Programme Manager – Innovation Adoption | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Salary:	£57,528 - £64,750 - Per Annum, Pro Rata
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	Southampton, SO16 7NP
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	21 Oct 2026
Closing date:	20 Nov 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Health Innovation Wessex (HIW) is pleased to offer an opportunity to join one of England's leading health innovation organisations as programme manager – innovation adoption at a pivotal moment for the NHS, life sciences sector and the wider health and care system.

This is a 23-month secondment / fixed-term vacancy.

We are seeking an experienced programme manager with a track record of delivering success in complex and dynamic environments.

You will be a credible team member who combines strong programme delivery expertise with a passion for innovation, transformation and partnership working.

You will bring:

• Programme delivery experience within health, life sciences, research, innovation, public sector or similarly complex environments.

• An understanding of the strategic challenges and opportunities facing the NHS, including productivity, prevention, digital transformation, AI adoption and population health.

• Experience of leading programmes, transformation and performance improvement.

• A high level of partnership-building and influencing skills, with the ability to work effectively across organisational and sector boundaries.

• Experience of working in high-performing, inclusive and values-driven teams.

• High level communication, analytical and decision-making capabilities.

• A genuine commitment to improving outcomes for patients, populations and communities.

Experience within innovation, life sciences, research translation, healthcare transformation or economic development would be particularly advantageous.

At Health Innovation Wessex, you will have the opportunity to opportunity to support delivery of innovative solutions to some of the most important challenges facing health and care today while helping shape the future of innovation across the NHS.

You will join a highly regarded organisation with a national reputation for collaboration, delivery and impact.

Health Innovation Wessex is a company limited by guarantee, owned by the NHS and University Members with staff hosted by University Hospital Southampton.

We offer:

• A unique opportunity to work at the forefront of health innovation and healthcare transformation.

• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements - provides for a minimum of 2 days in office or out visiting partners/stakeholders and home working aligned to the role and business needs.

• Commitment to professional development, leadership growth and continuous learning.

• A collaborative, ambitious and supportive culture.

• An organisation committed to inclusion, diversity and wellbeing. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to thrive.

• Modern office facilities at Southampton Science Park in Chilworth, one of the UK's leading centres for science, technology and innovation.

The Opportunity

You will lead one or more innovation adoption programmes, putting in place appropriate programme and project collaborative arrangements, actively seeking appropriate funding, and promoting dissemination of the Health Innovation Wessex programmes.

The programmes will change as the Health Innovation Wessex’s portfolio of programmes evolve throughout the year.

What You'll Be Responsible For

• Performance and outcomes of Innovation Adoption projects to deliver Health Innovation Wessex programmes.

• Proactively managing Innovation Adoption Project(s) to deliver the Health Innovation Wessex overarching Innovation Adoption Programme

• Identifying and evaluating the impact of innovative service developments and technology solutions on patient outcomes and NHS services.

• Delivering Innovation Adoption project(s) through the development and management of project plans to ensure effective realisation of innovation adoption programme outcomes

Join Us

This is an exceptional opportunity for a programme manager who wants to make a lasting difference to health outcomes, healthcare transformation and economic growth.

If you are passionate about innovation, inspired by the future of the NHS and excited by the opportunity to shape the next chapter of Health Innovation Wessex, we would love to hear from you.

Together, we can accelerate innovation, improve lives and create a healthier future for Wessex and beyond.

This advert closes on Wednesday 4 Nov 2026

Apply for this job