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Project management and procurement

Working life

On NHS projects, you could be working with private-sector suppliers to provide services such as information technology.

You’ll work with a variety of staff including colleagues from within the NHS including project managers, purchasing and contract managers, estates and facilities managers, finance managers and a broad range of external suppliers.

Roles in project management and procurement 

This area of management will include staff working on a broad range of projects within healthcare, with a variety of job roles and job titles. Here are some examples.

• Project director - major capital schemes    
• Cardiac information project manager
• Project management and implementation - IT project/liaison manager 

Project director - major capital schemes            

You could be managing the development of extensive new facilities within the forensic services directorate of a high security hospital.

You’d be expected to:

• lead and motivate various multi-disciplinary teams, professional advisors, project managers and estates capital support staff
• ensure adequate control mechanisms are in place in terms of cost, time and quality for the project
• provide regular briefings to the chief executive, trust board and forensic service management team(s) in order to ensure that the aims of the service and clinical strategies are fully met.

Cardiac information project manager

Working within a hospitals NHS trust, this example role would be crucial to facilitating the development of information management and technology (IM&T) in support of cardiac care.

Project management and implementation - IT project/liaison manager 

This role would involve working closely with staff at a local NHS acute trust. You’d either directly manage the project or be involved with information, communication and technology (ICT) projects, seeking to understand the business objectives of the organisation and relating them to any local and national ICT solutions.

Want to learn more?

• Find out more about the entry requirements, skills and interests required to enter a career in project management and procurement
• Find out more about the training you’ll receive for a career in project management and procurement

• Pay and conditions

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  Most jobs in the NHS are covered by the Agenda for Change (AfC) pay scales.  This pay system covers all staff except doctors, dentists and the most senior managers. Staff in the NHS will usually work a standard 37.5 hours per week. They may work a shift pattern.

  Your career in NHS management would typically start at Agenda for Change Band 6 or 7, with some positions at Band 5, and the most senior roles rising to Band 9 for example, as a professional manager for a clinical or technical service. In the most senior roles, you may be on a very senior manager salary.

  Terms and conditions of service can vary for employers outside the NHS.

• Where the role can lead

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  With further training and/or experience, you may be able to develop your career further and apply for more senior managerial roles. Progression for those with ability is typically via operational management in a large hospital or other healthcare organisation. Relocation for promotion is common.

  More diverse routes are now opening up, for example, jointly-funded posts between health and social services.

• Job market and vacancies

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  When you’re looking for managerial jobs or apprenticeship vacancies, there are a number of sources you can use, but most vacancies can be found on the NHS Jobs website

  Just some of the current vacancies are below.

  • View Vacancy

    Programme Director Digital First

    Wellington House, London, SE1 6LH

    • Salary:

      £91,004 - £104,927 per annum

    • Type:

      Permanent

    • Employer:

      NHS England and NHS Improvement

    • View Vacancy
  • View Vacancy

    ICS Programme Director Frimley Health and Care

    Based at Frimley Park Hospital. Travel required across the Frimley ICS footprint, GU16 7UJ

    • Salary:

      VSM to be agreed with the successful candidate

    • Type:

      Permanent

    • Employer:

      Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust

    • View Vacancy
  • View Vacancy

    Integrated Care System (ICS) Programme Director

    The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital, Shrewsbury, SY3 8XQ

    • Salary:

      Negotiable

    • Type:

      Fixed term

    • Employer:

      Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust

    • View Vacancy
  • View Vacancy

    GP Programme Director - Bridgend GP Training Scheme

    Princess of Wales Postgraduate Centre, Bridgend, CF15 7QQ

    • Salary:

      £85,120 - £104,628 Per annum pro rata

    • Type:

      Permanent

    • Employer:

      Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)

    • View Vacancy
  • View Vacancy

    GP Programme Director - Cardiff GP Training Scheme

    University Hospital of Wales Postgraduate Centre, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ

    • Salary:

      £85,120 - £104,628 Per annum pro rata

    • Type:

      Permanent

    • Employer:

      Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)

    • View Vacancy
  • View Vacancy

    GP Programme Director - Gwent GP Training Scheme

    Nevill Hall Postgraduate Centre, Newport, CF15 7QQ

    • Salary:

      £85,120 - £104,628 Per annum pro rata

    • Type:

      Permanent

    • Employer:

      Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW)

    • View Vacancy
• Further information

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  For further information about a career in project management and procurement, please contact

  • Association for Project Management