Senior Programme Manager- Operational Performance | University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust


Company:	University Hospitals of Leicester
Salary:	£79,504 - £91,609 per annum
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Leicester, LE3 8RA
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	14 Sept 2026
Closing date:	16 Oct 2026

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Summary

Senior Programme Manager- Operational Performance – Band 8C

East Midlands Cancer Alliance (EMCA)

Location:County Hall, Leicester (Hybrid Working)

Band:8C

Responsible to:Associate Director for Programmes

Lead regional transformation. Improve cancer outcomes. Shape the future of NHS cancer services.

The East Midlands Cancer Alliance (EMCA) is looking for an outstandingSenior Programme Managerto provide strategic leadership for some of the NHS's most ambitious cancer improvement programmes.

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead large-scale transformation across one of England's largest Cancer Alliances, working with NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, provider Trusts, clinical leaders and system partners to deliver sustainable improvements in cancer services.

Ifyou'rean experienced strategic leader witha track recordof delivering complex transformation programmes across organisational boundaries,we'dlove to hear from you.

As a Senior Programme Manager, you will provide leadership across a significant portfolio of operational and transformational programmes, ensuring national priorities are translated into measurable improvements for patients across the East Midlands.

Working directly with senior executives,cliniciansand national colleagues, you will oversee programme delivery, governance, operationalperformanceand assurance across eight NHS provider organisations and five Integrated Care Boards.

Whatyou'lldo

This is a senior leadership role where you will:

• Lead the delivery of complex regional cancer transformation programmes.

• Develop and implement operational performance improvement strategies.

• Translate national policy into deliverable regional programmes.

• Provide executive leadership for cancer performance improvement, including Cancer Waiting Times.

• Oversee governance, assurance, programmerisksand delivery milestones.

Key areas of responsibility

You will provide senior leadership across a wide range of strategic programmes, including:

• Cancer operational performance and recovery

• Cancer Waiting Times improvement

• Regional transformation programmes

• Diagnostic and treatment pathway redesign

• Service Development Funding (SDF)

• Strategic planning and business development

• Governance,assuranceand risk management

• Expert Clinical Advisory Groups (ECAGs)

Our new strategy, developed with the support and feedback of colleagues, patients, and partners, is our compass for the next seven years (2023-2030).

We have four primary goals:

• high-quality care for all,

• being a great place to work,

• partnerships for impact, and

• research and education excellence

And we will embed health equality in all we do - taking active steps to reduce the avoidable differences in healthcare that some people face, working in partnership with communities.

Our strategy is underpinned by new values and we will work to ensure they are an everyday reality for all:

• we are compassionate,

• we are proud,

• we are inclusive, and

• we are one team

This is an exciting moment as we look to the future with clarity on what we already do well and where we need to focus our energies to make an even bigger difference for the people we serve.

About the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust:

https://www.uhleicester.nhs.uk

About you

We'relooking for an experienced senior leader who canoperateconfidently across complex healthcare systems.

You'llbring:

• AMaster'sdegree (or equivalent experience) with evidence of continuing professional development. Further specialist training or qualifications equivalent to doctoral level are desirable.

• Significant experienceleading large-scale transformation programmes within the NHS or similarly complex organisations.

• Extensive knowledge of programme management,governanceand operational performance.

• Exceptional leadership,negotiationand influencing skills.

• Experience developing long-term strategic plans and translating policy into delivery.

• Strongfinancial managementskills, including oversight of significant programme budgets.

• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing organisational change.

• Outstanding communication skills with the ability to influence executive and clinical leaders across multiple organisations.

• A collaborative leadership style with a passion for improving patient outcomes.

Why join the East Midlands Cancer Alliance?

At EMCAyou'lljoin a high-performing regional team delivering meaningful improvements in cancer care for more than five million people.

You'llhave the opportunity to:

• Influence regional and national cancer strategy.

• Lead transformational programmes that improve patient outcomes.

• Work alongside nationally recognised clinical and operational leaders.

• Shape innovative approaches to service redesign and performance improvement.

• Build partnerships that deliver lasting change across the NHS.

We offer:

• Hybrid and flexible working.

• NHS Pension Scheme.

• Generous annual leave.

• Excellent learning and leadership development opportunities.

• A supportive,collaborativeand ambitious working environment.

Working arrangements

The role is based at County Hall, Leicester, with hybrid working available. Regular travel throughout the East Midlands isrequired, including attendance at provider Trusts, Integrated CareBoardsand regional meetings. The successful candidate will also work on-site within provider organisations whenrequiredto support operational performance recovery, pathway improvement, diagnostictransformationand service redesign.

Make a lasting impact

This is more than a programme management role—it'san opportunity to influence the future of cancer services across an entire region.

Your leadership will help deliver earlier diagnosis, faster treatment, improved patientexperienceand better outcomes for thousands of people affected by cancer every year.

Join the East Midlands Cancer Alliance and help shape the future of cancer care across the East Midlands.

This advert closes on Monday 28 Sep 2026

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