparing briefings for senior management and external partners as well as contributing expertise to media briefingsHuman Resources Manages project team; develops project training programmes as line manageFinancial & Physical Resources Holds budget for programme/projectsPolicy/Service Development Develops policies for implementation of specialist programme across the organisationInformation Resources Updates information system/ uses software to develop performance management reports, responsible for performance management or similar systemResearch & Development Undertakes complex audits, surveys related to programmeFreedom to act Interprets national guidelines for programme
Job description
Job responsibilities
Programme / change management and governance Lead one or more projects within the programme ensuring they are planned, managed and evaluated in a timely and effective way to ensure high quality of delivery across their portfolio of projects.Accountable for strategic planning and delivering projects against set objectives, within agreed timeframes and achieving quality outcomes Responsible for identifying and reporting on issues and risks and undertaking mitigating actions Take a lead for analysis and reporting of specific target areas as agreed Identify of the accurate and reliable evidence relevant to the projects from the large amount of complex information availableStakeholder engagement and collaborationWork and engage constructively with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders on a range of complex issues. Build key relationships, manage stakeholders and maintain networks internally and externally to ensure the delivery of the project. This may require working at various external sites for concentrated pieces of work within required timescales. Communicate complex information and issues to a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, persuading them of the need for change and influencing their decision- making when appropriate using tact and diplomacyTranslate information into clear and appropriate formats, such as written documents or graphical representations to ensure understanding across a range of audiencesAct as source of specialist knowledge on a dedicated project or projects, preparing briefings for senior management and external partners as well as contributing expertise to media briefingsHuman Resources Manages project team; develops project training programmes as line manageFinancial & Physical Resources Holds budget for programme/projectsPolicy/Service Development Develops policies for implementation of specialist programme across the organisationInformation Resources Updates information system/ uses software to develop performance management reports, responsible for performance management or similar systemResearch & Development Undertakes complex audits, surveys related to programmeFreedom to act Interprets national guidelines for programme
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
- Relevant Masters qualification or equivalent experience of working as a senior operational or strategic manager in a relevant field
- Evidence on ongoing CPD activity
Desirable
- Project or programme management training or qualification
- Quality Improvement training or qualification
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- Extensive project management experience including Project planning, reporting and risk management, Financial management, Delivering change projects within agreed timescales
- Experience of managing project teams
- Experience of working at a senior level in a large organisation in a political environment engaging effectively with stakeholders
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
- Relevant Masters qualification or equivalent experience of working as a senior operational or strategic manager in a relevant field
- Evidence on ongoing CPD activity
Desirable
- Project or programme management training or qualification
- Quality Improvement training or qualification
Knowledge/Experience
Essential
- Extensive project management experience including Project planning, reporting and risk management, Financial management, Delivering change projects within agreed timescales
- Experience of managing project teams
- Experience of working at a senior level in a large organisation in a political environment engaging effectively with stakeholders
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
