Newmedica is one of the leading providers of NHS‑funded and private ophthalmology services in England, delivering thousands of patient interactions annually through our Ophthalmology Joint Venture (OJV) Partnerships. We aim to grow the business and create a national brand, inviting those passionate about our agenda, values and behaviours to join our team.
Role Summary
Lead the delivery and development of our operational systems and support, continually improving referral management, operational systems and process improvement to enable efficient, safe care, reduce costs, increase capacity and maintain high standards of patient care.
Key Responsibilities
Systems and Process Improvement
* Accountable for the development and implementation of Newmedica’s operational annual plan across Operations Support, Referrals and Process Improvement teams.
* Accountable for the ongoing ePR enhancement programme, working closely with Technology, Learning and Development teams.
* Business sponsor for technology‑enabled change.
* Lead the cross‑functional steering group to manage programme risks, issues and delivery (reporting via Clinical Governance to ExCo).
* Lead communication of programme plans, goals and status to the business and partners.
* Ensure clinical safety process is operating (Clinical Safety Engineer reports to this role).
Operational Support
* Anticipate healthcare market changes and business growth to adjust operations support teams for excellent patient care and efficiency.
* Ensure the Operations Support Team is appropriately structured, resourced and trained to deliver a high standard of support.
* Manage referrals: triage, bulk data transfer, demand projection, capacity and SLA management, rostering, scheduling and appointment booking.
* Seek out automation/AI solutions to drive efficiencies.
* Review current ways of working across sites, simplify critical areas and develop solutions that reduce costs and improve care.
* Develop tools to coordinate activity planning and ensure transparency for OJs (e.g., Flight Control).
* Identify industry best practice and potential for Newmedica.
* Be relentless in reviewing areas for improvement and developing solutions.
* Understand resources available through Specsavers and synergies.
Internal Communications
* Develop and deliver the communication strategy and plan, ensuring stakeholders receive key messages at the right time and in the right way.
* Optimize ways of working with Specsavers, sharing best practice and delivering the “Total Care” ambition.
Clinical Efficiency and Optimisation
* Pathway review and development, supporting the clinical proposition team for efficient, profitable pathways.
* Review pathway elements for improvement using Lean Six Sigma techniques.
* Lead the programme of health checks to ensure OJs deliver consistently and identify improvement opportunities.
* Ensure performance metrics are reported to Clinical Governance Committee and develop improvement plans with each OJ.
* Support the clinical forum calendar and leadership.
* Develop the optometry community in Newmedica with L&D for best‑in‑class training and engagement.
Leadership
* Play a key role in the Newmedica leadership team, chairing the Information Governance Committee, ePR enhancement Steering Group and other governance activities.
* Recruit, retain and develop high‑performing teams and coach leaders to work collaboratively.
* Drive simplification of operational procedures to allow partners to focus on service.
* Identify and manage risks across the business, record in corporate risk register and disaster recovery plans monthly.
* Manage relationships with key suppliers.
* Provide insight and analysis on operational efficiency of OJs and develop initiatives to achieve best processes.
* Champion AI/automation across teams and lead incident management.
Role Requirements
* Degree level or equivalent experience and evidence of ongoing development.
* Healthcare experience – NHS or private/independent sector.
* Proven operational leadership track record.
* Proven experience implementing change initiatives in complex multi‑site organisations.
* Proven performance‑enhancing initiatives delivery.
* Skilled at managing operational incidents calmly and communicating clearly.
* Track record of coaching, managing and developing teams to achieve results.
* Experience addressing different audiences across multiple mediums and platforms.
* Experienced at managing multiple projects with multiple stakeholders.
* High interpersonal skills and ability to build strategic relationships.
* Strong patient service focus.
What we can offer you
* Annual car allowance of £9,000.
* Company bonus up to 25%, based on performance and personal objectives.
* 25 days annual leave, including 1 birthday day and bank holidays.
* Company pension scheme.
* Access to benefits: free eye tests, discounted/free glasses, free 24/7 well‑being/counselling service, private medical insurance, private dental care, health‑care scheme, death in service cover of 4× salary, tax‑free cycle to work, retail/technology discount scheme.
* Learning and development supported through a range of tools and courses.
If you are looking to join a high‑growth market leader in ophthalmology with exciting plans to expand across the UK, please apply – we look forward to connecting with you soon.
Closing date: Monday 5th January 2026.
We actively promote diversity and equal opportunities, encouraging applications from everyone who meets the essential requirements. Our employment offers are subject to satisfactory pre‑employment checks, including right‑to‑work in the UK and DBS checks where required.
Newmedica is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of all people, irrespective of gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, race, language, religion, ethnic or social origin.
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