Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us. The Deputy Operations Manager for Portering Services plays a pivotal role in ensuring the safe, efficient, and responsive delivery of Portering services across the Trust, supporting patient flow and essential operational activity across both SGH and PAH.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the Portering workforce, providing day‑to‑day management of Supervisors and Porters, ensuring staff are deployed effectively and service standards are consistently met.
- Manage live operational activity, resolve issues independently, support emergency response, and ensure continuity of service across all shifts using digital task management and rostering systems.
- Drive service quality and improvement by monitoring performance data, supporting audits, producing reports, and contributing to the implementation of new systems and technologies.
- Support staff development and compliance, overseeing training, induction and appraisal processes, and ensuring adherence to Trust policies, Health & Safety requirements, and infection‑control standards.
- Report to the Portering Operations Manager, deputise when required, and work closely with the Site Operations Team, clinical departments and internal stakeholders to maintain a resilient, well‑coordinated service.
Essential Criteria
- Educated to foundation degree level in Facilities Management, Business Administration, or a related subject, or equivalent experience.
- Experience supervising or coordinating portering or facilities staff within a healthcare or similar operational environment.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to motivate staff and build effective working relationships across departments.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and maintain professionalism under pressure, including during emergency or time‑critical situations.
- Capable of working independently, using initiative and sound judgement with minimal supervision.
- Demonstrated ability to lead by example and promote a culture of safety, respect, compassion and inclusion.
- Health and Safety qualification (e.g., IOSH, NEBOSH) or willingness to work towards one.
- Proficiency in Microsoft 365 applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
Desirable Criteria
- Understanding of relevant statutory requirements and operational standards.
- Experience supporting service improvement initiatives or change management.
- Practical knowledge of portering operations, including staff deployment, patient and equipment transfers, and service delivery.
Additional Information
- This role supports a 7‑day service; the postholder will work across a rota that includes weekdays and weekends.
- Training will be provided, and opportunities will be available to develop leadership skills and advance within the Portering management structure.
Inclusive Working Environment
We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute. At UHS, we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible and to creating an anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered.
