Location
Hybrid working based at UK Health Security Agency HQ, London (Canary Wharf). Flexible working options available with a hybrid model requiring approximately 60% of working hours on-site.

Hours
Full Time - standard Civil Service working hours

Salary
£70,566 per annum plus Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme with employer contribution of 28.97%

About the Role
The Vaccine & Immunisation Programme Operations Lead plays a critical role in supporting the delivery of national immunisation programmes within UKHSA. Reporting to the Head of Vaccine and Immunisation Programmes, you will lead the operational delivery of a defined portfolio of vaccine programmes, ensuring continuity of vaccine supply across the NHS and wider health system.
The role is situated within the Commercial, Vaccines & Countermeasures Delivery Directorate and involves close collaboration with colleagues across Commercial, Finance, Digital, Analytical and Policy functions, as well as external partners including vaccine manufacturers, suppliers, the Department of Health and Social Care, NHS organisations and public health stakeholders.
You will be responsible for programme planning, supply chain oversight, stock optimisation and governance activities, ensuring programmes are delivered effectively, efficiently and aligned with strategic objectives.
Key responsibilities include coordinating complex operational activity, managing risks and issues, supporting procurement activity, contributing to business case development and decision-making processes, and providing leadership within a matrix environment to foster collaborative working across organisational boundaries.
You will support continuous improvement initiatives, maximise value for money and contribute to the resilience of vaccine supply arrangements, helping to protect public health and ensure the successful delivery of national vaccination programmes across the UK.

Experience
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. public health, public policy, management, economics) or significant equivalent experience demonstrating advanced analytical capability, structured problem solving and leadership of complex programmes.
- Demonstrable experience working in complex programme, operational or delivery environments, including pharmaceutical, health, supply chain or other large-scale public service settings.
- Proven experience managing complex operations or programmes, including planning, monitoring and delivering projects/workstreams to time, cost and quality requirements.
- Experience of project and programme management, including defining scope, managing interdependencies and delivering agreed objectives.
- Ability to mitigate risks, optimise processes and achieve timely, cost-effective outcomes aligned with organisational objectives.
- Ability to work autonomously, make decisions and lead projects at middle-management level using sound judgement.
- Ability to build and sustain effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including senior leaders, partners and suppliers, and to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

About you
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to foster collaborative and supportive working environments.
- Experience of line management and developing high-performing teams is desirable.
- Ability to draft robust and evidence-based business cases.
- Clear communicator with the ability to provide direction, empower team members and ensure accountability for delivery of objectives.
- Commitment to inclusion, diversity and continuous improvement.

Qualifications
- Postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience as detailed above.
- Successful candidates must pass a Basic Personnel Security Standard check prior to appointment.