Job overview
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Senior Diagnostic Transformation Manager to lead a pivotal portfolio at the heart of our local and regional diagnostic strategy. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future of NHS diagnostics—driving innovation, efficiency, and improved patient outcomes.
As Senior Diagnostic Transformation Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across the Community Diagnostic Centres (CDC) programme, spearhead the redesign of diagnostic pathways, and play a central role in the development and delivery of wider diagnostic strategy across our system.
You will work collaboratively with clinical, operational, and system partners to ensure that diagnostics are accessible, efficient, and aligned with national policy and local priorities.
Main duties of the job
Leadership & Programme Management
1. Lead the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of the CDC programme, ensuring milestones, standards, and benefits are achieved.
2. Manage complex, multi-stakeholder programmes with robust governance, reporting, and assurance.
Diagnostic Pathway Redesign
3. Lead the re-design and optimisation of diagnostic pathways to improve access, reduce variation, and support earlier diagnosis.
4. Work with clinical leads, operational teams, and patient groups to co-produce pathways that reflect best practice and emerging technologies.
Strategic Development
5. Provide expert advice on diagnostic transformation policy, guidance, and workforce implications.
6. Support business case development, investment planning, and long-term transformation priorities.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification for detailed responsibilities of this role
Person specification
Qualifications and experience
Essential criteria
7. Senior NHS leadership experience
8. Masters level degree or equivalent knowledge
9. Proven experience of delivering change programme in NHS
Desirable criteria
10. Project management qualification
Skills
Essential criteria
11. Demonstrable skills in maintaining effective relationships with clinical colleagues
12. Leading multi-disciplinary teams
13. Development of strategic plans
Desirable criteria
14. Knowledge of CDC programme
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
15. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
16. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications