Strategic Estates Programme Manager

Job Summary

The Strategic Estates Team at Dorset County Hospital leads the delivery of the £100m new ED and CrCU departments, part of the government's flagship New Hospital Programme. The Programme Manager will provide programme management oversight and client responsibility for construction aspects of the scheme. Beyond the NHP, there is an opportunity for the post holder to participate in wider estate strategy and business‑case development.

The Strategic Estate team supports Dorset County Hospital and our federated partner Trust, Dorset Healthcare University NHSFT.

• Provide programme management and oversight of the New Hospital programme, a complex programme of change that will transform the delivery of care at Dorset County Hospital by delivering new estate with a variety of public and private partners.
• Lead programme design, planning and delivery of programme outcomes.
• Lead on business‑case development for the programme.
• Lead the delivery of large capital projects in line with approved business cases.
• Work alongside clinical and operational colleagues to enable delivery of new models of care to transform service delivery.
• Manage relationships with a variety of local and national partner organisations to successfully deliver the New Hospital Programme.
• Directly manage staff within the programme team.

At DCHFT we pride ourselves on the care we provide for our patients and on the culture we are creating for our staff. We work hard to create a fair, inclusive environment for our staff.

Our Mission is to work in partnership to provide high‑quality, compassionate services and to nurture an environment where people can be at their best. Our vision is healthier lives, empowered citizens, thriving communities.

We are a Trust that celebrates diversity, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We welcome applications from people in all under‑represented groups.

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application materials. While this is not discouraged, we kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process. We value honesty and appreciate applications that are genuine and representative of the individual behind them.

UKVI Sponsorship:
This role may be available for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI). Sponsorship will be determined on a case‑by‑case basis.

• Date posted: 05 February 2026
• Pay scheme:
  Agenda for change
• Band:
  Band 8b
• Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year per annum
• Contract:
  
  Permanent
• Working pattern:
  Full‑time
• Reference number: 405-26-AC070SE
  PM
• Job locations:
  Dorset County Hospital, Williams Avenue, Dorchester, DT1 2JY

Our DCHFT Job Description and Person Specification (attached) tells you all about this role, what to expect and what is needed to succeed. When completing your application please make sure to tell us how your experience and skills fit the person specification.

• Managing Successful Programmes (MSP) or similar programme management qualification or equivalent experience (E)
• Engineering or construction postgraduate degree level or equivalent experience (E)
• Evidence of continuing professional development (E)
• PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification or equivalent experience (E)

• Formal management training (D)
• Membership of relevant professional bodies such as ICE, IME, CIBSE, RICS or CIOB, IEEE (D)

• Intermediate IT skills (E)
• Strong influencing and negotiation skills (E)
• Excellent report writing skills (E)
• Highly organised and disciplined (E)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills (E)
• Ability to quickly build relationships and credibility with colleagues and stakeholders (E)
• Team leader (E)
• Ability to interpret contractual and legal terminology (E)

• Ability…