Interim Director of Operations for Surgery- NHS organisation (England)
Start: ASAP | Duration: 6-12 months FTC | Band 9 | 4-5 days on-site
An NHS organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Operations for Surgery to lead elective recovery and stabilise core operational performance during a critical period.
The successful interim will take ownership of elective delivery, address RTT and waiting list pressures, improve theatre utilisation, and strengthen governance and financial oversight across surgical services. This role requires strong, hands‐on operational leadership.
Essential Experience
* Senior operational leadership experience within Acute NHS organisations at Divisional or Director level
* Strong Surgery and Theatres background, with clear understanding of surgical operations and elective pathways
* Demonstrable experience of elective recovery, including RTT performance, waiting list management, and backlog reduction
* In‐depth knowledge of theatre utilisation, scheduling, and capacity optimisation
* Proven track record of leading turnaround and recovery programmes in pressurised environments
* Strong understanding of financial delivery, efficiency, and cost improvement programmes
Key Responsibilities
* Take ownership of the elective recovery delivery plan, driving improvements in RTT performance, waiting lists, and theatre utilisation
* Lead surgical recovery in partnership with Executive colleagues
* Deliver Cost Improvement Programme (CIP)
* Review, redesign, and embed robust governance and financial management structures, including decision‐making forums, spending controls, and clear approval processes
* Establish effective operational and financial oversight where governance arrangements are currently under‐developed
* Provide visible, hands‐on operational leadership, motivating, engaging, and developing next‐level managers
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this position, please submit an up‐to‐date copy of your CV demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria, along with your availability, desired rate, and contact details.
Due to the level of interest typically received for senior interim roles, we will only be able to contact candidates who closely meet the required criteria to discuss the opportunity further.