Programme Manager (People Transformation)

University Hospitals Dorset (UHD) is undergoing a significant period of transformation, with major investment in our hospital estate, service reconfiguration, and a strong focus on delivering sustainable, high-quality care for our communities.

At the heart of this transformation is our People agenda, with a clear Mission to be a Great Place to Work, enabling excellent healthcare. We are seeking an experienced and credible Programme Manager to lead the design and delivery of several high-profile, complex People transformation programmes, supporting how the People Services Directorate meets its governance obligations and delivers a valued, efficient and effective service to around 10,000 staff, alongside a portfolio of People Promise improvement projects.

This is a senior role within the People Directorate, working closely with executive sponsors, clinical leaders and operational teams to plan, coordinate and deliver large-scale change.

Our closing date for applications is 12 midnight on Sunday 15th February 2026.

Shortlisting will take place on Monday 16th February 2026.

We will be contacting applicants from Tuesday 1 7 th February 2026.

The selection process will take place on Thursday 2 5 th February 2026 - p lease ensure you are available on that date.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief People Officer, the Programme Manager will lead the delivery and coordination of a portfolio of complex People programmes, ensuring they are well planned, effectively governed and deliver measurable outcomes aligned to Trust and system priorities.

This Will Include Programmes Such As

Workforce operational efficiency and workforce planning initiatives

Delivery of the NHS People Promise and staff experience programmes

People service redesign and reconfiguration projects

You will be responsible for programme planning, delivery and performance oversight, including the development of delivery plans, milestones, risks and dependencies, and for providing clear reporting and assurance to senior forums including Trust Management Group, People & Culture Committee and other relevant governance groups.

Working within agreed governance and strategic frameworks, you will collaborate closely with clinical, operational and corporate colleagues to support delivery, manage interdependencies and maintain momentum across multiple workstreams.

You will also provide leadership to programme and project staff, operating within a matrix environment and ensuring resources are coordinated effectively to deliver agreed outcomes.

UHD is an ambitious and supportive organisation with a strong focus on improvement, collaboration and staff experience. This role offers a genuine opportunity to lead and deliver programmes that make a tangible difference to how our people are supported and how services are sustained.

We are investing, developing and transforming Trust services in line with the New Hospital Programme. As part of this, some services may move site this year or next, either temporarily or permanently. Recruiting Managers will

be happy to answer any service-specific questions at interview.

If a role or service relocates as part of a planned move, excess mileage will not be reimbursed. Travel from home to the new work base will be classed as a normal commute. Any other changes will be managed under Trust or national terms and conditions.

UHD has active networks including Womens, BAME, Pride, EU, Pro Ability, and Armed Forces. We support Disability Confident and Armed Forces Covenant interview schemes.

AI tools may be used, but applications must honestly reflect your own skills and experience. Integrity is key to our recruitment process.

The Job Description and Person Specification are available via NHS Jobs.

You will be an experienced programme manager with a proven track record of delivering complex change programmes in large, fast-paced organisations.

You Will Bring

Experience of managing and delivering complex programmes to agreed outcomes, timescales and budgets

Strong programme and project management capability, including planning, reporting and risk management

Confidence working with senior stakeholders and managing delivery across organisational and professional boundaries

The ability to translate strategic objectives into structured, achievable delivery plans

Experience within healthcare, People services, workforce, OD or similar environments

You will be resilient, organised and delivery-foc

used, with the judgement to escalate issues appropriately and the credibility to work effectively with senior leaders and partners.

If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Melissa Duncan, UHD Head of Workforce Resourcing, at .

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