ESHT • Eastbourne BN21 2UD
About this role
Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity for a Band 8c Pathology Network Head of Programme.
This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and deliver a programme of key projects within a developing Pathology network.
The role will be hosted by East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust but will be based across the Sussex Pathology Network (
SPN) which includes three Trusts
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust (ESHT)
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (UHSussex)
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (QVH)
This is a Provider-based leadership role responsible for supporting the Programme Director/MD in achieving the aims of the Sussex Pathology Network Transformation programme, and to provide a balance of continuity and flexibility as the programme(s) moves through different phases. The role will be a challenging one, working across a complex suite of projects . Ability to act and think strategically, developing practical, innovative and creative solutions to the management of strategic issues and complex problems is essential.
The Head of Programme must be flexible to work across the range of projects in the portfolio.
The key responsibilities of the role are to support the Programme Director/MD, SPN Executive Chair and SPN PMO to deliver the SPN priority Projects In particular, the Head of Programme will be engaged in areas that include but are not limited to:
- Managing agreed SPN prioritised projects on a day-to-day basis, including managing staff and contractors within the team.
- Supporting the programme and programme partners to respond to national requirements and guidance.
- Maintaining effective relationships with a wide range of senior internal and external stakeholders.
- Identifying and propagating best practice and innovation opportunities;
- Work collaboratively with other strategic work streams.
- Coordinate SPN responses to regulator and assurance requirements.
- Identifying and bringing together key stakeholders to facilitate a collaborative approach to transformation and new ways of working.
The post holder may be required to work at any of the Network Provider sites across the footprint, in line with the needs of the programmes.
The responsibilities and nature of the role may evolve as the implementation of the SPN progresses.
East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is the host organisation for the SPN, and is part of an NHS Provider Collaborative in Sussex.
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Please see the attached job description and person specification for the main and key responsibilities of this role
This advert closes on Sunday 31 May 2026
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident.