Job overview
Owing to restructure we are seeking an experienced Operational Lead Radiographers for our St Richard's and Royal Sussex Radiology Departments.
Successful candidates will work alongside Radiology Clinical leads and Head of Operations and Transformation to lead and manage teams to ensure the delivery of high-quality, safe, and efficient Radiology services at the base site. The role involves operational oversight, professional leadership, service development and improvement, with a focus on patient care, staff development, and adherence to governance standards. The post-holder will work collaboratively with pan-trust Radiology leads, contribute to service planning, and support the implementation of local and directorate priorities. They will ensure effective communication within base site and coordination across Radiology and wider healthcare teams.
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.
Main duties of the job
1. Provide senior professional leadership and strong role‑modelling across the service.
2. Oversee operational delivery of Radiology services on the base site, working closely with Clinical and Operational Leads to ensure effective patient flow,and compliance with national targets
3. Support strategic planning by contributing to business planning, workforce planning and development of service plans, ensuring alignment with Trust priorities.
4. Provide expert input into policy development, radiographic practice, equipment procurement, equipment replacement programmes, and capital planning.
5. Hold budgetary responsibility for designated areas, ensuring effective use of resources, oversight of staffing costs, and delivery against financial targets.
6. Lead and support people management activities, including appraisals, workforce planning, skill mix reviews, recruitment, retention initiatives, and ensuring compliance with HR policies.
7. Drive improvements in quality, safety, risk management and clinical governance, leading investigations, managing complaints, and ensuring regulatory compliance (e.g., IRR17, IRMER17).
8. Work collaboratively with internal and external partners, including ICB, commissioners, MHRA, CQC, and 3rd‑party providers, representing the directorate at senior meetings as required.
9. Support education, CPD, research and audit activity, ensuring staff have access to training and development.
10. Provide cross‑site leadership when required, and represent the service in strategic forums.
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.
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
11. Senior NHS leadership experience
12. Masters level degree or equivalent knowledge
13. Proven experience of delivering change programme in NHS
14. HCPC Registration
15. BSC Hons in Radiography
Desirable criteria
16. Project management qualification
Skills
Essential criteria
17. Demonstrable skills in maintaining effective relationships with clinical colleagues
18. Leading multi-disciplinary teams
19. Service improvement / Performance Targets
20. Proven leadership complex clinical environment
21. experience managing budgets
Desirable criteria
22. Knowledge of CDC programme
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Essential criteria
23. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
24. 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