Job Summary
The Deputy Divisional Director of Operations is a senior leadership role within University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust, providing strategic and operational leadership to support the delivery of high-quality, safe and effective patient care. Reporting to the Divisional Director of Operations and working closely with the Directorate Clinical Director and Directorate Matron, the postholder plays a key role in delivering a clinically led, operationally delivered healthcare system. The role includes direct accountability for the operational management of an assigned Directorate, alongside broader Divisional responsibilities, and regularly deputises for the Divisional Director of Operations at Divisional and Trust level.
Preference will be given to internal Trust staff, as well as ‘Priority’ and ‘At Risk’ status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon who are able to display recent relevant experience as dictated by the Person Specification.
Main Duties of the Job
The postholder is responsible for providing day‑to‑day operational leadership of the Directorate, ensuring delivery against national and local performance standards including elective and urgent care targets, cancer pathways, diagnostics, workforce metrics and financial plans. Key duties include overseeing demand and capacity planning, managing operational escalation, leading service improvement and transformation initiatives, supporting digital and pathway redesign, and contributing to Divisional and Trust‑wide performance management. The role also includes participation in the senior manager on‑call rota, leading responses to site pressures and major incidents, and representing the Trust at internal and external meetings when required.
About Us
We are a people business – where every member of staff matters and can make a difference. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Joining University Hospitals Plymouth NHS Trust means becoming part of a team of dedicated staff, who are committed to leading the way through innovation, clinical excellence and great customer care. The Trust offers opportunities for career development in a highly progressive working environment.
Details
Date posted: 28 January 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: 8d
Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 216‑AM‑DD7764366
Job locations: Derriford Hospital, Plymouth, PL6 8DH
Job Responsibilities
* Strategic & Business Planning – develop and lead service visions and strategic plans for the Directorate within the wider Divisional and Trust context.
* Develop annual Directorate Business Plan with Departments and service‑level teams.
* Focus the senior management team on key staff groups, processes to achieve access targets (including RTT and cancer targets), and efficiency improvements to meet financial obligations.
* Operational Management – lead the development and monitoring of the Business Plan at Directorate and department/service level, ensuring delivery of all performance targets (waiting lists, finance, CQC standards). Analyse complex data to shape interventions.
* Respond to complaints in line with local protocols.
* Lead service improvement projects to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
* Map clinical and support processes, identify bottlenecks and implement solutions.
* Ensure workforce plans enable efficient and effective staff utilisation.
* Participate in the managers on‑call rota.
Person Specification – Essential
Qualifications
* Degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent level of experience).
* Proven evidence of commitment to continuing professional development.
* Post‑graduate qualification to master’s level or equivalent experience, plus significant further knowledge to doctorate level.
Knowledge & Experience
* Proven management skills with effective team and people management experience.
* Successful operational management experience at a middle/senior level within a complex organisation.
* Understanding of Payment by Results and its impact.
Essential Aptitude & Abilities
* Excellent analytical skills, able to distil key themes and trends from complex data.
* Ability to manage clinical and business risks, develop action plans to improve performance.
* Capacity to analyse highly complex data and formulate reports.
Essentials for Disposition/Attitude/Motivation
* Ability to work in a busy environment and meet tight deadlines.
* Personal credibility, able to gain confidence of clinicians, managers, staff and service users.
* Good team player, capable of working with clinicians and staff at all levels.
Additional Information
Applications welcome from skilled‑worker sponsorship holders and those requiring current UK professional registration. Applicants must obtain a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Further information is available on the NHS Careers website and UK Visas and Immigration website.
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