Director of Programme Delivery

Job overview

Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust (KMMH) are seeking an outstanding senior leader to take on the pivotal role of Director of Programme Delivery, leading the Trust’s most complex and strategically critical programmes as part of the trust new five-year strategy.

Operating at a very senior level, this Band 9 role carries Trust‑wide accountability for the delivery of four high‑impact programmes which include our Quality Plan, Integrated Neighbourhoods (community transformation), Children’s and Young People post transition of services and resetting our operational model.

Working in close partnership with Executive Directors, clinical leaders and operational leaders, the postholder will ensure programmes are delivered at pace, with clear governance, robust assurance and measurable benefits, and that change is embedded sustainably into everyday practice.

This is a high‑profile leadership role requiring credibility at Board level, strong capability to work across the wider organisation and clinical directorates, and the ability to influence in a complex environment. The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of leading large‑scale programmes, excellent judgement, and a delivery‑focused, values‑driven leadership style.

This is an opportunity to play a central role in shaping the future of mental health services across Kent and Medway and to make a meaningful difference to the lives of people who use our services.

Main duties of the job

The post holder is responsible for leading the 4 programmes of work which will include:

• Quality Plan
• Integrated Neighbourhoods, community transformation
• Children’s and Young People post transition of services
• Resetting our operational mode

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Director of Programme Delivery will provide strategic leadership and oversight of complex, trust‑wide programmes that are critical to the delivery of the Trust’s objectives, priorities and statutory responsibilities.

The postholder will be responsible for the successful design, mobilisation, governance and delivery of multiple programmes of work, ensuring they are delivered to agreed scope, quality, timescales and benefits. They will lead a small central team and work in close partnership with clinical, operational and corporate leaders across the Trust to ensure programmes are owned, embedded and delivered effectively.

This role requires strong influencing skills, credibility with senior clinical and operational colleagues, and a pragmatic, outcomes‑focused approach to programme delivery within a complex NHS environment.

The post holder will be required to manage complex and sensitive situations which may involve communicating and leading on organisational change, workforce reconfiguration. This role therefore requires high levels of emotional resilience, professionalism and judgement, as well as the ability to respond appropriately to challenging conversations or behaviours, maintaining compassion, fairness and clarity at all times. The post holder must be able to balance the needs of individuals with organisational priorities.

Responsibilities include:

The Director of Programme Delivery will be responsible for the successful design, mobilisation, governance and delivery of multiple programmes of work, ensuring they are delivered to agreed scope, quality, timescales and benefits.

The post-holder will be responsible for ensuring effective engagement within the wider trust, working closely with the executive team, directorate leadership teams including staff, communities, carers and patients.

The post-holder will implement effective programme management for the four trust wide programmes of work, ensuring effective reporting to the executive, Trust Board, which will include reporting on progress, key milestones, benefits and risks.

We are looking for a senior leader who can operate confidently at executive level and who brings:

• Extensive experience leading complex, high‑risk programmes or portfolios in a large, complex organisation.
• A proven track record of delivering programmes to time, quality and agreed outcomes.
• Strong understanding of programme governance, assurance and risk management.
• The ability to influence and work effectively with senior clinicians, operational leaders and executives.
• Experience of leading and developing teams.
• Excellent communication, judgement and problem‑solving skills.
• And most importantly an individual who will live our values of caring, inclusive, curious and confident in everything they do, every da

Please see the attached job description for full details of the main duties and responsibilities of the role.