Lexica is a leading specialist consultancy, transforming environments for clients in health and life sciences. From June 2025 Lexica is a member of WSP (UK) Ltd and will be fully integrated into the organisation by Jan 2026. We are helping organisations to become more efficient and effective in the core sectors that we work in; whether improving patient pathways for the NHS, developing laboratories to facilitate world-leading science, or rationalising educational campuses to attract the highest calibre students and research investment. Our clients tell us that we are different from other consultancies. They know that we have a wide range of skills across the business that gives us a competitive edge over other organisations. By joining Lexica, you will be part of the journey with our clients and colleagues.

Our Senior Project/Programme Managers are responsible for managing the delivery and performance of capital infrastructure projects and programmes of varying size and complexity. This role covers the full lifecycle of project and/or programme delivery – from strategic case through to post-occupancy.

We offer a hybrid working model and, project permitting, employees may work from home for up to two days per week.

What we expect from you

• Management of activities and deliverables to ensure timely delivery of projects and programmes, working alongside wider teams comprising client teams, designers and other consultants and contractors
• In conjunction with the project/programme sponsor or business lead (which may be a client) establish and champion a vision and purpose for the project/programme providing a clear understanding to delivery teams and stakeholders the overall purpose, what is to be achieved and the scope of the project/programme
• Define, plan and implement the delivery structure, phasing, and resources needed to deliver the required outcomes that will realise the business case and return on investment for the client
• Manage and monitor project/programme finances, resources and activities within agreed project/programme parameters and tolerances, balancing conflicting demands and dependencies across workstreams and packages
• Identify, evaluate mitigate and manage risks, issues and dependencies in accordance with recognised industry standards or agreed risk management policy, framework and project/programme governance
• Lead manage and motivate delivery teams and others working on the project/programme to ensure there is a clear understanding of outcomes roles and responsibilities
• Lead production of regular delivery performance reports in accordance with the format required by the client to provide concise and up to date delivery status to support senior level decision making
• Support the smooth running of programme/project governance and decision-making, contributing delivery subject matter expertise and context when required
• Manage the successful delivery of health and life science projects and programmes of varying size and complexity
• Act as the key point of contact for clients and teams related to these commissions
• Work to structured and recognised project management processes and procedures
• Assist in the development and management of a high performing specialist team of consultants
• Proactively monitor progress to ensure that all commissions are managed in line with Company values, standing financial instructions, and industry good practice, and in compliance with appropriate legislation, statutory approvals and mandatory standards
• Comply with commission execution plans, ensuring they are updated as appropriate, throughout the commission
• Monitor fee management and support the team to achieve financial targets
  

What you will bring to the role

• Demonstrable experience in acting as the Lead Project or programme Manager i.e. being the accountable person for delivery of that commission
• Demonstratable experience as a Senior Project /programme Manager in complex project/programme environments. Construction, consultancy, health or life science-related experience is an advantage
• Experience in presenting at programme and project board meetings using written and visual presentation methods and tools
• Demonstrable experience of project delivery utilising common procurement methods and contract strategies ideally NEC 3 or 4
• Experience in delivering in accordance with industry delivery best practice, such as the NHS Capital Investment Manual, RIBA Plan of Work, OGC Gateways
• Substantial experience of engaging with diverse stakeholder groups at all levels of seniority. Ability to translate technical information into easily understandable concepts for non-technical stakeholders
• Good working knowledge of the public sector, and an understanding of the requirements of healthcare, life sciences or higher education projects
• Understanding of capital and procurement protocols
• Excellent communications and facilitation skills formal report writing, advising on complex issues and / or recommendations
• Preferably educated to degree or equivalent level in a relevant field
• Membership of a chartered institute in the construction industry (e.g. RICS, CIBSE, CIOB, APM or MICE)
• Recognised Project/programme Management qualifications and/or chartership, e.g. APM PMQ, Managing Successful Programmes, NEC PM accreditation, MRICs or ChPP

What makes Lexica a great place to work

At Lexica, you'll work in a supportive and inclusive work environment, with access to ongoing learning and development opportunities. If you share our commitment to Professionalism, Innovation, Knowledge and Collaboration, joining Lexica is the way to make a real difference.

We work in an agile and inclusive environment bringing our expertise to each project. We are at our best when we work together to help others and have supported many local and national charities over the years. You will be joining an ideas-driven culture that embraces new perspectives to solve complex problems.

We are organisational members of Social Value UK, and are committed to achieving social and environmental progress, whilst ensuring the success of our organisation and the organisations we serve. We strive to maximise the opportunity to deliver social value benefits to our clients or as a result of the work we do.

Recruitment Data Protection

Lexica (“we” or “us”) handles personal data about you when you apply to work for us, whether as a permanent, or temporary employee or as a contractor or consultant. The information you provide is protected by data protection law, in the UK this is General Data Protection Regulation (“GDPR”). Further information regarding how we process and control your data can be found in our Recruitment Data Privacy Notice | Lexica