Go back University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
Divisional Director of Operations (DDO)
The closing date is 07 June 2026
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.
About us
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
Job responsibilities
* 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.
* Divisional Directors will be expected to help shape the Trusts strategy and business plans, supporting the overall implementation of the Trusts strategy, enabling good cross‑Divisional working and contribute to major strategic developments
* Set clear objectives and performance standards for all services within the division, ensuring alignment with Trust‑wide goals and regulatory requirements.
* 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
* Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, empowering teams to take ownership of their areas and encouraging innovation in service delivery.
* Ensure compliance with national and local standards, maintaining high levels of patient safety, quality, and efficiency
* Design robust operational frameworks that define processes, roles, and responsibilities across the division, supporting effective decision‑making and resource allocation.
* 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
* Master's degree or equivalent knowledge/experience
* Educated to degree level or equivalent professional level in any relevant discipline
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Relevant Specialist Knowledge i.e. Lean, continuous improvement and pathway redesign methodology, digital improvement approaches etc
* Expert level knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and quality domains and NHS England assurance frameworks, including Provider Capability Assessment requirements
* Good understanding of employment law, workforce policy, equality, diversity and inclusion obligations as well as information governance, data protection, confidentiality standards
* Project Management/ Prince 2
Experience
* Extensive senior management experience in healthcare
* Experience of managing multiple specialties
* Demonstrable evidence of achievement in operational management roles
* Experience of project and change management
* Sound knowledge of NHS structure and targets
* Demonstrable evidence of success in managing large teams and budgets
* Experience in multi‑agency planning and service delivery
Communication Skills
* Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information
* Skilled in negotiation and influencing
* Ability to present to large groups and write Board‑level reports
People Management and Development
* Highly developed leadership skills
* Experience of successful management teams and individuals
* Experience of implementing people management processes
* Coaching or mentoring qualification
Analytical and Judgement Skills
* Highly developed numeric and analytical skills
* Ability to analyse and interpret a wide range of information
* Ability to make sound judgements and decisions
Planning and Organising Skills
* Strategic thinking; Ability to plan over various timescales and adjust resources accordingly
Freedom to Act
* Ability to make autonomous decisions on complex issues, often under pressure
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)
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