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Job overview
The Digital Innovation Hub at UCLH is seeking an exceptional leader to help shape the future of digital health innovation. This is a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of healthcare, research and technology, leading the translation of cutting-edge UCL digital research into real-world improvements for patients, staff and the wider NHS.
Working across UCLH and University College London, you will build trusted relationships with senior clinical, operational, academic and industry stakeholders, helping to identify, develop and accelerate innovations with the potential to transform care. You will lead a growing team, influence strategic decision-making and play a key role in strengthening one of the UK's leading health innovation ecosystems.
We are looking for an experienced digital programme or portfolio leader who combines strategic thinking with a practical delivery mindset, thrives in complex environments and is passionate about improving healthcare through innovation. Uou will join a collaborative, ambitious and supportive team with the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of digital health at scale.
Main duties of the job
The successful candidate will lead the Digital Innovation Hub's programme to support the translation of digital health research from University College London (UCL) into operational use within UCLH. They will work with researchers, clinicians and operational teams to identify promising innovations, assess their potential impact and support their implementation in real-world healthcare settings.
The role will involve developing and managing a portfolio of innovation projects, establishing effective processes for project selection and prioritisation, overseeing delivery, monitoring benefits and managing risks. The postholder will act as a key link between UCL and UCLH, building strong relationships across both organisations and helping researchers understand the practical requirements for successful NHS adoption.
The successful candidate will also lead and develop a small team, provide expert programme and portfolio management support, contribute to the long-term sustainability of the service and represent the Digital Innovation Hub in senior stakeholder forums. Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, strategic planning and digital delivery skills are essential, alongside a passion for improving healthcare through innovation.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For the full Person Specification and more information regarding the main responsibilities of this role, please refer to the attached Job Description.
Come and be a part of the best NHS trust in England to work for, according to our staff*
* UCLH top trust to work at in England - In the most recent NHS staff survey UCLH had the highest percentage of staff who said they would recommend us as a place to work, out of all general acute or acute/community NHS trusts in England – for the third year in a row.
UCLH recognises the benefits of flexible working for staff – To find out more, visit: Flexible working.
To discover more about what makes UCLH a great place to work, visit: Why Choose UCLH?
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant and demonstrable experience of managing digital programmes and transformation in a complex organisation
- Ability to present complex information in an understandable and concise manner, drawing on different writing styles including reports and presenting plans, procedures and strategies
- Experience of developing network relationships and working collaboratively effectively
- Substantial experience of staff leadership and management across programme management
Desirable
- Significant experience of service improvement delivery
Communication
Essential
- Excellent strategic communication skills
- Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to manage conflict
- Ability to communicate clearly through both verbal and the written media, at all levels with both internal and external stakeholders
- Strong report writing skills, with the ability to provide clear and concise management information
Skills and Abilities
Essential
- Able to motivate and engage with individuals and teams and to challenge current ways of working and produce innovative solutions and ideas
- Strong grasp of managing project finances and budgets
- Work well in highly sensitive and high-pressure environments
- Ability to work flexibly in a fast-changing environment
- Ability to assimilate information quickly and make reasoned judgements whilst under pressure and working to strict deadlines
- Use of IT packages – advanced use of outlook, excel,word, project management software and hospital digital systems
Knowledge and Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to masters level and/or demonstrable experience in this level
- Highly specialist and expert programme management knowledge acquired through a programme-management qualification or relevant experience
Personal and People Development
Essential
- Ability to lead, manage and develop a team
- Well organised, methodical and analytical
- Ability to plan and organise a varied workload effectively to meet deadlines in the short and long term and react to changing demands and work priorities
- Full understanding of confidentiality and data protection issues
- Creative, lateral thinker with an ability to generate solutions
- A flexible approach to the job with the ability to listen to ideas and respond in order to develop the approach to transformation
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Digital Innovation Deputy Portfolio Lead with University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London, London, England. It is listed as a Band 5 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £38,488 - £46,852 Per annum inclusive of HCAS. The contract type is 24 months (until 30-06-2028, fixed term funding). The application deadline is 26 Jul 2026.
Before you apply, compare the job description with the person specification and mirror the employer's essential criteria in your supporting information. Use the vacancy title, employer, location, salary, contract type, closing date and posted date (10 Jul 2026) to decide whether this role fits your current NHS job search. If the employer can close applications early, prepare the application before the stated deadline rather than waiting for the final day.
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