Job overview
A vacancy has opened up for an Operational Manager at the Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. This service is located in Chorlton and supports a varied and diverse client group. Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service is a welcoming, friendly and high performing team.
The service offers short term therapy to clients who present with common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The team consists of CBT therapists, Counsellors, Psychological Therapists, and Psychologists. As the Operational Manager you have to ensure that clients receive quick and effective treatment. Your responsibilities will include managing the waiting list, overseeing complaint investigations and governance procedures, and making sure all staff have the necessary equipment to perform their roles effectively.
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities:
1. Provide operational leadership and line management to a group of Clinicians and Team Managers.
2. Oversee staffing, recruitment, budgets, and resource allocation.
3. Ensure throughput and effectiveness within the service.
4. Promote a therapeutic, inclusive culture aligned with Trust values.
5. Ensure compliance with mandatory training and share learning from complaints and incidents within the team.
6. Monitor performance, manage risk, and drive service improvement projects.
7. Support staff development through supervision, appraisal, and training.
8. Champion equality, dignity, and respect in all interactions and practices.
9. Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and information governance.
10. Contribute to strategic planning within the division.
11. Act as a key contact for complaints, investigations, and incident reviews.
12. Understand and embed the Trust’s strategic goals and values into daily practice.
13. Carry out duties in line with Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Dignity in Care policies.
14. Treat everyone with respect, professionalism, and fairness.
15. Managing estates for the service, and conducting annual Health and Safety and Fire Audits.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
As the Operational Manager you will be responsible for the operational and financial management of Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. You will be visible and accessible to staff and service users acting as a role model and champion for recovery and change. The Operational Manager will ensure that care of the highest standard is delivered and maintained within Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. This will be achieved through workforce development and routine monitoring of Talking Therapies KPI’s which are nationally set by NHS England.
The Operational Manager will work closely and collaboratively with the Clinical Lead, Service Manager and Team Managers across Manchester Talking Therapies Services and the Hub.
The post holder will ensure all interventions and care is delivered and maintained with the needs of patients/service users being central to service provision and development
Person specification
Qualifications and Registration
Essential criteria
16. Registered Mental Health Professional (RMN, Social Worker, Psychological Therapist or equivalent)
17. Professional degree or equivalent qualification.
18. Leadership and/or Management experience in health and social care settings
Desirable criteria
19. Evidence of post-registration development (CPD, short courses relevant to the role)
20. Evidence of working within Talking Therapies
Knowledge and Experience
Essential criteria
21. Leading service development/change initiatives
Desirable criteria
22. Experience managing other professionals such as allied health professionals
23. Managing staff performance and disciplinary issues
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
24. Ability to lead, motivate, and organise teams to meet objectives
25. Strong communication skills with professionals, service users, and the public.
26. Commitment to creating a safe, open, and trusting environment.
Desirable criteria
27. IT proficiency (Word, email, internet) and ability to present information professionally.
28. Commitment to own professional development and reflective practice.
29. Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application. The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.
We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.
Sponsorship
We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click .
If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.
The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it.
Do you have experience outside the NHS?
We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.
We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment.