University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Principal Project Manager (Capital)
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Principal Project Manager (Capital)
Head of Capital Projects (Programme Manager/Estates Project Director)
UHS Estates Ltd (UEL)
About the Role
We are seeking a seasoned Planning and Delivery Manager to join UHS Estates Ltd (UEL), a subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for delivering complex capital, infrastructure, and redesign projects across the organisation.
In this role, you will plan, coordinate, and oversee the entire lifecycle of high-value projects—from inception through to delivery—ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards. You will lead a network of external consultants, contractors, and in-house teams, mitigating risks while maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements, health and safety legislation, and NHS standards.
This is a strategic position focused on programme-level delivery, with the opportunity to shape procurement strategies, governance processes, and future capital methodologies for the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership & Governance
- Identify and mitigate risks to project delivery, selecting appropriate procurement strategies to ensure complete developments meet objectives while minimising risk exposure.
- Develop and manage procurement strategies early in project stages, ensuring alignment with contract strategy frameworks before formal agreements are finalised.
- Select, recruit, and manage external design teams; liaise with design professionals (architects, engineers, consultants) to ensure adherence to procurement strategies.
- Procure and evaluate tenders, prepare Contract Placing Reports (CPRs), and make recommendations for appointments.
- Deputise for the Head of Projects where necessary (e.g., chair meetings, represent senior leadership in Trust governance).
- Present technically complex information to senior stakeholders, including Trust Executives, external review boards, and patient advocacy groups.
- Lead business case development, financial viability assessments, and strategic viability reviews for highly sensitive, multi-million-pound initiatives.
Design & Construction Oversight
- Oversee design development from feasibility to detailed design, ensuring compliance with budgets, timescales, and quality standards.
- Check and appraise design deliverables (drawings, specifications) to ensure they align with project objectives and statutory requirements.
- Coordinate and liaise with healthcare stakeholders to inform decisions on relevant outcomes and physiological/operational needs.
- Establish and maintain project controls, including budget tracking, cost-check analysis, and variance reporting.
- Manage cost frameworks to ensure design decisions remain within budget and support financial governance.
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Compliance & Risk Management
- Monitor adherence to HTMs/HBNs, health and safety regulations, CDM 2015, the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations, and other construction legislation.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure compliance with JCT, NEC, and other construction contracts.
- receive and implement construction and healthcare regulation updates, translating complex guidance for non-specialist audiences.
Project & Stakeholder Management
- Engage with Trust Executives and senior NHS leadership to align capital plans with corporate strategy.
- Maintain regular communication with steering committees, Trust Infrastructure Groups (TIGs), and external reviewers.
- Compile, update, and present project status reports, identifying risks and dependencies.
- Lead and deliver capital programmes across multiple project types (e.g., retrofit, new builds, major infrastructure schemes).
Team Development & Methodology Improvement
- Aid the growth of the UEL Capital Programme team, fostering best practices in project management methodologies.
- Introduce and embed learning from past projects to enhance risk mitigation, efficiency, and innovation.
Work Environment & Organisation
What You’ll Work With
- Cross-functional capital delivery programmes (typically in the £10M–£50M range).
- Large-scale NHS estates developments, including operational healthcare facilities, research centres, and critical infrastructure.
- Highly technical audiences, from architects and engineers to NHS clinicians and Trust Leaders.
Working for UHL (UHS Estates) Ltd
UHS Estates Ltd (UEL) delivers design, construction, and maintenance solutions across the ** Университетская Госпитальный Southampton NHS Trust**, ensuring:
- Cutting-edge medical facilities are built and maintained efficiently.
- Infrastructure development advancing research, education, and patient care.
- Green Estates Initiatives, with a focus on sustainable and energy-efficient solutions.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, UEL has delivered multiple accelerated corona-enabled projects, meeting heightened demands in terms of facility productivity and hard-resilience.
Benefits
- NHS Pension Scheme (or equivalent Defined Benefit Plan).
- Generous Annual Leave: 25+ days + pro-rata growth.
- Exclusive Employee Discounts: Groceries, retail, travel, holidays, and member perks via NHS Benefits Platform.
- Location-Inspiring Lifestyle: Southampton’s peri-urban environment offers access to London by train, proximity to the New Forest and Jurassic Coast, and 20% lower cost of living than London.
- Professional Growth Opportunities in Aftercare NHS Construction, Healthcare Administration, and capital asset management.
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Person Specification
To succeed in this position, you must meet the Essential Criteria, while desirable qualifications will enhance your application:
Qualifications & Experience (Essential)
- Degree (equivalent) in Engineering, Construction Management, Surveying, Architecture, or Project Management.
- Master’s Degree or higher (preferably related to application focus, e.g., Construction Management, Project Leadership).
- Professional Project Management Certification (e.g., PRINCE2 Practitioner or APM (ACC) accredited).
- Five years+ senior experience in managing complex construction, infrastructure, or large-scale NHS capital investments.
- Proven ability to present comprehensive and complex technical information to Trust Executives, Boards, and non-specialist groups.
- Extensive track record in contract procurement, tender evaluation, and appointing consultants under statutory frameworks.
- Strong leadership experience, including HR management, development, and career coaching.
- Structured methodology of project execution (e.g., RIBA Stages, PRINCE2, BIM Methods).
- Detailed knowledge of NHS regulations, Workplace Health Safety (HTMs/HBNs), and Construction Design Management 2015.
Technical Proficiencies & Methodologies
- Experience in cost scheduling, risk management, Earned Value Analysis, and Gantt Chart-based control.
- Familiarity with various contract types (e.g., JCT, NEC, FIDIC/LULAC).
- Skilled in analysing and applying British Standards and UK Construction Laws for healthcare projects.
Desirable
- NEBOSH Certificate in Construction Management.
- Membership of recognised professional bodies (CIBSE, IHEEM, RICS, ICE, or RIBA).
- Experience managing design teams [Architects, Consultants, Engineers] in live/operational environments, particularly for NHS estate schemes.
- Prior experience working in szerwicy października/rownozęními systemu opieki zdrowotnej.
- Additional professional training focused on team management or construction methodologies.
Notes on application: Upon submission of your brief explanation that you should be considered for programme and procurement strategy and influence & programme delivery into major resource schemes, we will extend a formal interview invitation. References should be provided direct. Please apply with a full written CV and cover stating which role you are applying. We are an equal opportunities employer, and this includes holistic learning and addressing the principle that the right person, not always the best candidate, will succeed.
Welcome to applied activities at UHS Estates Ltd (UEL): [Request access for OA_UEL درجه Łdy]
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