Programme Director

The Programme Director will provide strategic leadership, direction and management of the Guildford Operational Unit Estates Transformation Programme, ensuring the successful delivery of a complex portfolio of estates, infrastructure and operational change projects. The postholder will be responsible for translating strategic objectives into deliverable programmes, ensuring investment delivers measurable operational, financial and organisational benefits.

Strategic Leadership

• Provide visible and effective leadership for the programme, establishing a clear vision, objectives and delivery strategy.
• Act as the senior responsible lead for the programme, ensuring alignment with Trust strategic priorities and operational requirements.
• Advise Executive Directors and senior stakeholders on programme progress, risks, opportunities and strategic decisions.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure successful programme delivery.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.

Programme Management and Delivery

• Lead the planning, mobilisation and delivery of all projects within the programme scope.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive programme plans, milestones, dependencies and delivery schedules.
• Ensure effective governance arrangements are established and maintained throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Monitor and report programme performance against agreed objectives, timescales, budgets and quality standards.
• Identify and manage programme risks, issues, interdependencies and constraints, implementing mitigation plans as required.
• Ensure lessons learned and best practice are embedded across all programme activities.

Estates and Property Development

• Lead the development and delivery of new operational facilities, including the planning, design, procurement, construction and commissioning of a new Make Ready Centre.
• Oversee estate rationalisation, property acquisition and disposal activities in accordance with organisational requirements.
• Ensure estate developments comply with all relevant legislation, NHS guidance, planning requirements and regulatory standards.
• Provide strategic oversight of design development to ensure operational efficiency, sustainability and future service requirements are met.
• Lead negotiations with developers, consultants, landlords, local authorities and other external partners.

Financial and Commercial Management

• Assume overall responsibility for programme budgets and financial performance.
• Develop robust business cases and investment proposals to support programme objectives.
• Monitor expenditure, forecast costs and ensure effective financial control arrangements are maintained.
• Ensure value for money is achieved through effective procurement, contract management and commercial decision-making.
• Oversee the management of consultants, contractors and suppliers, ensuring contractual obligations and performance standards are achieved.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working

• Build effective partnerships with operational leaders, clinical colleagues, corporate services, partner organisations and external agencies.
• Lead engagement, consultation and communication activities throughout the programme lifecycle.
• Present complex information and recommendations to Boards, committees and senior leadership teams.
• Act as a key interface between programme stakeholders, ensuring priorities, expectations and objectives remain aligned.

Governance, Risk and Compliance

• Ensure robust governance and assurance processes are maintained across the programme.
• Lead the development and maintenance of programme risk registers and assurance frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with statutory, regulatory and organisational requirements, including Health and Safety, CDM Regulations, procurement legislation and NHS standards.
• Prepare and present reports, business cases and assurance documentation for approval and oversight groups.
• Ensure appropriate audit trails, documentation and decision-making records are maintained.

Change Management and Benefits Realisation

• Lead organisational change activities associated with programme delivery.
• Ensure operational transition plans are developed and implemented effectively.
• Define, monitor and report programme benefits and outcomes.
• Support the implementation of new ways of working, facilities and service models.
• Ensure programme outcomes deliver measurable improvements in operational effectiveness, resilience, efficiency and staff experience.

Leadership and People Management

• Lead and manage programme staff and multidisciplinary project teams.
• Provide clear objectives, professional support and performance management.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and high-performing culture.
• Support staff development, succession planning and capability building.
• Promote wellbeing, equality, diversity and inclusion across all programme teams.

Key Accountabilities

The postholder will be accountable for:

• Successful delivery of the Guildford Operational Unit Estates Transformation Programme.
• Achievement of programme objectives within agreed timescales and budgets.
• Effective management of programme risks, finances and resources.
• Delivery of planned operational, financial and strategic benefits.
• Compliance with all relevant statutory, regulatory and governance requirements.
• Provision of accurate, timely and professional advice to senior leaders and stakeholders.
• Maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, integrity and public sector accountability.

The postholder will be expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy, exercising professional judgement and leadership in managing complex programmes, significant financial investment, multiple stakeholders and organisational change initiatives of strategic importance to the Trust.