Programme Manager NHS Band 8a Job – Hybrid Remote Role | Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is hiring a Programme Manager (NHS AfC Band 8a) to support the delivery of nationally commissioned patient safety and quality improvement programmes across the Health Innovation North West Coast region. This permanent hybrid role offers an exciting opportunity for an experienced programme management professional to lead complex healthcare improvement initiatives, work with NHS partners, and improve patient outcomes.

Read full job details, eligibility requirements, salary information, and application steps below ⤵:

Job Details

Job Title: Programme Manager
Employer: Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Organisation Type: NHS
Location: Vanguard House, Warrington, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Salary: £57,528 – £64,750 per year
Grade: NHS AfC Band 8a
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Hours: Full time – 37.5 hours per week
Working Arrangement: Hybrid, flexible working, home or remote working available
Closing Date: 24 August 2026

About the Role

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced Programme Manager to join the Patient Safety and Care Improvement Team. The successful candidate will lead and coordinate a portfolio of improvement programmes aligned with national patient safety priorities.

The role involves translating national healthcare priorities into effective delivery plans, managing risks and resources, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring measurable improvements in healthcare quality and patient safety.

Working across NHS organisations, Integrated Care Systems (ICS), Health Innovation Networks, clinical teams, and external partners, the Programme Manager will use programme management methodologies, quality improvement approaches, data analysis, and change management techniques to deliver sustainable improvements.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

• Lead and coordinate nationally commissioned patient safety improvement programmes across the North West Coast region.
• Develop, maintain, and monitor programme plans, milestones, risks, issues, and dependencies.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across NHS organisations, clinical networks, and partner agencies.
• Support the implementation of national healthcare policies through improvement programmes.
• Apply programme management, project management, and quality improvement methodologies.
• Promote innovation, best practice sharing, and continuous improvement.
• Produce reports, briefings, and updates for senior leadership teams and governance forums.
• Analyse complex information and use data insights to support decision-making.
• Facilitate collaboration between healthcare professionals, patients, and partner organisations.
• Support change management activities and ensure successful programme delivery.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants should have:

• A Master’s degree, relevant professional qualification, or equivalent experience in a healthcare-related discipline.
• Evidence of continuous professional development.
• Experience working at a senior or sub-senior level within a complex organisation.
• Programme management or project management qualification such as MSP or equivalent.
• Significant experience managing complex projects and programmes from planning through completion.
• Knowledge and experience of patient safety, quality improvement, innovation, governance, or healthcare improvement.
• Experience working with multidisciplinary and multi-agency teams.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, assurance processes, and healthcare improvement methods.
• Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse complex information and present findings clearly to different audiences.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver projects within agreed deadlines.

Desirable Experience

Candidates with the following experience will be advantageous:

• Previous NHS experience.
• Knowledge of NHS policies and healthcare transformation programmes.
• Experience delivering patient safety improvement initiatives.
• Quality improvement qualifications such as QSIR, Change Agent, AIP, Silver QI, or Q Member.
• Experience working with Integrated Care Boards (ICBs), social care, public health, or healthcare partnerships.

Benefits of Working for Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Employees will receive:

• Competitive NHS Band 8a salary package.
• Permanent employment contract.
• Hybrid and flexible working options.
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• Access to NHS pension scheme.
• Supportive working environment focused on innovation and improvement.
• Opportunity to contribute to projects that improve patient care and safety.
• Collaboration with healthcare professionals across the North West Coast region.

About Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Liverpool Heart & Chest Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the UK’s leading specialist heart and chest hospitals. The organisation provides specialist cardiothoracic services, cardiology, respiratory medicine, diagnostic imaging, and community healthcare services.

The Trust is committed to delivering excellent, compassionate, and safe care while supporting innovation, research, and healthcare improvement.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should review the full job description and eligibility requirements before applying.

To submit your application, click the Apply button below and complete the online application process. Applicants should provide a CV and supporting information demonstrating their experience in programme management, healthcare improvement, stakeholder engagement, and delivering successful projects.