Job overview
Stakeholder Event: 16th June 2026 / Panel Interview: 24th and 25th June 2026
Divisional Director of Operations
2 vacancies: Medicine Division and Surgery Division
Following the launch of our new target operating model and restructuring of our clinical divisions, we are seeking a Director of Operations (DDO) for our Medicine Division and our Surgery Division. The DDO is a key role within the organisation and is responsible for providing operational management and leadership of a complex division in one of England’s largest acute hospital Trusts. A visionary leader who demonstrates an inclusive and engaging leadership style, you will balance operational delivery with quality and financial performance. Reporting to the Divisional Managing Director, this is a fantastic opportunity for an established Operations Director or deputy looking for their next challenge. Working closely with the Divisional Medical Director and Divisional Director of Nursing, you will be part of a strong team focused on providing high standards of patient experience and delivering our strategy ‘excellent care everywhere’.
To succeed in this role, you will be able to demonstrate a strong understanding of operational management in an acute NHS hospital setting and a proven track record of improving and maintaining operational performance standards.
Main duties of the job
The Divisional Director of Operations (DDO) is responsible for the day-to-day operational management of the Division, ensuring safe, effective, and efficient delivery of services.
The DDO works closely with the Managing Director, Divisional Medical Director, and Divisional Director of Nursing to achieve divisional and Trust objectives.
The DDO leads on performance management, service delivery, and operational improvement, supporting the development and implementation of operational strategic plans. This role requires highly complex communication, expert-level professional knowledge, autonomy, and broad organisational influence.
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and 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, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
1. The Divisional Director has overall responsibility and accountability for developing and implementing the strategy and business plan for the Division to support the Trust Annual Plan.
2. Divisional Directors will be expected to help shape the Trust’s strategy and business plans, supporting the overall implementation of the Trust’s strategy, enabling good cross‑Divisional working and contribute to major strategic developments
3. Set clear objectives and performance standards for all services within the division, ensuring alignment with Trust-wide goals and regulatory requirements.
4. Monitor and evaluate service delivery using key performance indicators (KPIs), clinical outcomes, and patient feedback. Take proactive steps to address underperformance, risks, or emerging issues including analysing service delivery issues and developing action plans
5. Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, empowering teams to take ownership of their areas and encouraging innovation in service delivery.
6. Ensure compliance with national and local standards, maintaining high levels of patient safety, quality, and efficiency
7. Design robust operational frameworks that define processes, roles, and responsibilities across the division, supporting effective decision-making and resource allocation.
8. Oversee the allocation and management of financial, human, and physical resources, ensuring optimal use to deliver high-quality care within budgetary constraints.
Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for full duties and responsibilities.
Person specification
Knowledge and Skills
Essential criteria
9. Master’s degree or equivalent knowledge/ experience
10. Educated to degree level or equivalent professional level in any relevant discipline
11. Evidence of continuing professional development
12. Relevant Specialist Knowledge i.e. Lean, continuous improvement and pathway redesign methodology, digital improvement approaches etc
13. Expert level knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and quality domains and NHS England assurance frameworks, including Provider Capability Assessment requirements
14. Good understanding of employment law, workforce policy, equality, diversity and inclusion obligations as well as information governance, data protection, confidentiality standards
Desirable criteria
15. Project Management/ Prince 2
Experience
Essential criteria
16. Extensive senior management experience in healthcare
17. Experience of managing multiple specialties
18. Demonstrable evidence of achievement in operational management roles
19. Experience of project and change management
20. Sound knowledge of NHS structure and targets
21. Demonstrable evidence of success in managing large teams and budgets
Desirable criteria
22. Experience in multi-agency planning and service delivery
Communication Skills
Essential criteria
23. Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information
24. Skilled in negotiation and influencing
25. Ability to present to large groups and write Board-level reports
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
26. Highly developed leadership skills
27. Experience of successful management teams and individuals
28. Experience of implementing people management processes
Desirable criteria
29. Coaching or mentoring qualification
Analytical and Judgement Skills
Essential criteria
30. Highly developed numeric and analytical skills
31. Ability to analyse and interpret a wide range of information
32. Ability to make sound judgements and decisions
Planning and Organising Skills
Essential criteria
33. Strategic thinking; Ability to plan over various timescales and adjust resources accordingly
Freedom to Act
Essential criteria
34. Ability to make autonomous decisions on complex issues, often under pressure
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
35. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
36. 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