Job Summary
We are excited to announce a fantastic opportunity for a Directorate Manager (Band 8C) within our GI & Renal Directorate.
This pivotal role sits at the heart of our clinically-led triumvirate model, working alongside the Directorate Matron and Directorate Medical Director to shape and deliver high-quality, safe, and efficient care across urgent and elective pathways. Reporting to the Divisional Director of Operations, you will provide visible operational leadership, drive strategic service development and ensure performance aligns with Trust priorities and national standards.
We are looking for resilient and forward‑thinking leaders who can:
* Lead complex operational services with clarity, compassion, and strategic vision.
* Inspire teams and foster a culture of inclusion, accountability, and continuous improvement.
* Deliver robust performance across access, quality, workforce, and financial metrics.
* Champion transformation and innovation in response to evolving patient and system needs.
* Collaborate effectively with clinical leaders, system partners and corporate teams.
Key Responsibilities
* Oversee daily operations, manage performance and budgets.
* Coordinate service improvement projects.
* Support workforce planning and engagement.
* Contribute to broader strategic initiatives, including business continuity, governance and transformation.
Strategic & Business Planning
* Develop and lead clear service visions and strategic plans for the Directorate, aligning with the wider Divisional plan and Trust direction.
* Develop the annual Directorate Business Plan in conjunction with departments and service‑level teams.
* Ensure the senior management team focuses on critical areas such as staff group development, access target achievement and efficiency improvements to meet financial obligations.
Operational Management
* Lead responsibility with the Directorate for the development of the Business Plan and monitoring progress.
* Lead responsibility for department/service‑level viability, including implementation of the Business Plan and progress monitoring.
* Manage all aspects of operational management of the Directorate.
* Deliver all performance targets contained in the Business Plan, including waiting lists, finance and CQC standards, and analysis of complex data for interventions.
* Deal with and respond to complaints in line with local protocols.
* Lead service improvement projects across the Directorate to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
* Map clinical and support processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement solutions to maximise service improvement opportunities.
* Ensure workforce plans support efficient and effective staff utilisation.
* Participate in the senior managers on‑call rota.
Person Specification – Knowledge & Experience
* Demonstrable experience of successful operational management at a middle/senior level within a complex organisation.
* Significant managerial experience at a senior level within a health care environment.
* Proven track record of strategic planning.
* Financial and performance management skills, data literacy, and pathway management.
* Effective team and people management experience.
* Change management experience including service redesign techniques.
* Track record of delivering targets and improving services; ability to develop and deliver business plans and cases.
* Ability to develop and utilise effective professional networks.
* Management experience of staff from a variety of professional and occupational backgrounds.
* Knowledge of workforce planning principles and practice.
* Understanding of the NHS, its infrastructure and partner healthcare organisations.
* Understanding of NHS targets, funding arrangements (particularly NHS tariffs) and the processes for delivering them.
* Knowledge of service delivery in a healthcare setting and information systems required to support activity.
* Practical understanding of financial and commissioning frameworks.
* Knowledge of Payment by Results and its impact.
* Capacity planning, waiting‑list management and business‑case development.
* Knowledge of performance management principles and practice.
* Experience leading a diverse function team.
Person Specification – Desirable
* Experience working with clinical teams in redesign or transformation.
* Knowledge of digital health tools or command‑centre operations.
Qualifications
* First‑degree level education or equivalent.
* Master’s degree or equivalent experience.
* Evidence of continued management/leadership development and commitment to professional development.
Aptitude & Abilities
* Highly developed influencing and collaboration skills.
* Highly developed interpersonal and organisational skills.
* Excellent written communication and ability to present complex information understandably.
* Excellent analytical skills with the ability to distil key themes and trends from complex data.
* Project‑management experience.
Disposition / Attitude / Motivation
* Decisive, strategic thinker, inclusive leader, calm under pressure.
* Personal credibility and ability to gain confidence of clinicians, managers, staff and service users rapidly.
* Inspires others and leads by example.
* Ability to manage large, diverse teams in a demanding environment.
* Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
* Capability to work under tight deadlines and switch between tasks at short notice.
* Self‑motivated with initiative and ability to work with minimal supervision.
* Exemplary personal standards of conduct.
* Resilient and able to facilitate change.
* Team player with capacity to work with clinicians and staff at all levels.
Employment Information
* Reference number: 216-AH-DD7698115
* Location: University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: 8C
* Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year (per annum)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
Additional Information
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled‑Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
All communication will be electronic. Please check your email account regularly. If you need additional support or reasonable adjustments with the application process, contact the recruitment manager.
We encourage people from diverse backgrounds to apply. Some vacancies may close before the closing date; if you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please consider yourself not shortlisted.
Employer Details
* Employer: University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust
* Address: University Hospital Plymouth NHS Trust, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
* Website: https://www.plymouthhospitals.nhs.uk/
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