Job Description: Project Manager

To lead large-scale or complex projects within the NHS Change and Capital Programme, supporting the Head of Digital Services and Service Delivery Manager to deliver programme priorities.

The post holder will support, facilitate, and monitor the progress of defined projects using the NHS project framework to ensure successful outcomes, delivering projects on time, within budget, and achieving identified Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) financial savings.

Location: Norwich / hybrid

Job Type: Temporary 

Duration of booking: Expected to last 3 months with possible extension

Proposed start date: ASAP

Pay Rates: Up to £26 per hour PAYE inclusive of holiday pay

Hours / Working Days: 37.5 hours per week / Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm 

Sector: Healthcare 

Based: Office / Hospital 

Main Duties & Responsibilities

Project Management & Planning

• Project Initiation: Lead the development of project proposals and prepare documentation, ensuring clear objectives and project scope are agreed at the outset.
• Documentation & Planning: Develop, complete, and maintain Project Initiation Documents (PIDs) and project plans for a variety of large-scale or highly complex projects using standard project management methodology.
• Monitoring & Reporting: Monitor and report progress against key milestones. Determine RAG status through data analysis, assess options to unblock issues, clarify discrepancies, and escalate complex matters appropriately.
• Risk & Issue Management: Maintain and update the RAID log to identify and manage project risks, issues, decisions, and actions. Ensure key information is accurately captured in highlight reports.
• Framework Compliance: Complete all required project documentation and reports in line with agreed reporting schedules and frameworks.

Service Improvement & Change Management

• Service Redesign: Deliver performance improvements and service redesign across the Trust by proposing, leading, and implementing new ways of working.
• Data & Capacity Analysis: Analyse performance, capacity, and demand data to identify areas for improvement. Work alongside programme managers to assess priority schemes and plan capacity collaboratively.
• Managing Change: Lead service development initiatives and support Service Leads in managing change across the Trust. Develop targeted strategies to overcome resistance to change and support staff through transitions.
• Transition & Benefits Realisation: Perform baseline performance and benefits analysis prior to project commencement. Ensure a robust benefits realisation plan is established for handover to the Operations Lead during the Service Transition process, ensuring legacy ownership is embedded post-implementation.
• Stakeholder Engagement, Governance & Leadership
• Collaborative Working: Plan and coordinate the activities of project team members and key stakeholders to ensure work packages are delivered on schedule and resources are used efficiently.
• Board & Group Facilitation: Lead project board meetings, working groups, and workshops with internal and external parties. Use persuasion, negotiation, and collaborative techniques to motivate stakeholders, address issues, and maintain project standards.
• Representation: Represent the NHS Trust to external contractors, suppliers, and providers to advance project objectives while delivering a customer-focused service that manages expectations effectively.
• Reporting & Communication: Prepare and present complex statistical and narrative information using visual tools, formal written reports, and presentations for boards, staff groups, and key stakeholders.
• Financial & Resource Management
• Budget Responsibility: Exercise delegated responsibility for project budgets. Monitor financial initiatives, track under/overspend, and take corrective action where needed.
• Cost Improvements: Proactively identify efficiencies and manage the delivery of financial savings aligned with defined Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs).

Person Specification: Experience & Skills

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Education: Degree or equivalent experience; post-graduate qualification preferred.
• Project Qualification: APM Project Management Qualification (PMQ), equivalent professional qualification, or equivalent level of practical knowledge and experience.
• Sector Knowledge: Understanding of the NHS and the broader local health and care economy, alongside a firm understanding of clinical services and patient-centred care.
• Governance: In-depth knowledge of Data Protection and Information Governance principles.

Experience

• Project & Change Management: Proven track record of managing complex or sensitive projects and applying project and change management methodologies in practice.
• Healthcare & Complex Organisations: Experience working within a large, complex organisation such as the NHS, social care sector, or a similar service provider.
• Service Redesign: Demonstrated experience in planning, developing, and implementing service, system, or process changes, including workforce redesign.
• Training & Facilitation: Experience in developing and delivering training to clinical and non-clinical staff groups.

Skills & Competencies

• Analytical & Decision-Making: Strong analytical skills to interpret complex data, evaluate various options, solve problems, and make sound decisions within the project scope (or refer decisions appropriately).
• Communication & Influencing: Excellent verbal, written, and presentation skills. Ability to translate complex concepts into clear terms, write formal reports, and influence stakeholders in a dynamic environment.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to build effective working relationships, negotiate outcomes, and guide teams through change.
• Information Handling: Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive, confidential information responsibly and design complex surveys relevant to project needs.
• Organisation & Personal Effectiveness: Exceptional time management skills with the ability to work under pressure, delegate effectively, and manage continuous personal development.
• Mobility: Ability to make independent travel arrangements to meet the operational needs of the service across various sites.