VPAG Programme Manager

Job overview

An opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic, highly organised and motivated individual to join the All Wales Therapeutics and Toxicology Centre (AWTTC).

The work of AWTTC focuses on medicines optimisation, health technology assessment and medicines appraisal, prescribing analysis, medicines safety, education, and toxicology services (see https://awttc.nhs.wales/).

AWTTC is looking to appoint an experienced Programme Manager to lead and manage the national Voluntary Scheme for Branded Medicines Pricing, Access and Growth (VPAG) Programme and associated projects within AWTTC, ensuring that a robust programme management approach is built into all aspects of the work.

VPAG was agreed by the UK government, NHS England, and the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) in December 2023. As part of these negotiations, significant life sciences investment by industry will be made available over five years through the Life Sciences Investment Programme to fund an Investment Programme/Facility. This investment will accelerate work in a number of areas including innovative health technology assessments. The aim of the programme is to develop and test innovative approaches to health technology assessment (HTA) to improve pre and post assessment processes related specifically to access and uptake of new medicines

Main duties of the job

The post holder will have responsibility for day to day management of the individual Project Workstreams and will report regularly to the AWTTC VPAG Programme Board and the UK-wide Investment Facility Board.

The role will involve developing and maintaining strong working relationships with a range of key stakeholders, including the NHS, Office for Life Sciences, Industry, Welsh Government and other VPAG partners (including NICE and SMC).

The successful candidate should have experience of successfully leading and implementing projects/programmes at a national level. You will have excellent influencing and negotiating skills, the ability to handle highly complex and contentious information as well as good analytical, report-writing and verbal reasoning skills.

A Programme Management Office (PMO) will be set up within AWTTC to provide an All Wales, multi-disciplinary resource to support the strategic development and delivery of projects aimed at delivering the overall VPAG work programme. The PMO will report to the AWTTC VPAG Programme Board and will be accountable to the UK-wide Investment Facility Board (which will be hosted by the Office for Life Sciences (OLS)).

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Lead and manage the national VPAG Programme and associated projects within AWTTC, ensuring that a recognised and robust programme management approach is built into all aspects of the work. This will include providing expertise and support in the design, strategic development, establishment and monitoring of complex programmes and projects, along with providing leadership and specialist direct programme management support when required
• Co-ordinate and deliver the workstreams within the Programme maintaining a planning framework with supporting processes for both long, medium and short-term programme objectives
• Play a key role in supporting the further development of the PMO, including line management responsibilities of all members of the PMO team. The PMO will be focused on improving standards, planning and assurance for the whole Programme
• Work on an All Wales and UK basis and across organisational boundaries, and directly with stakeholders to support the development of the Programme and project management profession. This will include identifying and implementing best practice and building internal and external professional networks
• Work with senior managers and teams to identify opportunities for continual service improvement by utilising programme and project management methodologies