Senior Transformation Project Manager

Job Overview

We are delighted to offer an exciting opportunity to join our team at UHS Estates Ltd (UEL). Please refer to the detailed job description below for more information about the role. Please note, this vacancy is open only for applications from UEL and University Hospital Southampton (UHS).

We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Contracts & Transformation Project Manager to lead the procurement and mobilisation of major Soft FM contracts. This is a senior leadership role for a commercially astute project professional with experience delivering complex transformation within the NHS or public sector.

Reporting to the Head of Facilities, you will lead large-scale transformation and procurement projects across key Facilities contracts, including Catering & Cleaning, Security and Car Parking services.

You will manage the full project lifecycle, from option appraisal and business case development (SOC/OBC/FBC), through procurement strategy, tender evaluation and contract award, to transition and mobilisation. The role requires strong governance oversight, financial control, risk management and stakeholder engagement across clinical, operational, HR, Finance and Procurement teams.

You will be responsible for ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and fully compliant with Trust Standing Financial Instructions, while maintaining operational continuity and patient safety throughout transition.

UHS Estates Limited (UEL) is a wholly owned subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust (UHS). We are responsible for the design, construction, and ongoing maintenance of hospital buildings, as well as soft facilities management and the provision of essential equipment, consumables, and materials.

• Generous NHS pension scheme
• NHS terms of service and annual leave
• Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more

Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than in London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.

This is a senior leadership role responsible for delivering complex, high-value Facilities transformation and procurement programmes that directly support frontline healthcare delivery.

• Lead the end-to-end delivery of major Soft FM procurement and transformation projects, from business case development through to mobilisation and operational handover.
• Develop procurement strategies, tender documentation and evaluation processes in line with Trust Standing Financial Instructions and NHS governance frameworks.
• Manage multi-disciplinary project teams, consultants and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget and to agreed quality standards.
• Oversee financial planning, risk management, stakeholder engagement and operational transition to ensure safe and seamless service implementation.

• A proven track record of delivering large, complex transformation, procurement or service redesign projects, ideally within the NHS or public sector.
• Strong commercial awareness with experience in contract management, financial forecasting and budget control.
• Experience of TUPE transfers, workforce change and major service mobilisation.
• Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills, including presenting at a senior level.

The postholder will be required to work flexibly to support key project milestones and mobilisation activity. The role involves regular engagement with clinical, operational and external partners and may require travel across Trust sites. Appointment will be subject to appropriate pre-employment checks in line with NHS standards.