Job vacancy: Head of Digital Programmes, University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust, Bristol

Job summary

Main area

Digital - Programmes

Grade

Band 8c

Contract

Permanent

Hours

Full time
Flexible working

37.5 hours per week

Job ref

387-TS0396-SC

Employer: University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust
Employer type: NHS
Site: Digital HQ
Town: Bristol
Salary: £79,504 - £91,609 Per Annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 28/06/2026 23:59

Head of Digital Programmes

Band 8c

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University of Bristol and Weston Hospital Trust (UHBW) are working towards merging as one organisation from summer 2026.

This will not affect staff applying for positions directly with UHBW.

As an organisation we recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Click on this link to find out about our values https://www.uhbw.nhs.uk/p/about-us/our-trust-values

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Training, Knowledge and Experience

Essential criteria

Educated to Degree level or equivalent experience, preferably with a programme or strategy focus
Masters level qualification or equivalent demonstrable experience at a senior level
Relevant ICT qualifications (PRINCE2, MSP, ITIL practitioner, Managing Benefits or equivalent)
Evidence of continuing professional development
Expert knowledge of business case development and NHS business case standards, including Green Book methodology and benefits realisation frameworks
Demonstrable expertise in benefits management, including developing and maintaining Benefits Registers and benefits realisation plans
Experience of managing or contributing to Cost Improvement Programme (CIP) identification, tracking and reporting within an NHS or complex public sector setting
Experience of developing and maintaining digital or technology roadmaps in a complex organisation
Understanding the NHS modernisation agenda and the National Information and Digital Strategy
Understanding of NHS Information Governance Toolkit, particularly in regard to Digital projects
Expert understanding of mainstream Digital technologies with knowledge/experience of deployment within a large complex organisation
Significant expertise in staff management, coaching, team building and change management
Experience in programme and project management, including PRINCE2 and/or Agile methodologies
Experience of working near Board level, with Executive Directors, Senior Management and Clinical/Corporate staff
Strong background in digital investment and/or strategy delivery, built on a track record of career development through delivery

Desirable criteria

Good understanding of deploying highly available mission critical systems

Communication Skills

Essential criteria

Excellent communications skills, with the ability to understand and interpret customer requirements and deliver the correct level of information dependent upon the audience
Ability to translate complex analytical findings and strategic concepts into clear, accessible communications for a wide range of audiences including clinical staff, executives and finance colleagues
Ability to present complex investment, benefits and strategic information to senior governance forums including Trust Board
Negotiation skills and understanding of commercial agreements, contracts and frameworks

Analytical Skills

Essential criteria

Ability to think strategically and deliver practically
Strong lateral thinker with the confidence and resilience to operate in a complex, high profile organisation
Ability to interpret complex clinical, financial and operational data to inform investment decisions
Expert ability to assess and quantify benefits, conduct option appraisals and model investment scenarios
Ability to analyse financial performance, CIPs and capital plans
Ability to evaluate programme metrics and produce assurance and benefits reports
Ability to forecast trends for resources, workforce and capacity
Ability to assess digital adoption and benefits realisation in practice
Ability to present complex information as clear, actionable insights

Planning Skills

Essential criteria

Strong organisational and planning skills to successfully implement national policies and long term strategic plans
Ability to plan and manage complex digital investment and strategy workstreams across multiple organisations
Ability to prioritise competing demands within tight deadlines and resource constraints
Ability to align programme delivery and investment decisions with the Joint Clinical/Digital Strategies and Group objectives
Experience of coordinating capital planning, business cases and investment approvals
Ability to implement standardised processes for governance, business case quality assurance and reporting
Ability to manage interdependencies across portfolios and system partners
Ability to adapt plans in response to emerging risks, issues and policy changes

Management Skills

Essential criteria

Departmental manager familiar with line managing staff and dealing with HR and performance issues
A leader and motivator with a successful history of building, developing and motivating teams to perform at the highest level
A persuasive and effective influencer with professional credibility
Able to work as a team, influence and motivate others
Contribute as a senior leader in the organisation

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

· As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.

· The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.

· UHBW is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

· To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.

· If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.

· The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.

· By applying for this post, you are agreeing to University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

· Please be aware of scams – unless specified above, we will only communicate with you via @recruit.trac.jobs or nhs.net e-mails and we will never ask you for any payments.

IMPORTANT:

Please note that if you apply for a position with this Trust, you may be contacted via Trac or via email. This includes invites for job interviews. We therefore recommend that you regularly check your Trac account and email accounts. We may also contact you by texting the mobile number, if provided, on the application form.

Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close this vacancy before the advertised closing date. Therefore, please apply for this post as soon as you can, if you are interested and you meet the requirements of the Person Specification

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.

As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.

When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.