Overview

Programme Director – Startwell Programme at Whittington Health. The Startwell Programme is a major reconfiguration of maternity, neonatal, and paediatric surgical services across North Central London (NCL). This role leads the programme on behalf of NCL and works closely with executive leaders across Whittington Health, UCLH, Royal Free London, and the NCL ICB to ensure delivery of agreed outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior programme leadership and management to deliver the Startwell Programme successfully.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive programme plan with clear milestones and deliverables.
• Chair project meetings and provide robust challenge, coordination, and leadership across multiple workstreams.
• Line manage programme team members (including an 8b manager and band 6 project officer) and oversee additional secondees or consultants as required.
• Manage the programme budget, ensuring projects are delivered within agreed financial envelopes.
• Identify, manage, and mitigate programme risks and issues, escalating where necessary.
• Ensure effective reporting through Trust and ICB governance structures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with executive leaders, clinical directors, managers, and external partners across NCL.
• Lead the development and implementation of an effective communications and stakeholder strategy.
• Represent Whittington Health and the Startwell Programme externally, promoting collaboration and raising the profile of the programme.
• Support clinical and managerial teams across NCL to ensure smooth transition and service redesign.

Qualifications / Experience

The role requires a visible, credible leader with extensive NHS experience, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and a proven track record of delivering complex change programmes.

Organisation context

At Whittington Health, you will join a dynamic and collaborative team committed to providing safe, personal, and coordinated care to the local community. The Startwell Programme team operates in a fast-paced, high-profile environment where innovation, flexibility, and problem-solving are essential. The organisation values leadership, teamwork, and staff wellbeing, with opportunities for professional development and involvement in high-impact projects that transform healthcare services across North Central London.

Contact for details

For further details or informal visits contact: Dr Clare Dollery, Chief Medical Officer. Email: clare.dollery1@nhs.net; Tel: 020 7288 5906. Manju Mandirathil, Business Manager to Dr Clare Dollery, Whittington Health. Email: manju.mandirathil@nhs.net; Tel: 020 7288 3325.

Seniority level

• Director

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Business Development and Sales
• Industries: Hospitals and Health Care

Note: This listing may include regional context for North Central London (NCL) as it relates to the Startwell Programme.