Job Summary
Are you an experienced NHS operational manager looking for an exciting opportunity to progress your career in a cutting‑edge, world‑leading specialist cancer centre? The Christie NHS Foundation Trust is recruiting an experienced operational manager to lead our Acute and Inpatient Directorate. The right person will have experience or a demonstrable passion for delivery of acute medical or cancer services with a track record of performance, transformation and clinical pathway improvement.
About Us
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. Based in Manchester, we serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire and receive referrals from all over the UK. Our services include radiotherapy, chemotherapy, specialist surgery, diagnostics, and world‑class research with more than 300 clinical trials annually.
Job Details
* Date posted: 08 March 2026
* Band: 8b
* Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year (pro‑rata)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 413‑104038‑CSSS‑SD
* Location: Manchester, M20 4BX
Responsibilities
1. Strategic Planning and Service Development
Develop and implement long‑term service strategy and policies, resolve conflicts, interpret broad policies and NHS guidance, and lead service planning to support continued development of services.
2. Service/Operational Management
Coordinate operational management of departments, plan strategy to meet performance targets within budgets, provide leadership, ensure effective performance systems, and develop work plans aligned with Trust objectives.
3. Service Improvement
Manage improvements in patient experience and operational efficiency using redesign techniques; write improvement reports, business cases, and lead projects to enhance care delivery.
4. Financial Management & Business Planning
Manage service budgets, prepare business cases, conduct option appraisals, contribute to budget setting, and monitor financial performance against targets.
5. Human Resources Management
Implement Trust HR strategy, recruit, manage performance and discipline processes, develop workforce plans, chair appointment panels, and ensure flexible working practices.
6. Communication
Communicate complex information to senior managers and external agencies, negotiate and influence, and present to staff and the public.
7. Education, Training, Audit, Research and Development
Ensure training plans are in place, lead audit projects, and support ongoing professional development.
8. General
Participate in management on‑call, weekend, and bank holiday site management rota.
Qualifications & Experience
* Qualifications (Essential)
o First degree or equivalent, preferably in management or a clinical profession.
o In‑depth professional knowledge with additional specialist knowledge in finance, performance, service improvement, and staff management to Masters level.
o Commitment to ongoing professional development.
* Qualifications (Desirable)
o Experience managing staff from a range of professional backgrounds.
o Working towards, or holding, an MSc in health sciences, management, or a clinical profession.
* Experience (Essential)
o Proven NHS middle‑management experience.
o Understanding of complex service management and operational/strategic problem solving.
o Track record of leadership, redesign, organisational change, and delivering key organisational targets.
o Experience designing and implementing long‑term strategic plans, managing large staff groups and HR strategies, budgets, business cases, and project management.
o Ability to operate effectively in a pressurised, unpredictable environment.
* Skills (Essential)
o Innovative, creative, and able to interpret national and local strategy.
o Excellent interpersonal, persuasive, facilitative, and leadership skills.
o Strong communication, influencing, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills.
o Team player with analytical ability to make data‑driven decisions.
o Good presentation skills and the ability to prepare board‑level reports.
* Knowledge (Essential)
o Knowledge of clinical areas, NHS changes, national political agenda, and change management theory.
o Understanding of strategic management processes, clinical governance, risk management, business planning, and IT systems.
* Other (Essential)
o Corporate player who links strategy and operations.
o Assertive, confident, emotionally resilient, and able work under own initiative.
o High computer literacy and ability to work on call.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975; a submission for disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service is required to check for any previous convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers requiring UK skilled‑worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer Details
* Employer name: The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
* Address: Manchester, M20 4BX
* Website: https://www.christie.nhs.uk/
Application
To apply, please use the application portal on our website and upload your CV and cover letter.
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