We are currently supporting an Acute NHS Trust in the urgent appointment of an experienced Interim Service Manager to lead day-to-day operations across Surgery and Orthopaedics. This is a key role within the Clinical Business Unit (CBU) and will require a proactive and dynamic manager to help maintain operational grip, performance delivery and service continuity during a critical period.
This assignment is offered via the CCS NMNC RM6277 framework, and all rates will be in line with NHS agency caps for Band 8a or 8b, depending on experience.
The Role:
As Service Manager, you will provide operational and strategic leadership across the Surgery and Orthopaedics specialties. Reporting directly to the Associate Director of Operations, and working alongside Clinical and Nursing leadership, you will be responsible for ensuring delivery against key performance, quality, financial, and workforce objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
Day-to-day operational management of the Surgery & Orthopaedics CBU;
Lead service planning, performance monitoring, and delivery of national targets (e.g. RTT, elective recovery);
Manage capacity and demand information to ensure efficient patient flows and timely care;
Act as a key liaison between medical, nursing, operational and corporate teams;
Prepare business cases, capital bids, and service improvement plans;
Support financial management and ensure budget adherence;
Lead complaint investigations and respond to incidents to drive quality improvement;
Champion multi-disciplinary team working and staff engagement;
Drive forward service development initiatives in line with Trust priorities.
Candidate Requirements:
Proven NHS operational management experience at Band 8a or above;
Strong understanding of surgical/orthopaedic pathways, elective recovery, and access standards;
Demonstrable experience managing complex services and meeting performance targets;
Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills;
Comfortable working with clinical leaders, corporate teams, and frontline staff;
Experience with business case preparation and service reconfiguration;
Ability to work autonomously and deliver in a fast-paced environment.
If you are interested in the role, please email Toni Coates with a copy of your updated CV to (url removed) along with your availability and rate understanding in line with the above