Head of Digital Patient Pathway Management

Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to establish and lead our Digital Patient Pathway Management (DPPM) function, driving the redesign of patient pathways through digital solutions, data and operational transformation. This is a unique opportunity to shape how care is delivered across one of the UK's leading NHS organisations and the North West London Acute Provider Group.

Reporting to the Director of Performance and accountable to the Chief Operating Officer, you will lead a high-profile portfolio of programmes focused on improving patient access, enhancing safety and delivering operational efficiency through digitally enabled change. We are looking for an individual who is passionate about improving patient outcomes through innovation and technology, who has substantial experience leading large-scale digital, transformation or improvement programmes in the NHS, who understands elective care, patient pathway management and operational performance and who can build strong relationships with senior clinical, operational and digital leaders.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the Trust's Digital Patient Pathway Management function, driving digitally enabled transformation to improve patient access, safety, experience and operational performance.
• Develop and deliver a portfolio of digital pathway improvement programmes, ensuring projects are aligned to Trust, North West London and national priorities.
• Work in partnership with senior clinical, operational and digital leaders to redesign patient pathways, implement innovative solutions and realise measurable benefits for patients and staff.
• Provide strategic leadership for the DPPM team, setting direction, managing performance, developing staff and fostering a culture of innovation, accountability and continuous improvement.
• Lead programme governance, performance monitoring, risk management and benefits realisation across a complex portfolio of transformation initiatives.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including executive leaders, NHS England, North West London partners and supplier organisations.
• Champion the adoption of digital tools and new ways of working, ensuring clinical and operational teams are supported to embed changes successfully.
• Translate complex digital, operational and strategic issues into clear recommendations and Board-level reports to support decision-making and organisational change.

At Imperial College Healthcare you can achieve extraordinary things with extraordinary people, working with leading clinicians pushing boundaries in patient care. Become part of a vibrant team living our values - expert, kind, collaborative and aspirational. You'll get an experience like no other and will fast forward your career.

Benefits include career development, flexible working and wellbeing, staff recognition scheme. Make use of optional benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff and will consider applications to work flexibly, part time or job share. Please talk to us at interview.

Environmental sustainability

Climate change and poor air quality is a health emergency that harms people's health and wellbeing and widens health inequalities. The Trust is also committed to reducing its impact on the environment by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2045. All our employees have a role to play, and we have an active green network that supports staff to act in ways that ensures that our services are efficient, sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment.

Details:

• Date posted: 07 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 8d
• Salary: £103,102 to £117,560 a year pa inclusive
• Contract: Permanent
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: 290-CR-2034
• Job locations: St Mary's Hospital, Praed Street, London, W2 1NY, United Kingdom

Person Specification

Education/qualifications

• Essential: Degree level or equivalent experience (relevant to role).
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant area or equivalent experience.
• Recognised management qualification or equivalent experience.
• Received training in programme/project management process methodology.
• Desirable: Qualification in Project Management.

Experience

• Essential: Experience in a senior management role encompassing either programme or project management and preferably both.
• Experience of waiting list management, with knowledge of technical, operational and clinical challenges in managing RTT and non-RTT elective patient pathways.
• Working knowledge of NHS elective care standards.
• Proven track record of managing digital change programmes in the NHS.
• Proven track record in managing programmes and projects on time and to successful conclusions having delivered at least two large projects to completion.
• Demonstrable experience of working across organisational boundaries and with multiple internal and external stakeholders across organisations.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.