University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Principal Project Manager (Capital)
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Principal Project Manager (Capital)
Senior Capital Project Manager / Estate Development Lead
UHS Estates Ltd (UEL)
Job Overview
We are excited to offer this opportunity to join UHS Estates Ltd (UEL), a subsidiary of University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust, responsible for designing, constructing, and managing capital projects that support one of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts.
This role provides strategic oversight of complex NHS capital projects, from inception to delivery, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives while minimising risk and maximising efficiency.
Key Responsibilities
Manage the full lifecycle of capital projects—design, procurement, and delivery—with a focus on:
- Balancing budget, time, and design standards.
- Ensuring cost compliance through continuous risk assessment, cost planning, and procurement oversight.
- Collaborating with design teams, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality solutions that meet clinical, regulatory, and operational needs.
Core Tasks
Procurement, Risk & Strategy
- Identify and mitigate risks to project delivery, selecting appropriate procurement strategies.
- Review procurement strategies in early-stage development to align with Trust objectives and minimise exposure.
- Select and appoint design teams and contractors, ensuring compatibility with procurement frameworks.
- Lead tender procurement, prepare Contract Placing Reports (CPRs), and make appointment recommendations.
Design & Technical Oversight
- Oversee design development from feasibility through to detailed specifications.
- Monitor budgets, cost analysis, and compliance against project milestones.
- Verify design deliverables at key sign-off stages in collaboration with the design team.
- Ensure clarity in specifications, drawings, and budget documentation to maintain project viability.
Stakeholder & Project Management
- Deputise for the UEL Head of Projects as necessary, representing interests at Trust and external meetings.
- Present complex project updates to Trust Executives, steering groups, and regulatory bodies.
- Liaise with patient groups and external stakeholders to align projects with strategic priorities.
- Update and maintain business cases, course corrections, and cost/revenue projections.
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Regulatory & Compliance
- Interpret and apply HTMs, HBNs, UK Construction Regulations, and Healthcare Safety Standards (e.g., CDM 2015, Building Regulations).
- Ensure compliance with contract law, Health & Safety legislation, and procurement frameworks.
Project Delivery & Governance
- Develop and monitor programme/project plans using methodologies like Gantt Charts, RACI, and RACI charts.
- Manage a hybrid team—internal staff and external consultants—ensuring alignment with UEL’s Capital Programme and strategic direction.
Working at UHS Estates Ltd
As part of the National Health Service, UEL is committed to supporting patient-centric capital projects while maintaining the highest operational and regulatory standards.
Core Purpose
- Achieve high-quality, sustainable, and efficient healthcare infrastructure.
- Foster innovation in design, procurement, and construction delivery.
- Continue improving project methodologies through shared learning and best practices.
Location & Environment
Based in Southampton, which offers:
- Proximity to southern England’s leading attractions (e.g., New Forest, Jurassic Coast, Southampton Airport).
- A cost of living ~20% lower than London.
- Access to elite education with 14 Outstanding-rated Ofsted schools.
Key Responsibilities (Detailed List)
Design & Budget Control
- Manage whole-life cost planning—pushing from feasibility to detailed design and specification while meeting budget targets.
- Work with Capital Accountants, ensuring financial viability and corrective actions for budget deviation.
- Produce/approve budget statements, cost plans, and final cost analyses as project-tracking documents.
Risk & Strategy Execution
- Deprioritise exposures, translating broad strategic objectives into feasible project cost/risk frameworks.
- Leverage (method)registration-based knowledge to influence upon contract strategy decisions.
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Mentorship & Team Development
- Mentor and develop both internal and external professionals (e.g.: architects, contractors) to align with UEL standards.
- Offer guidance as needed via rule mitigated collaboration with suppliers and partners.
Regulatory & Regime Compliance
- Translate complex documentation (e.g., HTMs, national standards) for board-level input.
- Serve as the Trust’s representative in compliance with established procurement frameworks and enterprise-wide governance.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Relevant undergraduate degree in (Engineering, Surveying, Architecture, Project Management) or equivalent professional experience.
- Master’s or higher qualification (preferred) in construction/built environment disciplines.
- Practitioner-level project management qualifications (e.g., PRINCE2 or APM) required.
- Proven staff management & development experience with HR expertise.
- Significant experience in high-complexity project delivery from inception to completion (RIBA Stages 1–5).
- Documented skills in:
- Risk Registers, Gantt Charts, RACI Analysis to manage large/clinical projects.
- Technical design drawing interpretation and presenting solutions to unprofessional audiences.
- Understanding HTMs, HBNs, and UK Healthcare Construction Regulations (NDFM, CDM 2015).
Desirable Experience
- NEBOSH Construction Certificate; NHS/acute environment experience.
- Certification in Member Body (e.g., RICS, RIBA, CIBSE, IHEEM).
- Expertise in JCT/NEC contracts and Halpern/Prince2 project delivery.
- Transferable skills in NHS procurement frameworks and public sector regulation.
Benefits
- NHS pension scheme (generous terms and deferred start eligibility).
- NHS terms of service, including all leave entitlements.
- Employee benefits platform offering savings on travel, groceries, media, and more.
- Southampton as a base, with access to beaches, the New Forest, and direct transport links.
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