Job Summary
We are looking for an exceptional Head of Operations who is dynamic, resilient, compassionate and inspires, engages and drives performance. As a key leader within UHN you will embody our values, champion a culture of excellence, accountability and collaboration, and deliver measurable improvements in performance, finance and quality to benefit patients and staff.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead operational excellence initiatives, manage cost controls and deliver successful change programmes.
* Provide inspirational leadership, set high standards, energise teams and promote accountability.
* Analyse complex problems and develop innovative, practical solutions without awaiting executive approval.
* Challenge constructively to maximise productivity, value for money and clinical outcomes.
* Seek and apply best practices regionally and nationally, using data to inform decisions.
* Work across divisional boundaries, build external relationships and plan strategically for future healthcare at UHN.
* Maintain a patient‑centred focus, ensuring all actions support the highest quality of patient care.
Education & Qualifications
* MSc/Master’s level or equivalent management knowledge.
* Extensive knowledge of the NHS acute sector and medical/surgical services.
* Specialist strategic knowledge in people management, financial management and programme delivery.
* Evidence of ongoing CPD maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge.
Knowledge & Experience
* Senior managerial role in a large complex NHS organisation, with responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control of medical/surgical specialties.
* Experience leading large change programmes and driving performance improvements.
* Ability to analyse complex problems and deliver workable solutions.
* Experience in service development, policy introduction and strategy implementation.
* Experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets and complex contracts.
* Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to support partnership working.
Skills
* Excellent written and oral communication.
* Team building, staff motivation and conflict resolution.
* Strategic, tactical and creative thinking with prioritisation skills.
* Ability to present and interpret highly complex data and financial information.
* Proficiency in IT systems for performance management reporting.
* Strong negotiating skills and ability to manage performance under tight deadlines.
* Capacity to work within unpredictable patterns, applying initiative and determination.
Key Competencies / Personal Qualities
* Commitment to UHN’s values of compassion, accountability, respect, integrity and courage.
* Demonstrated inclusive and compassionate leadership, supporting diversity and equality.
* Behaviourally consistent with the Trust’s values and behaviours.
* Willingness and ability to travel between Kettering and Northampton sites and participate in on‑call rota.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.
Additional Information
* Disclosure and Barring Service check is required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
* Applications from skilled‑worker sponsorship seekers are welcome and will be considered.
* Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Employer Details
Employer: Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Northampton, NN1 5BD
Location
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire – Northampton
Contract
Permanent, full‑time, part‑time, job share or flexible working options available.
Salary
£109,179 to £125,637 per year, pro rata, band 9.
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