Design and Collaboration Manager

As Design and Collaboration Manager you will:

• Design and deliver impactful improvement programmes using service design systems thinking and innovation approaches.

• Facilitate collaboration and learning through engaging workshops coaching and participatory activities with diverse stakeholders.

• Lead projects from idea to impact bringing together evidence insight and people to deliver meaningful change.

• Build trusted partnerships and grow new opportunities developing relationships proposals and services that expand Qs impact.

• Shape and strengthen Qs work contributing to learning innovation and an inclusive approach across everything we do.

About you

We would love to hear from you ifyou:

• Bring substantial experience in service design systems thinking innovation and/or improvement methods and can help others apply these approaches to achieve change

• Can create participatory equitable spaces for diverse groups including senior leaders practitioners and patients

• Are comfortable scoping designing and delivering multiple projects from start to impact coordinating matrix teams and maintaining priorities under uncertainty

• Build trust quickly with clients partners and external stakeholders

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to equality diversity and inclusion in both programme content and day-to-day practice

About Q

Q is a membership community collaboratively accelerating the improvement of care in the UK and Ireland. We learn together support each other and share insights to address health system challenges. And we provide a range of paid for services that draw on our expertise in improvement innovation and transformation to help deliver sustainable change in health care organisations and systems. We operate as a distinct unit within the NHS Alliance working in active partnership with the wider organisation with a view to potential increased integration during 2026 and beyond.

To apply

As part of our diverse recruitment practice we use blind applications. The only information available to the shortlisting panel will be section one of the application form.

Please download the job description and click apply to complete the application form. Please note we do not accept CVs.

For an informal discussion about the post before applyingplease contactLibby Keck on(before 22ndOctober) and Zarina Siganporia on (after 23rd October).

Application deadline:8th November 2026 11:59pm (please note we may close the advert early should we receive a high number of suitable applications).

Interview date:19th November 2026

Unfortunately we are currently unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role. Applicants must therefore have a valid right to work in the UK which will be required at the point of offer.

The NHS Alliance is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive environment for our staff. A place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of inclusive employment policies including family friendly policies and flexible working and we have range of channels to support staff from different backgrounds including our fantastic staff EDI networks and trade unions.

The NHS Alliance is committed to being a flexible employer. We understand the value and benefit to our employees being able to work flexibly and our agile working principles are designed to empower our people to work with optimal flexibility and minimal constraints to enable them to fulfil their potential at work whilst balancing home life and health and wellbeing.

You will receive an excellent benefits package including 30 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) options to buy or sell additional leave continuous professional development salary sacrifice schemes including our pension scheme cycle to work and green car schemes time off for volunteering and much more.