Job summary

We are looking for an experienced Senior Programme Manager to join Central East ICB working across our Strategic Value Unit and Major Projects team within the Strategy, Planning and Evaluation Directorate.

This is a key role leading the delivery of complex and strategically important programmes that support the ICB's commissioning and transformation priorities. Working closely with the Associate Director of Major Projects and colleagues across the system, you will turn strategic priorities into clear delivery plans and measurable outcomes.

You will bring strong programme and project management skills, excellent stakeholder engagement and the ability to work effectively across organisational and professional boundaries.

Please note: The ICB works in a hybrid manner with sites across Central East, staff will be expected to rotate between sites in line with team and organisational need.

Main duties of the job

You will:

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of complex projects and programmes, ensuring delivery against agreed objectives, timescales and budgets.
• Develop and maintain robust plans, milestones, project registers, risk management and governance arrangements.
• Support Leads with project planning, resource scheduling and delivery of complex analytical commissions.
• Monitor performance, risks and dependencies, taking action to keep delivery on track.
• Build strong relationships with ICB clinical, operational, commissioning, technical teams and wider system partners.
• Manage programme resources and budgets, ensuring effective use of resources and value for money.
• Use complex data, evidence and insight to support decision-making, improvement and innovation.
• Provide clear reporting and assurance to senior leaders on progress against milestones and KPIs.

Details

• Date posted: 02 November 2026
• Closing date: 17 November 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8a
• Salary: £57,528 to £64,750 a year per annum (pro rata if applicable)
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 18 months
• Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time
• Reference number: 644-CE120
• Job locations: Gemini House, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EA, United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

The postholder will provide operational and programme leadership across a defined portfolio, translating strategic ambitions into achievable plans and measurable outcomes. You will maintain high standards of programme governance, performance and risk management while encouraging innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Working across a matrix environment, you will collaborate with colleagues across finance, digital, workforce, governance, clinical and corporate teams as well as NHS providers, local authorities, primary care and voluntary and community sector partners.

You will contribute to service transformation and system integration, helping improve quality, outcomes and efficiency and supporting equitable access and reduced variation for local people.

For full details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role please refer to the job description and person specification documents attached.

Person Specification

Shortlisting Criteria

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a relevant field (e.g., health, care, public services, or management).
• Evidence of ongoing professional development and commitment to maintaining up - to-date knowledge and skills.
• Significant experience in senior management within a complex organisation, ideally in health or public services
• Project Management Qualification e.g. Prince 2 or equivalent experience
• Demonstrable success in delivering change, transformation, or service improvement programmes.

Desirable

• Experience in strategic planning, commissioning, or service redesign to improve outcomes and efficiency.
• Proven management experience in a multi-agency or complex environment.
• Strong relationship -building and partnership -working skills across organisational boundaries.
• Analytical ability to interpret complex data and use insights to inform decisions.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

About us

We are committed to promoting equal opportunities to achieve equity of access, experience and outcomes and to recognising and valuing people's differences. We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity; we see this as a strength and part of our founding mission, values and behaviours. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers patient outcomes.

We are committed to creating the best place to work, where your contribution is valued, your wellbeing is supported and all our colleagues can reach their full potential. We welcome and encourage applications from all areas of the community, who meet the criteria for the role, regardless of their protected characteristic. We work to ensure that our recruitment processes are as inclusive as possible to everyone, including making adjustments for people who have a disability or long-term condition and support with the recruitment process for people with lived experience.

We are happy to discuss flexible working options for all roles.

We operate a Carer friendly working environment that is supportive and inclusive. We actively encourage Carers to self-identify themselves.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and commit to shortlisting suitable applicants who meet the essential criteria for an interview. Please inform us of any adjustments you may require.

Employer details

• Employer name: NHS Central East ICB
• Address: Gemini House, Ely, Cambridgeshire, CB7 4EA, United Kingdom
• Employer's website: https://www.centraleast.icb.nhs.uk/