Job overview
We have an exciting secondment opportunity for an internal applicant.
The successful candidate will be responsible for a range of professional leadership duties including the operational management of the waiting lists and clinic/theatre capacity within their designated area of responsibility as well as ensuring that administrative processes are co-ordinated and managed to deliver both governance and performance functions.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for the coordination and review of performance monitoring, clinical governance reporting, project work and the development of business plans/production of reports as required. They will be required to take remedial action where necessary, suggest improvements and propose and implement new ways of working. They will be expected to identify new business opportunities and actively take these forward with the Directorate team.
Through their own work and managing the work of others, the post holder will ensure that Directorate plans, systems, structures and processes for managing clinical quality, risk, controls assurance and local patient and public involvement initiatives are in place, and that these are carried out and managed efficiently. The post holder will be directly responsible for co-ordinating others to deliver timely and effective business support across the area of responsibility.
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
The post holder will contribute to the development and implementation of the service strategies at Directorate, Division and Trust level in particular focusing on delivering service developments that will improve the patient pathway, enhance the quality of service delivery and deliver performance targets whilst identifying any potential efficiency savings.
The post holder will establish business processes and procedures within their area(s) that satisfy the Trust’s statutory obligations. They will work collaboratively with other operational and professional leads within the Directorate and across the organisation to ensure that the Trust can evidence its compliance with national policies and standards.
The Operational Manager will support the Trust in driving transformation as well as value for money in planning, commissioning and services.
The post holder will be responsible for management of the directorate budget and staff establishment control, including ensuring appropriate allocation of financial resources and ensure that expenditure is monitored against budget and maintain financial control.
Person specification
Experience and qualifications
Essential criteria
1. •Educated to masters level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience
2. •Experience of continued learning and professional development to postgraduate diploma or equivalent level. •Experience of working within a complex, varied and unpredictable environment
3. •Experience of continued learning and professional development to postgraduate diploma or equivalent level.
Desirable criteria
4. Project management qualification
Skills
Essential criteria
5. •Demonstrable previous success in leading and delivering service change and performance initiatives.
6. •Evidence of preparing and presenting reports up to Board level
7. •Evidence of the ability to source, interpret and report on highly complex data
8. •Evidence of managing operational arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness
9. •Ability to work as part of a team and/or independently across departmental, organisational and professional boundaries
10. •Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with staff at all levels throughout the Trust and with external organisations on behalf of the Division
11. •Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and overcome barriers to understanding and resistance to change
12. •Experience of effectively managing a budget
13. •Ability to deal with confidential, sensitive or contentious information with senior managers / clinical staff / clients, which requires persuasive skills where agreement and co-operation is required, e.g. sensitive staffing or finance information.
14. •Conflict management, influencing and negotiation skills
15. •Ability to make judgements and take action based on available knowledge sometimes taking difficult decisions and overcoming barriers
16. •Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
17. •Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines
18. •Computer literate in Word, Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet and file management to a high level
19. •Ability to interrogate information systems and manipulate data to produce reports
Desirable criteria
20. Advanced use of Patient Administration Systems
People Management and Development
Essential criteria
21. •Proven evidence of managing a significant size team and utilising resource effectively and efficiently eg theatre and clinic capacity
22. •Knowledge and understanding of people management processes required for both direct management and responsibility for involvement in supporting processes outside of own area
23. Experience of managing and implementing change within the workforce
24. •Experience of a range of employment issues including but not limited to Sickness, Disciplinary, Performance and Grievance issues.
25. •Experience of engagement with workforce colleagues including driving strategic plans forward to the point of delivery, establishing clear work priorities, delegating effectively, ensuring a capability to deliver, monitoring performance and giving feedback
Specific Requirements
Essential criteria
26. •Knowledge and understanding of National Development Strategies and delivery of NHS Healthcare services
27. •Knowledge understanding of Clinical Governance and risk management systems
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
28. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
29. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
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