LCO EPR Expansion - Digital Programme Lead

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust's Digital Services team and play a pivotal role in one of the NHS's most ambitious digital transformation programmes.

Following the successful implementation of Hive, our Epic Electronic Patient Record (EPR), across acute services in September 2022, the UK's largest Epic deployment at the time, we are now delivering the next phase of our digital journey by expanding Hive into Community Services across Manchester and Trafford Local Care Organisations.

This flagship programme is a key strategic priority for MFT, supporting our ambition to deliver more integrated, digitally enabled care closer to home. It is a major enabler of our left shift strategy, helping to shift care from hospital to community settings, and aligns with the NHS 10 Year Health Plan by transforming how community services are delivered through innovative digital solutions.

We are seeking an established and dynamic Programme Leader who is ready to hit the ground running, lead from the front, resolve issues before they become escalations, and provide both strategic oversight and hands-on leadership to drive successful programme delivery.

This role requires a minimum of three days per week on site, although this may vary depending on programme needs.

Previous applicants need not reapply.

Job description

Digital Services is central to our ambition to deliver clinically led, operationally driven and digitally enabled care. Our teams lead strategy, governance, portfolio delivery, Hive EPR, digital applications, technology, infrastructure and operational services, enabling safer, more efficient and integrated care.

Supported by a highly experienced Clinical Informatics team, including Chief Medical Informatics Officers, consultants and Digital Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professional leaders, you will help shape the future of digital healthcare while developing future talent and delivering lasting improvements for our patients, staff and communities.

Application information:

Before applying, please review the Job Description and Person Specification carefully and only submit an application if you can demonstrate the knowledge, skills and experience required for the role.

Candidates are encouraged to arrange an informal discussion with the hiring manager via Luka.Thompson@mft.nhs.uk to gain a better understanding of the role and its requirements.

Key dates:

Application deadline: Monday 31 August, 23:59Online fireside chats with shortlisted candidates: 4 September 2026In-person assessment centre and interviews: will take place in Manchester during w/c 7 September 2026

To find out more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Degree in relevant discipline/ or demonstration of relevant transferrable knowledge and experience
• Post graduate qualification to Masters level or equivalent experience.
• Foundation-level programme or programme management qualification, e.g.P30, Prince 2 or MSP or demonstration of equivalent experience/relevant transferrable knowledge and skills

Desirable

• Practitioner-level Project / Programme Management Qualification such as Prince 2, APM PMQ, MSP or equivalent experience
• Business Case development training or equivalent experience
• Benefits Management.
• Hive EPR Implementation experience

Experience

Essential

• Strong experience of operating in Programme Management functions, PMOs, or in managing programmes (capital or non-capital) and/or sub projects within larger programmes
• Strong experience of demonstrating Programme Management competencies, including well developed planning and organisational skills and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines
• Experience of delivering operational and policy related programmes within a healthcare environment.
• Experience of working with and delivering business process improvement approaches
• Experience in driving change management processes and programmes, facilitating stakeholder alignment, and ensuring successful mapping, development and implementation of digital solutions
• Experience in establishing programme plans, tracking progress, managing resources, and delivering programmes on time and within budget.
• Knowledge and experience of designing and facilitating service improvement/ transformation events to identify opportunities for redesign and sustainable improvement
• Experience of managing external consultants, suppliers in the built environment and associated contracts
• Experience in applying programme management methodologies and tools, with a track record of successfully managing complex programmes related to digital solutions and EPR implementation

Desirable

• Experience of working within/involved in the delivery of capital and service transformation programmes or PMOs in a healthcare environment
• Experience and knowledge of EPR design principles
• Experience of applying change management practices tools and techniques
• Experience of developing programme plans within programme planning software
• Experience of managing external Consultants and associated contracts
• An understanding of NHS efficiency and improvement objectives and plans aligned to relevant national strategies
• Experience of contributing to the development of strategy and its tactical implementation

Knowledge

Essential

• Knowledge and experience of designing and facilitating service improvement, transformation or digital programmes/events to identify opportunities for redesign and sustainable improvement
• Knowledge and understanding of programme, programme and PMO arrangements and their application

Desirable

• Knowledge of Data Protection Act, GDPR & Information Governance
• Advanced knowledge of Healthcare IT Systems Experience with Epic EPR
• MS Project Planning (or other planning software)
• Knowledge and an understanding of Change Management and Change Management Methodologies and their application
• Knowledge and experience of benefits management
• Knowledge and an understanding of clinical and non clinical hospital processes, hospital operations and clinical and non clinical workflows.
• Knowledge and an understanding of Clinical Models of Care and Non Clinical Delivery Models.

About the employer

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development.Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.