Overview
Reporting directly to the Head of Operations, the Deputy Head of Operations will help oversee day-to-day business activities across multiple departments. You will support the planning, coordination, and execution of key operational strategies, ensuring that our systems, processes, and teams are aligned to meet organisational objectives. This is a hands-on, leadership role that demands a strong operational mindset, excellent people management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.
Main duties
We are looking for a proactive and strategic thinker with a solid background in operations management. You should be a confident communicator and proven leader, capable of influencing at all levels and making data-driven decisions.
* Support the Head of Operations in managing core business functions, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and high-quality service delivery.
* Lead operational teams to achieve performance targets and service standards.
* Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.
* Identify and resolve operational issues, streamline processes and implement new systems where appropriate.
* Coordinate cross-departmental projects, ensuring timelines and goals are met.
* Provide leadership, mentoring, and development to team leaders and staff.
* Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, company policies and best practices.
* Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, representing operations in high-level discussions when required.
* Deputise for the Head of Operations in their absence
About Us
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) is one of the region's largest employers and is on an ambitious journey of transformation. Across all our divisions, we are focused on modernising services, strengthening our culture, and driving improvements that support safe, high-quality patient care.
Our Family Health Division brings together Paediatrics, Neonates, Gynaecology and Maternity Services within a newly formed, forward-looking structure. As a developing Division, we are committed to delivering excellent and sustainable services, supported by strong governance, compassionate leadership, and collaborative teamwork.
Excellence Values
* Compassion
* Accountability
* Respect
* Integrity
* Courage
We welcome applications from individuals across all protected groups and are committed to creating an inclusive, collaborative working environment where everyone feels they belong. UHN is proud to recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community. We have signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved the Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. We also have active staff networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds, ensuring that everyone feels represented, supported and valued across our organisation.
Details
Date posted: 04 February 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8c
Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum pro rata
Contract: Secondment
Working pattern: Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working
Reference number: 264-7781039-FAM
Job locations
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire — Kettering / Northampton, NN16 8UZ
Job Description
Job responsibilities: For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the Shortlisting Criteria section of the document.
Person Specification
Essential
* Education, Training & Qualifications: Master\'s degree or equivalent experience; Evidence of extensive CPD maintaining up-to-date knowledge
* Knowledge and experience: Experience within the healthcare sector at senior manager level including acquired skills in people management, budget management and service delivery; Proven track record of achieving challenging healthcare performance targets; Experience of delivering complex programmes of change within a healthcare setting; IT skills to manage and report on highly complex performance management information
* Skills: Excellent written and oral communication skills; Ability to present and narrate highly complex data; Able to analyse and understand complex financial and operational data
Desirable
* Extensive knowledge of the NHS in the acute sector
* Experience of working in an Acute Teaching Hospital setting
Security and Sponsorship
Disclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a submission for Disclosure will be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Employer details
Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Kettering / Northampton, NN16 8UZ
Employer's website: https://www.kgh.nhs.uk/working-for-us
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