Senior Operational Lead - Capital Build Projects *Internal Vacancy* in Sheffield

The Medicine Care Group is embarking on a major, multi-year rebuild and expansion of our Emergency Department (ED) and Acute Assessment Unit (AAU) -- the final stage of our long-awaited Build It Better Programme.

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Operational Lead to play a pivotal role in driving this next phase of development. Working closely with clinical teams, estates colleagues, operational leaders and external contractors, you will ensure the project is delivered safely, efficiently and in line with our strategic ambitions.

This is a complex programme that requires meticulous planning, strong communication and the ability to balance service continuity with large-scale construction activity. You will provide oversight and assurance on behalf of the Associate Director of Operations for Medicine, ensuring that our existing departments continue to run smoothly while the new facilities take shape.

If you are an organised, forward-thinking operational leader with a passion for improvement and the confidence to navigate a high-profile capital project, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

• Work closely with clinical, estates, operational colleagues, as well as external contractors to ensure the rebuild project is delivered effectively.
• Provide a visible operational presence within Estates Planning and ensure smooth coordination between Trust operations and construction activity.
• Lead major capital projects including refurbishments, redevelopments, and new builds, in line with Trust project management processes.
• Support development of business cases, including options appraisals and feasibility work.
• Identify and manage project risks, maintain risk registers, and implement mitigation plans.
• Build effective project teams and maintain strong communication with all stakeholders.

At Sheffield Children’s, our purpose is clear: to provide healthier futures for children and young people. Our three strategic aims are Outstanding Patient Care, Brilliant Place to Work, and Leaders in Children’s Health.

We work with partners across local, regional, and national levels to deliver physical and mental healthcare in both acute and community settings. Many of our clinicians are nationally and internationally recognised for their expertise.

We’re proud that 73% of colleagues would recommend Sheffield Children’s as a place to work, placing us among the top five NHS trusts in England -- and the top-ranked trust in the North East and Yorkshire -- in the latest NHS Staff Survey.

Our nearly 4,000 colleagues bring our CARE values -- Compassion, Accountability, Respect, and Excellence -- to life every day, creating a kind, welcoming environment where patients and families feel safe and supported.

As we approach our 150th anniversary in 2026, we’re excited to keep building our leadership in children’s health, improve experiences for patients and staff, and focus on our communities and population health.

We also offer excellent benefits to support your wellbeing, with generous annual leave and pension schemes, health and wellbeing programmes, and exclusive discounts -- helping you thrive at work and beyond.

Person Specification

• Graduate level education and/or professional qualification.
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant field.
• Substantial management experience and achievement at operational level, within an NHS Provider organisation.
• Evidence of significant achievement in strategic level projects or complex work-streams.
• Evidence of strong and recent commitment to continuing managerial development.
• Knowledge and understanding of NHS policy and context.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, using evidence to inform decision-making with robust approaches to understanding current state and developing future plans.
• Good understanding of financial management, including income and expenditure.
• Ability to facilitate and manage change effectively, with strong organisational skills and ability to plan/implement effective projects and work-streams.
• Effective influencing, enabling others to perform and holding to account, collaborative working within and outside teams.
• Using resources effectively and efficiently, including maximising skills in others.
• Achieving results, including drive for results across a broad ranging set of key outcomes, maintaining service user focus and personal high integrity at all times.
• Significant experience of budgetary and risk management.

Personal Attributes

• Resilient and able to manage a challenging agenda in a positive manner.
• Ability to manage self and exhibit personal skills, including self-awareness, self-management and drive for improvement and be able to lead others effectively.

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.

At Sheffield Children’s, we are committed to creating an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity and supports everyone’s success. We prioritise Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion in our recruitment practices, creating a welcoming space for people of all backgrounds, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ members.

Recognising that inclusivity is an ongoing effort, we review our processes and welcome feedback to enhance our practices. A diverse team strengthens our organisation and the quality of care we deliver.