Programme Director - Large Scale Change

About Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) stands as one of the nation's largest NHS organizations, serving a diverse population across Greater Manchester and beyond. The Trust comprises 10 hospitals and extensive community services, supporting over 1 million patients annually with a workforce exceeding 30,000. MFT is a leading force in clinical excellence, innovation, and regional system leadership, boasting a turnover above £3bn and advanced digital infrastructure including the Hive Electronic Patient Record (EPR).

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly skilled Programme Director (VSM) to lead large-scale transformation and continuous improvement initiatives. Reporting to the Trust Director of Improvement and collaborating closely with the Chief Delivery Officer, this senior leadership position will oversee the development, execution, and delivery of a portfolio of complex programmes aimed at enhancing safety, effectiveness, and sustainability of services for patients, carers, and staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage cross-organizational transformation and improvement projects ensuring delivery of measurable benefits across quality, operational performance, workforce, finance, patient and staff experience.
• Collaborate with senior clinical, operational, and corporate leaders providing expert guidance on organizational change including urgent and emergency care improvements, pathway redesign, flow optimization, and performance recovery.
• Establish and maintain strong governance frameworks, monitor outcomes, track benefits realization, and ensure alignment with Trust strategic priorities.
• Coach and support leaders and teams across various levels to embed continuous improvement capabilities and sustain change.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders including health and care system partners and academic collaborators to develop innovative solutions to complex challenges.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement through the effective use of data, digital tools, and evidence-based methodologies.

Candidate Profile and Requirements

• Extensive proven experience leading complex organizational change within healthcare settings, preferably at senior leadership levels.
• Strong expertise in managing large portfolios of transformation programmes across multiple healthcare domains.
• Ability to influence and engage across organizational boundaries, fostering a culture of continuous improvement aligned with strategic ambitions.
• Experience in governance, monitoring, and benefits realization for large-scale projects.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and coaching skills to support capability building at all organizational levels.
• A commitment to inclusivity and values-driven leadership with a focus on innovation, research, and population health impact.

Additional Information

This role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of a major healthcare organization, working alongside a high-performing executive team in a supportive and collaborative environment. The Programme Director will have access to cutting-edge digital infrastructure and participate in driving integrated, patient-centered care.

Contact for Further Details

Debra Collins, Business Manager
Email: debra.collins2@mft.nhs.uk
Phone: 0161 7015641