Job summary
Employer heading
Head of Programmes
Band 8a
Thank you for your interest in working for the Welsh Blood Service (WBS), which is a committed equal opportunities employer. WBS welcomes applications from people who share our vision;
Velindre University NHS Trust will be recognised locally, nationally and internationally as a renowned organisation of excellence for patient and donor care, education and research.
Our values;
- Caring
- Respectful
- Accountable
and who will complement our current experienced and specialist employees, who are passionate about working in an organisation with the ambition to provide world class services & care to our donors.
The WBS is immensely proud of the vital role it plays in modern healthcare, striving to save and transform lives through the generosity of donors. WBS is an amazing place to work and develop your career. Our caring and motivated staff are designing, developing and delivering improvements, which will enable the WBS to strive towards its vision of working with our staff & the people of Wales to deliver an easy to use, safe and sustainable service for blood and stem cell donation.
Applications may be submitted in Welsh. Applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Please check your email account regularly. Successful applicants will receive all recruitment related correspondence via the email account registered on the application form.
Job overview
Directly manage the Welsh Blood Services’ (WBS) Programme Team.
· Ensure that all programme and project resources are prioritised and appropriately utilised within the service to ensure the maximum delivery of benefits.
· Strategically plan and align projects within the service to deliver organisational objectives that support delivery of the WBS’ strategic objectives and the overarching Integrated Medium-Term Plan (IMTP).
This role will involve time based working on site.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be required to lead the WBS Programme Team to drive and support the delivery of WBS programmes and projects across a varied and complex range of work programmes in a highly regulated environment. Working in close collaboration with the wider Business Support Team and Service Improvement team they will need to ensure that work programmes are aligned to the WBS’ strategic aims.
The post holder will be responsible for ensuring the robust design, planning and implementation of programmes of work, liaising with the lead subject matter expert and co-ordinating with other specialist contributors. This will involve prioritisation and co-ordination of a complex range of factors.
Working for our organisation
Here at Velindre University NHS Trust we are extremely proud of the specialist services we provide across the whole of Wales in our cutting-edge Velindre Cancer Centre and our award-winning Welsh Blood Service, as well as the expertise of our corporate functions that bring the two divisions together. We are also fortunate to host the NHS Wales Shared Services Partnership and Health Technology Wales and have developed strong partnership working with these expert services.
Formed in 1999, the Trust has a dedicated workforce that continuously strives to provide the key principles of prudent healthcare through a wide array of roles. We play a vital role in the communities we support and have ambitious plans for the future to continue to improve the services we deliver. We strive to maintain our core values in everything we do by being; accountable, bold, caring and dynamic, and ensuring the best possible care for our patients and donors.
If you want to work for an organisation that prides itself on making a real difference and offers exciting career opportunities then Velindre University NHS Trust is the place for you.
Visit our website to find out more https://velindre.nhs.wales/
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job Description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click “Apply now” to view in Trac.
Person specification
Education and Qualifications
Essential criteria
- Master's degree or equivalent experience relevant to programme management.
- Recognised Project/Programme Management qualification or equivalent experience.
Desirable criteria
- Recognised Agile project management qualification
- Recognised Change Management qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
- Proven experience in senior management, particularly within programme management
- Experience in a regulated environment, ideally within healthcare or NHS, including leading and implementing national-level projects
Desirable criteria
- Experience in managing budgets, especially in a public sector setting
Programme and Project Management Skills
Essential criteria
- Demonstrated expertise in Portfolio Project Management, including planning, coordinating multiple programmes/projects, and adapting methodologies.
- Strong knowledge in risk management and the ability to create new protocols/frameworks to optimise programme management.
Desirable criteria
- Familiarity with engagement strategies relevant to programme delivery.
Communication and Interpersonal skills
Essential criteria
- High-level communication skills to convey complex and sensitive information across diverse audiences.
- Strong influencing and negotiation skills to manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including managing ‘political’ challenges.
Desirable criteria
- Ability to effectively deliver presentations and represent the organisation in various committees or working groups.
Strategic Planning and Analytical Skills
Essential criteria
- Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives and align programmes with organisational goals, incorporating short, medium, and long-term objectives.
- Competence in analysing data and making informed decisions in complex, ambiguous situations.
Desirable criteria
- Experience in establishing performance indicators.
Leadership and Management
Essential criteria
- Demonstrated ability to lead and develop a high-performing team, including setting objectives, conducting appraisals, and handling disciplinary matters.
- Commitment to continuous improvement, fostering a culture of quality, safety, and innovation.
Desirable criteria
- Experience with training and mentoring team members.
Technical and IT Proficiency
Essential criteria
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and project management software (e.g., Visio, Excel, PowerPoint, Project).
Desirable criteria
- Proficiency in data and performance assessment tools to support programme reporting and analysis.
Additional Requirements
Essential criteria
- Flexibility to travel within Wales and the UK as needed.
Desirable criteria
- Welsh language skills.
Applicant requirements
Welsh language skills are desirable
Documents to download
Further details / informal visits contact
- Name
- Sarah Richards
- Job title
- Head of Planning and Performance Services
- Email address
- [email protected]
- Telephone number
- 01443 622344
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