Hard FM Programme Manager in Kent

Location: Darrent Valley Hospital, Kent, DA2 8DA

Salary: Between £63,762 - £80,278 per annum, dependant on experience plus excellent benefits

Schedule: Full time, fixed term contract - 12 months

Serco is recruiting a Hard FM Programme Manager to lead the planning, governance and delivery of Hard FM Lifecycle and Capital projects for an NHS Trust. This is a highly controlled environment: you will set the standard for safe, compliant delivery, maintaining robust controls, auditable records and clear assurance that Serco's required project methodology is being applied consistently by the team and supply chain.

What you'll do as a Hard FM Programme Manager

• Lead the end-to-end annual Lifecycle Projects Programme process (identification, prioritisation, scope definition, governance and approvals) and manage delivery to agreed budget, timescales and quality.
• Plan, deliver and govern Hard FM programmes/projects from inception to commissioning and handover, aligning to the RIBA Plan of Work and Serco Health end-to-end project management methodology.
• Embed a safety first culture across projects: ensure compliance with CDM 2015, the Building Safety Act 2022 (where applicable) and relevant healthcare standards (e.g., HTMs/HBNs), including infection control and operational impact requirements.
• Maintain clear controls and audit trails: ensure decisions, approvals, change control, risk management, cost forecasting and programme reporting are documented, version-controlled and traceable.
• Provide assurance that Serco-required controls are applied consistently by your team and supply chain, including governance gateways, approval routes, procurement controls and contract documentation.
• Lead and develop the Projects team (Project Managers and PMO support): capacity planning, allocation of work, coaching, performance management and continuous improvement.
• Ensure contractor compliance: RAMS, competence and qualification checks, resource information and documentation reviewed/approved prior to works.
• Ensure permitting and technical sign-off are controlled: no works commence without the relevant Permits to Work, and completed technical work is reviewed and signed off by the appropriate Approved Person (AP) where required.
• Support and participate in compliance audits and inspections; drive closure of corrective actions and provide evidence packs to Serco and Trust governance as needed.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships with Trust representatives, SPV/PFI partners (where applicable), internal Serco functions and specialist advisors to secure timely decisions and safe delivery.

Does this sound like you? You'll be a great fit for this role if you have:

• Proven programme/project management experience within Hard FM, estates, engineering or construction, ideally in healthcare or similarly regulated environments.
• Strong working knowledge of statutory and non-statutory compliance and how to evidence it (CDM 2015 essential; Building Safety Act 2022 knowledge desirable; understanding of HTMs/HBNs and permit systems advantageous).
• Demonstrable ability to run controlled programmes: governance, change control, risk management, cost forecasting/reforecasting and disciplined reporting with clear audit trails.
• Experience leading and deploying a project management team, including workload planning, coaching and performance management.
• Stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge, escalate and hold the line on controls where safety, compliance, cost or delivery is at risk.
• Relevant qualification (e.g., PRINCE2/Agile) or equivalent experience; commitment to CPD.
• Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office) and confidence working with CAFM/project documentation systems.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to other sites occasionally (if required).

Vetting and checks: A Standard DBS check will be carried out for this position. This includes spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands, and warnings as permitted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. An Occupational Health Questionnaire will also be completed so we can ensure you have the necessary support to perform your duties.

What we offer

• Holidays: 25 days plus bank holidays
• Pension: Up to 6% contributory pension scheme
• Training and development: Over 1,100 internal courses available, funding for qualifications and apprenticeships, mentoring opportunities, and a focus on internal progression
• Health and wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme, Bupa Anytime HealthLine, wellbeing app, 30% off at Serco-managed leisure centres, and 24/7 access to a virtual GP service
• Discounts: Discounts across around 1,000 retailers, from food and clothing to days out, entertainment and travel
• Charity: Paid volunteering day, tax-free charitable giving through Payroll Giving Scheme, donate your pennies from your monthly pay to the Serco People Fund Charity
• Employee networks: Our networks support inclusion and connection by providing spaces for collaboration, learning, and belonging. They represent and empower all our colleagues including LGBTQIA+ employees, women, parents and carers, people with disabilities, veterans, and people from all cultural backgrounds.