Job overview The Head of Clinical Operations will play a pivotal role in leading and shaping the Trust’s Private Patient Services, reporting directly to the Director of Clinical Operations. The postholder will provide robust strategic and operational leadership across all areas of private patient provision, ensuring services are safe, legislatively compliant, financially sustainable, and aligned with organisational priorities. Advert The Head of Clinical Operations will lead the strategic and operational management of the Trust’s Private Patient Unit (PPU), ensuring safe, compliant, and financially sustainable private healthcare services. The role involves delivering excellent patient and consultant experiences, driving service development, and supporting strategic objectives. The post holder will also deputise for the Director when required. Working for our organisation SWFT Clinical Services is a wholly owned subsidiary of the South Warwickshire University NHS Foundation Trust (SWFT). The company provides a number of services such as outpatient pharmacy facilities at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon, George Eliot, University Hospital of Coventry and Warwickshire and St Cross (Rugby) hospitals; estates and facilities management at Warwick, Stratford upon Avon and Ellen Badger hospitals, Acorn House and Lillington Health Hub; private patient service and consultancy services to NHS Trusts. Subject to the Company and individual’s performance, an annual discretionary bonus will be awarded. There is automatic enrolment to the Company pension scheme, with the Company contributing 5%. A benefits package is available to the appointed candidate upon successful completion of the six month probationary period. This gives access to benefits such as a car lease scheme; Home & Electronics scheme; discounted leisure and travel; retail discounts and a cycle to work scheme. There is also access to a 24/7, 365 days a year Employee Assistance Programme to support colleagues who may be facing some tough times or they need extra support with their mental well-being. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Reporting directly to the Director of Clinical Operations, the postholder will support the Directorate’s business strategy as well as providing robust leadership and management of all aspects of the Company’s private patient provision. In addition, this role will provide support and deputise for the Director of Clinical Operations for all areas within this directorate, including Pharmacy Services. The postholder will ensure that services are legislatively compliant and be responsible for providing safe, effective, and efficient services which meet the needs of patients and wider stakeholders. The postholder will have specific responsibility for realising the return on investment of public funds, to create and sustain high-quality Private Patient Services and to: Routinely capture all Private Patient income. Improve the Private Patient offering and experience (for both patients and consultants as customers). Enable services to generate additional revenue, to be reinvested in the Trust for the continued provision and development of healthcare for all patients. This will be achieved through developing and implementing appropriate SOPs and policies (clinical and non-clinical) and business development opportunities in conjunction with the Company and Trust leadership teams. The postholder will also develop and execute marketing strategies to enhance the visibility and reputation of Private Patient Services, ensuring the promotion of services to a broad audience and maximising their reach. Specific marketing responsibilities will include: Designing and implementing targeted campaigns to promote the unit’s offerings to existing and potential customers. Engaging with key stakeholders, including consultants and patients, to develop a strong referral network. Leveraging both digital and traditional communication channels to market the unit’s services effectively. Working closely with the Communications team to align messaging and branding with Trust objectives. Monitoring and analysing marketing efforts to evaluate their effectiveness and refine strategies for maximum impact. The postholder will support any other transformational or service developments within the directorate in partnership with the Director of Clinical Operations. Leadership and Strategy: Provide operational leadership for the PPU, ensuring services are efficient, safe, and compliant. Develop and implement strategies to improve patient and consultant experiences. Deputise for the Director and support operational transformation initiatives. Service Improvement : Lead service development and transformation projects to enhance processes, patient outcomes, and operational efficiency. Ensure governance systems meet regulatory standards, including those from the CQC and PHIN. Maintain high standards across private care pathways, referrals, and customer service. Financial Management : Oversee the PPU budget, ensuring effective income capture and minimising bad debt. Analyse market trends to optimise pricing strategies and exploit business opportunities. Ensure private patient services deliver a return on public investment and generate revenue for reinvestment. Commercial Responsibilities: Manage relationships and negotiate contracts with insurers, consultants, and other stakeholders. Develop marketing strategies to enhance the PPU’s profile and attract new business. Monitor risks and implement measures to mitigate them effectively. Governance and Compliance: Ensure private care services comply with clinical, legal, and governance requirements. Develop policies and processes to maintain NHS standards while integrating private services seamlessly. Oversee incident management, complaints resolution, and quality improvement initiatives. Team Leadership and Development: Foster an inclusive and collaborative culture within the PPU team. Lead staff appraisals, training, and professional development to maximise potential. Build strong relationships with Trust leadership, staff, and external partners to support private patient growth. Performance and Partnerships: Monitor service performance and deliver strategic improvements. Collaborate with clinical and operational leads to identify and implement growth opportunities. Develop and present business cases to support service improvements and innovation.