Job overview
As Head of Operations for Imaging, you will provide senior leadership, strategic operational management and business oversight for Imaging services across the Trust. Working closely with the Clinical Director, Associate Director and modality leads, you will ensure the effective delivery of high-quality, safe, efficient and financially sustainable Imaging services that meet national and local targets, including DM01 and cancer pathways.
You will be responsible for the operational delivery of Imaging services across all sites, leading on access, capacity planning, pathway transformation and performance management. The role holds delegated accountability for achieving financial balance, driving productivity, delivering on workforce plans, and ensuring compliance with quality standards and governance frameworks.
Ensure that non-medical professional and clinical support staff provide excellent quality care with exceptionally high safety standards and treat all patients with dignity and respect.
Work with senior AHP, nursing and workforce colleagues to ensure that they recruit and retain and develop a pipeline of the best non-medical professional and clinical support staff, creating a learning environment where every member of staff counts
Joint responsibility for the management of compliance with respect to CQC, QSI and (IR(ME)R) regulations.
Main duties of the job
•Lead the operational management of Imaging across all Trust sites, ensuring services are planned, delivered and monitored in line with business objectives, Trust priorities and national requirements (including Community Diagnostic Centre ambitions).
•Develop, deliver and monitor the Imaging annual business plan, capacity plans and access targets, working closely with finance, performance and clinical teams.
•Oversee the day-to-day operations of all Imaging modalities, resolving operational challenges, optimising patient flow and ensuring patients receive timely, safe and effective care.
•Develop robust business continuity and demand escalation plans to ensure services remain resilient. Act as a positive role model through the provision of effective, authoritative and accessible professional leadership.
•Lead the development and implementation of standards of care and the patient experience.
•Monitor and review clinical and professional standards and in liaison with the Clinical Director for the directorate, monitor and manage service performance at all levels, implementing remedial action where necessary.
•Manage and develop non-medical professional and clinical support staff within the directorate, developing strong leadership potential and succession planning including leading and supporting workforce re- design aligned to an annual workforce plan.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. 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 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it, including where possible, flexible working to support work life balance - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves.
As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
•Where required represent the Trust within the NHS and community, and with other partner organisations, working closely with them to institute sector wide integrated working in the best interests of patient care.
•Lead and participate in professional and clinical committees or projects within the Trust and externally.
•Act as a credible and dynamic leader in the delivery of the complex service/operational challenges and changes facing the clinical area.
•Ensure that all touch points within the entire patient pathway understand the importance of their roles, and are able to deliver the best possible patient care, where best practice is shared and celebrated.
•Maintain own personal and professional growth, keeping up to date with changes, new ways of working and future developments.
•Undertake clinical work to maintain registration and support team as and when required.
•To participate in the on call management rota for the Trust.
This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role-specific criteria.
Person specification
Professional Registration
Essential criteria
1. Professional Registration
Desirable criteria
2. Professional Registration
Experience/ Qualifications
Essential criteria
3. Experience/ Qualifications
Desirable criteria
4. Experience/ Qualifications
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
5. People Management and Development
Skills
Essential criteria
6. Skills
Desirable criteria
7. Skills
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Essential criteria
8. Equality, Diversity, an•Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.d Inclusion
9. •Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications