Job overview
We are delighted to be recruiting into this new post to drive Quality Improvement at a strategic level across GMMH. We are looking for an individual who will lead the promotion and implementation of continuous/quality improvement programmes.
You will provide specialist expertise on the systematic application of improvement methodologies small and large scale, along with a deep understanding of leading and collaborating for change using scale and spread methodologies in the NHS. Working on a range of large-scale change programmes in a range of services across divisions, the organisation, and the health economy. The postholder will demonstrate the ability to navigate through the complexity of moving from small test of change and going to scale, will understand and apply relational engagement and collaborative methods, measurement, and address barriers to success.
Reporting to the Chief Nurse, you will head up the QI team and work across services to maximise wider teams who will drive our QI culture. You will work with colleagues who support change at a strategic level across the organisation eg. OD, PMO. Digital transformation to deliver together for improved outcomes for our service users, carers, families and the communities we serve.
PLEASE NOTE, THE INTERVIEWS WILL TAKE PLACE ON THE 28TH OF APRIL 2026.
Main duties of the job
For full details, please read the Job Description/Person Specification attached.
1. To be responsible for development and delivery of the Trust’s Quality improvement plan, in support of the Trust strategy
2. To provide the leadership to the QI Team and provide line management to other members of the QI team.
3. To manage the budget for QI, including savings, revenues and external funds generated by the QI programme.
4. Develop, implement and utilise control and management systems available to support the delivery of the Programme. Key tools/systems will include Programme Plan, Financial Plan and Risk Register.
5. Ensure that control and management plans are kept updated and regular reports provided to the Chief Nurse, Executive team and Trust Board. To report on progress against agreed objectives at relevant committees where necessary, such as the Quality and Safety
Committee.
6. Develop robust communication mechanisms, utilising a variety of channels and media, to inspire, engage and involve all staff, service users and stakeholders in the quality improvement work at GMMH. Specifically ensure the development and delivery of a Programme Communication Plan.
7. Possessing highly developed specialist knowledge in improvement science, interventions will be underpinned by an evidence base, best practice and will be able to take people on a journey of methods theory into practice.
Working for our organisation
Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.
We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.
Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.
Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.
Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached job description and person specification
Staff benefits
8. Pay Enhancements
9. 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
10. Excellent pension
11. Cycle to work scheme
12. Salary sacrifice car scheme
13. Wellbeing programme
14. fuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)
Person specification
Education/Qualification
Essential criteria
15. Educated to postgraduate degree level or equivalent
16. PRINCE II or programme management qualification or equivalent
17. Specialist QI qualifications and/or significant experience in leading and developing improvement strategy across complex organisations
18. Evidence of continued professional development aligned to Quality Improvement
Desirable criteria
19. Deep knowledge and skills in quality improvement methods, to be able to act as an internal expert.
20. Masters level education
Experience and Knowledge
Essential criteria
21. Specialist Quality Improvement qualifications and/or significant experience in leading and developing improvement strategy across complex organisations.
22. Considerable experience of senior management responsibility for managing services, teams, including objective setting, learning and development, performance management and allocation of workload.
23. Significant experience managing services in complex healthcare setting.
24. Experience in major strategy or policy development and implementation which impacts across or beyond Organisational boundaries.
25. Successful management of large budgets.
26. Demonstrable experience of Public and patient involvement initiatives.
27. Previous experience of analysing and presenting information effectively in report form, in discussion and in presentations.
28. Principles of audit and evaluation Management of change
29. Service redesign techniques.
30. Principles of continuous improvement.
Desirable criteria
31. Demonstrable experience in clinical services of developing, supporting, facilitating, monitoring and implementing quality improvement / safer care programmes.
32. Previous experience of setting up admin and programme tracking systems Development of Business cases and funding bids.
33. Development of tender specifications and procurement processes in the NHS.
34. Understanding of Mental Health legislation and guidance.
35. Understanding of Organisational development theory, models and techniques.
Skills and Abilities
Essential criteria
36. Excellent information management skills
37. The use of appropriate programme management applications in order to produce and maintain formal programme plans and timetables.
38. Demonstrate the ability to handle technical, highly complex, highly sensitive or contentious information and present this to a variety of audiences where significant barriers to acceptance may exist. The post holder will require exceptional communication skills in presenting and receiving information.
39. Demonstrate ability to resolve conflicts and negotiate a way forward involving both internal and external stakeholders.
40. Ability to make judgements involving highly complex facts or situations which require the analysis, interpretation and comparison of a range of options.
41. Provide clear recommendations on the most appropriate course of action, following the analysis of highly complex information
42. The post holder will demonstrate highly developed specialist communication and negotiation skills to handle highly complex and difficult situations in a constructive and positive way.
43. Ability to interpret and apply national guidance.
44. Ability to develop and maintain good working relationships with staff from a variety of backgrounds.
45. Demonstrates significant senior leadership and management skills and qualities.
46. Political astuteness
47. Ability to challenge orthodoxies and established work patterns in a positive engaging way.
48. Excellent motivation skills
Desirable criteria
49. The use of appropriate programme management applications in order to produce and maintain formal programme plans and timetables.
50. Ability to provide training and guidance to colleagues on programme management methodologies.
The Trust mandates all post holders who require a DBS for their role to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. You will be required to enrol for this service for a fee of £16 per year and maintain registration throughout your employment with GMMH.
Applicants are encouraged to apply for posts at Greater Manchester Mental Health who have direct experience of mental health, learning disability or drug and alcohol services either as a service user or a carer.
The Trust is also committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
We are aspiring to ensure our workforce is representative of the diverse communities that we serve, and we are strongly committed to removing barriers to employment for candidates from under-represented groups, for example BAME, Disabled and LGBT+ communities. If you would like to have an informal chat about the recruitment process for this role or would value some additional support, we’d love to hear from you.
Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) when writing job applications
A candidate may utilise the help of AI when writing job application. The assessment of an application is made on its entirety and most times AI-generated content does not fully grasp the context and requirements of the job one applies for thus producing inaccurate and misleading information, especially in the supporting statement section of an application that can lack real life examples of one’s achievements, success and challenges.
We have added a disclaimer to our application process advising that the use of AI is monitored. GMMH reserves the right to follow up with a candidate at the interview on specific responses and those examples used in the supporting statement to explore it further.
Sponsorship
We are proud to be an approved sponsor for the Skilled Worker visa. Applications from individuals who require sponsorship will be considered alongside all other applications. Please be aware that not all roles are eligible for sponsorship. You can review the list of eligible roles and salary requirements on the UK Government’s website – click .
If you are offered a role with us and you require sponsorship, we will check your eligibility in line with the information on the above website. Your offer of employment could be withdrawn if the role is not eligible for sponsorship, and you are not otherwise able to evidence your right to work in the UK.
The Home Office introduces new changes from 22/07/2025 that impact the health and care sector, you may wish to familiarise with it.
Do you have experience outside the NHS?
We want to attract and retain people with diverse skills and experience, to deliver inclusive healthcare services to our communities.
We will consider relevant experience outside the NHS to calculate your salary on appointment.