The Crucial Role of a Band 6 NHS IT Project Manager
In today’s rapidly evolving healthcare landscape, the NHS heavily relies on robust IT infrastructure to deliver safe, efficient, and patient-centered care. A Band 6 IT Project Manager plays a pivotal role in leading digital transformation initiatives, coordinating project teams, and delivering tech-based solutions that directly impact clinical and operational efficiency.
Typically reporting to a senior IT leader or Programme Manager, a Band 6 Project Manager is responsible for planning, executing, and closing projects within scope, time, and budget. This includes stakeholder engagement, risk management, resource allocation, and ensuring compliance with NHS governance frameworks and information standards.
The salary for a Band 6 position in the NHS Agenda for Change pay scale ranges from £35,392 to £42,618 (as of 2024–2025), offering a competitive package along with benefits like generous annual leave, pension contributions, and training opportunities.
To help you prepare, here are 20 commonly asked Band 6 NHS IT Project Manager interview questions—with example answers and tips to help you stand out.
Tell us about your experience managing IT projects in a healthcare setting.
Answer: I’ve managed multiple digital health projects, including deploying EPR systems and digitising paper-based workflows. I follow PRINCE2 principles, ensuring stakeholder involvement, risk logging, and measurable outcomes. My recent work reduced admin time for clinicians by 30%.
How do you prioritise competing projects or tasks?
Answer: I use tools like RAID logs and RAG status indicators and consult stakeholders to assess urgency, strategic alignment, and resource availability. Prioritisation also considers patient safety impact.
Describe your approach to stakeholder engagement.
Answer: I map stakeholders early in the project, understand their interests, and use regular updates, meetings, and feedback loops. Building trust is key—especially in clinical environments where adoption depends on clear communication.
How do you manage project risks?
Answer: I maintain a live risk register, assign owners, and update mitigation strategies during project reviews. I’ve successfully mitigated data migration risks during a PAS implementation through staged testing.
Can you explain how you’ve used PRINCE2 or Agile in previous roles?
Answer: I’m PRINCE2 certified and tailor the methodology depending on project needs. For example, I’ve combined Agile sprints within a PRINCE2 structure to manage iterative EHR module development.
What’s your approach to change management in IT projects?
Answer: I engage users early, conduct training, and communicate the benefits and timelines clearly. I also involve change champions from clinical teams to support smoother transitions.
How do you handle project delays?
Answer: I immediately assess the root cause, adjust the project plan, and communicate with stakeholders. I also reallocate resources or de-scope where needed to stay aligned with strategic goals.
What experience do you have with NHS Digital standards or NHS frameworks?
Answer: I’ve worked with DSPT compliance, SNOMED CT, and data protection regulations. Ensuring interoperability and patient data security is a top priority in all my projects.
Tell us about a time you faced resistance to an IT change.
Answer: During an EPR rollout, some clinical teams were hesitant. I arranged hands-on demos and peer-led training sessions, which significantly improved acceptance.
How do you track project performance?
Answer: I use KPIs, Gantt charts, and RAG reporting to track performance against time, budget, and scope. Dashboards help ensure visibility for senior management and trust boards.
Describe your communication style.
Answer: Clear, concise, and tailored to the audience. I use technical terms with IT teams and layman’s terms with clinical or non-technical stakeholders. Regular updates and documentation are key.
What software tools do you use for project management?
Answer: I use MS Project, Trello, JIRA, and NHS-specific tools like e-RS and EPIC modules, depending on the project. These help with tracking, collaboration, and reporting.
How do you ensure your project aligns with trust-wide strategic goals?
Answer: I review organisational strategies and engage with executive sponsors. Aligning project objectives with QIPP initiatives and NHS Long Term Plan ensures support and funding.
What’s your biggest project success story?
Answer: I led a £500K PACS upgrade project that finished 2 weeks early and 10% under budget, improving imaging access for clinicians and reducing patient wait times by 20%.
How do you balance technical and clinical perspectives in your work?
Answer: I facilitate cross-disciplinary workshops, ensuring both sides understand each other’s priorities. I act as a translator, aligning IT capabilities with clinical workflows.
How do you manage third-party vendors?
Answer: I create SLAs, hold regular performance reviews, and include them in governance meetings. I once successfully renegotiated a support contract saving the trust £30K annually.
What makes a project ‘successful’ in your view?
Answer: It delivers the intended benefits on time, within budget, and is accepted by users. For NHS projects, patient safety and service improvement are key indicators.
How do you support your team under pressure?
Answer: I ensure workloads are realistic, offer flexibility, and encourage open communication. I’ve introduced “wellbeing check-ins” during high-pressure delivery phases.
What would you do in your first 90 days in this role?
Answer: I’d meet key stakeholders, review the current digital roadmap, assess ongoing projects, and align with governance frameworks to identify quick wins and strategic priorities.
Why should we hire you?
Answer: I bring a unique blend of IT project delivery experience, NHS operational insight, and stakeholder engagement skills. I’m passionate about using technology to improve patient outcomes and service delivery.
Final Interview Tips and Encouragement
Preparing for a Band 6 NHS IT Project Manager role requires a mix of technical knowledge, healthcare experience, and strong interpersonal skills. Here are a few final tips:
Research the specific NHS Trust and its digital strategy or recent initiatives.
Be ready to share quantifiable achievements.
Practice STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format for behavioural questions.
Don’t just show you can manage a project—show how you’ll contribute to the NHS’s mission.
You’ve got this. Be confident, be prepared, and remember—you’re interviewing for a role that shapes the future of healthcare delivery.
If you found this guide helpful, share it with others preparing for NHS digital roles or bookmark it for your next interview prep session. Good luck!
