At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead national programmes to enhance healthcare delivery across Wales.
- Company: Join Health Education and Improvement Wales, a key player in NHS workforce development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team committed to innovation and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while shaping the future of NHS services.
- Qualifications: Masters level qualification or equivalent experience in NHS planning and management.
The predicted salary is between 92984 - 92984 £ per year.
Main area: National Programmes
Grade: Band 8c
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (An agile working model to allow flexibility between home and office-based working.)
Job ref: 082-AC041-0826
Employer: Health Education and Improvement Wales
Employer type: NHS
Site: Ty Dysgu
Town: Nantgarw
Salary: £80,698 - £92,984 per annum
Salary period: Yearly
Closing: 31/08/2026 23:59
We are committed to promoting inclusion at HEIW and we welcome applications from everybody recognising the value that diversity brings to our workforce.
To work in the UK, candidates who are not UK or Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals require sponsorship via a Skilled Worker Visa, unless they have permission to work via another route. Please note that HEIW does not currently hold a licence to appoint skilled workers from overseas by sponsoring them to work in the UK. If successful, candidates from outside of the UK or ROI would be responsible for obtaining their own sponsorship or visa to enable them to work for HEIW.
This vacancy may close early if it receives a high number of applications. Please complete and submit your application in good time to avoid disappointment.
The salary scale for a Band 3 has been adjusted as part of the NHS Agenda for Change pay award for 2026/2027 and will be implemented in August 2026 backdated to 01 April 2026 where applicable.
Job overview:
The postholder will undertake a strategic role leading on the development of an effective work programme that contributes towards the delivery of national priorities across the following national programme areas:
- Planned Care (including diagnostics, cancer & genomics)
- Urgent and Emergency Care
- Enhanced Community Care
Mental health is also a key national priority, and there is a separate team in place within HEIW leading implementation of a National Strategic Mental Health Workforce Plan. The postholder will work closely with the Mental Health Lead to ensure synergy across the respective areas.
The postholder will lead the national programme function to drive HEIW priorities and ensure alignment with the IMTP and Education and Training Plan and will be responsible for the development and implementation of service-facing workforce plans ensuring an effective interface with the NHS Performance and Improvement across these areas.
Main duties of the job:
- Lead the national programme function within HEIW and act as the key interface with national programmes to ensure that workforce plans and priorities reflect the needs of the NHS across Wales.
- Lead the development, production and implementation of service-facing workforce plans and workforce priorities that are aligned with national priorities.
- Oversee the delivery of strategic service-based workforce plans/priorities within HEIW through a series of internal working arrangements adopting a programme management approach to delivery.
Working for our organisation:
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is the strategic workforce body for NHS Wales with statutory functions that include education and training, workforce planning, workforce development and transformation, leadership and succession planning, and careers. Our purpose is to develop a workforce that delivers excellent care to patients/service users and excellent population health. We are a Special Health Authority working closely with our partners; Social Care Wales, education providers, professional and regulatory bodies and Welsh Government.
HEIW is committed to developing an internal culture of choice. Our Values reflect our thoughts, feelings and beliefs in how we will, and will not, behave and treat others:
- Respect for All in every contact we have with others
- Ideas that Improve: Harnessing creativity and continuously innovating, evaluating and improving
- Together as a Team: Working with colleagues across NHS Wales and with partner organisations
HEIW received the HPMA Award for Employee Engagement in 2019.
What you can expect:
- a corporate induction and 90 day Welcome itinerary
- a meaningful values based performance appraisal process
- the opportunity to impact upon health and social care services and the lives and wellbeing of the people of Wales
Many of our colleagues and stakeholders have commented on the buzz and atmosphere we create by working together as "One HEIW Team". Do you want to join that team?
Detailed job description and main responsibilities:
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents.
Person specification:
- Masters level qualification within relevant field, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
- Extensive specialist knowledge over a range of disciplines, e.g., NHS planning, performance management, programme management, business planning, clinical services, information systems, research & development, finance and HR services.
- In depth knowledge of service management within the health sector.
- Understanding of Welsh Government, NHS Executive and organisations principles and standards of governance, policies, strategies, and plans.
- Evidence of relevant continuous professional development.
- Experience of benefits management.
Experience:
- Extensive experience of NHS Service/operational management and planning.
- Experience of producing high level reports, policies, plans, business cases and strategies.
- Experience of managing, implementing and measuring change in a complex environment.
- Analysis and interpretation of data.
- Previous experience of working in the NHS or public sector.
Skills and Attributes:
- Ability to analyse and interpret complex data sets.
- Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills.
- Presentation and training skills.
- Able to establish good working relationships at all levels internally and externally.
- Highly developed negotiation and influencing skills.
- High attention to detail.
- Ability to organise own workload and that of a team.
- Strong team player.
- Demonstrates initiative, decisiveness, compassionate leadership and self-compassion.
- Welsh Speaker (Level 1) or willingness to work towards.
Other:
- Ability to travel across Wales and wider where appropriate.
It is essential that your application demonstrates how you meet the job description/person specification for this post.
Associate Director National Programmes employer: Health Education and Improvement Wales
Health Education and Improvement Wales (HEIW) is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and collaboration. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to employee development, HEIW empowers its staff to make a meaningful impact on healthcare education in Wales, all while enjoying a vibrant team culture that celebrates innovation and teamwork.
Contact Details:
Health Education and Improvement Wales Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Director National Programmes
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Health Education and Improvement Wales.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Health Education and Improvement Wales.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Health Education and Improvement Wales, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director National Programmes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Health Education and Improvement Wales.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Health Education and Improvement Wales.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Health Education and Improvement Wales. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Health Education and Improvement Wales. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Health Education and Improvement Wales
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Health Education and Improvement Wales’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
