Improvement Programme Manager - Theatres

We have an exciting opportunity for a motivated Improvement Programme Manager to join our Improvement Delivery Team. You will play a key role in driving improvements across our perioperative services, starting with our Perioperative Productivity Programme
.

In this role, you will lead work streams aimed at maximising elective theatre utilisation, focusing on areas such as on‑day cancellations, standardisation and optimisation of pre‑operative assessment pathways, data quality, scheduling, and 6‑4‑2 planning across both of our hospital sites.

We are looking for candidates with insight into the perioperative pathway—a niche area where clinical or operational experience will support the successful delivery of this programme. This is an on‑site role
, working closely with operational and clinical teams both within LGT and across our place‑based systems to deliver practical, hands‑on improvements that make a real difference for patients.

You will bring strong experience in programme management, improvement methodologies, and data analysis, along with excellent stakeholder management and collaboration skills. The role includes line management responsibilities as well as informal matrix management, requiring a credible and effective approach to leadership.

Proposed interview date:
Monday, 23 March 2026 (may be subject to change).

The Programme Manager will provide leadership to support the delivery of the Trust’s Priority Programmes by embedding a culture of improvement and building organisational capability in improvement, project, and change management.

The postholder will be assigned to a Trust Priority Programme aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives. They will work both as part of a wider programme team and autonomously, reporting to the Programme Director and Senior Responsible Officer (SRO) in a matrix management structure.

The role will support the design, implementation, delivery, and transition to business‑as‑usual of the assigned programme.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and delivering detailed project and programme plans, including project initiation documents (PIDs)
• Stakeholder mapping and engagement
• Designing and delivering projects using agreed‑upon improvement and project methodologies
• Risk management and mitigation
• Managing budgets, business cases, and benefits realisation plans
• Providing strategic updates and high‑level communications to governance groups and stakeholders
• Integrating programme outcomes into business‑as‑usual operations

The postholder will also play a key role in shaping a positive organisational culture through role modelling, continuous improvement, and demonstrating the impact of the programme on staff and patient outcomes.

Our People Are Our Greatest Asset. When We Feel Supported And Happy At Work, This Positivity Reaches Those Very People We Are Here For, The Patients. Engaged Employees Perform At Their Best And Our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion (EDI) Initiatives Contribute To Cultivate a Culture Of Engagement. We Have Four Staff Networks, a Corporate EDI Team And a Suite Of Programmes And Events Which Aim To Insert The 5 Aspirations

Key EDI Initiatives:

• Improving representation at senior levels of staff with disabilities, from black, Asian, and ethnic minorities background, identify as LGBTQ+ and women, through improved recruitment and leadership development
• Widening access (anchor institution) and employability
• Improving the experience of staff with disability
• Improving the EDI literacy and confidence of trust staff through training and development
• Making equalities mainstream

For further details / informal visits contact:
Name:
Sophie Youett

Job title:

Senior Improvement Programme Manager Email address:  Telephone number: