Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust
Operational Manager – Cardiothoracic Surgical Service
The closing date is 19 June 2026.
The post holder will play a key operational leadership role within the Cardiothoracic Surgical Service of the Trust. This high‑profile role supports complex patient pathways and contributes directly to safe, high‑quality, timely care.
Responsibilities include overseeing day‑to‑day operational performance, ensuring activity, performance and financial targets are effectively monitored and delivered. The role requires strong collaboration with cardiothoracic surgery, theatres, diagnostics and outpatient services to ensure efficient, coordinated, patient‑centred pathways.
Main duties of the job
* Provide day‑to‑day operational management of cardiothoracic surgical services, ensuring waiting lists, capacity and performance are monitored, reported and optimised.
* Produce clear and accurate performance reports, communicating risks, issues and recovery actions verbally and in writing to senior managers and clinicians.
* Maintain knowledge of national access standards, including 2‑week, 6‑week diagnostic and 18‑week RTT targets.
* Undertake daily performance monitoring across diagnostic and treatment pathways, identifying risks of breach and taking timely corrective action.
* Develop a detailed understanding of cardiothoracic patient pathways, including day‑case services, to support efficient patient flow and optimal use of capacity.
* Work collaboratively with clinicians, nurse specialists and MDT colleagues.
* Manage elective disruption and theatre downtime in line with Trust policy, including patient re‑booking and adherence to cancellation standards.
* Line‑manage administrative and clerical staff within the surgical service, including recruitment, performance management, sickness absence and staff development.
* Analyse and interpret complex operational data to inform capacity planning, service improvement and decision‑making, using professional judgement to make autonomous decisions to ensure clinics, theatres and resources are utilized effectively.
Qualifications & Experience
* Educated to a degree level or equivalent qualification/experience.
* Attendance at a leadership course or leadership/management qualification.
Knowledge and Experience
* Previous experience of managing/supervising staff.
* Previous experience working in a healthcare environment, particularly liaising with patients.
* Customer service or business administration experience.
* Experience of capacity and demand planning.
Skills
* Knowledge of the changing NHS and its structure.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.
Remuneration
£39,959 per annum (pro‑rata for part time).
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