Job Summary
We are seeking an experienced and inspiring leader to join our Imaging Department, providing strategic, professional, and operational leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, effective, and high‑quality diagnostic services. This is a key role in supporting the Trust's ambition to deliver outstanding, patient‑centred care through innovation, excellence in imaging practice, and strong multidisciplinary collaboration.
As part of the Imaging triumvirate leadership team, you will work closely with the Clinical Director and General Manager to drive the strategic development and operational management of imaging services. Together, you will provide cohesive leadership that balances clinical, operational, and financial priorities, ensuring sustainable service delivery, continuous improvement, and alignment with both Trust objectives and national diagnostic priorities.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping and implementing strategies that deliver timely, efficient, and equitable diagnostic imaging across all modalities. This includes ensuring services are responsive to patient demand, compliant with national guidance, and consistently achieving key access and quality standards.
If you are a forward‑thinking leader with the vision, expertise, and drive to make a lasting impact on imaging services, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Main Duties of the Job
* Provide professional leadership and expert advice on Imaging services, ensuring compliance with NHS guidance, legislation, and Trust objectives.
* Oversee the Imaging Department's financial performance, maintaining robust financial controls and delivering financial targets.
* Manage all aspects of departmental resources, including staff, finance, governance, and business planning.
* Lead on setting and achieving quality objectives, business targets, and service improvement initiatives.
* Ensure safe, efficient, and high‑quality day‑to‑day operations that promote positive staff and patient experiences.
* Maintain service resilience and business continuity through effective operational and capacity planning.
* Collaborate with Trust leaders and partner services to meet corporate, performance, and transformation goals.
* Promote and embody the Trust's values, demonstrating exemplary professional conduct and compassion.
* Ensure all imaging services meet regulatory standards, particularly compliance with IR(ME)R 2017.
* Work collaboratively with the Image East 2 network to strengthen governance, drive strategic development, standardise clinical practice, support workforce sustainability, and encourage innovation.
About Us
Bedfordshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides hospital services to a growing population of around 700,000 people living across Bedfordshire and the surrounding areas across two busy hospital sites in Bedford and Luton. Both hospital sites offer key services such as A&E, Obstetrics‑led Maternity and Paediatrics.
We are a friendly, high‑performing Trust committed to ensuring the health and wellbeing of staff. As one of the largest NHS Trusts in our region you will have access to a programme of high‑quality training and development to help you grow your career. The Trust continues to be committed to delivering the best patient care using the best clinical knowledge and technology available.
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications and experience – we recruit individuals who demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust's core values. We achieve this by using values‑based recruitment. We are dedicated to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone, we are committed to promoting equality and diversity and creating a culture that values differences.
Please note that vacancies may close prior to the advertised closing date when sufficient number of applications have been received. All new staff will be subject to a probationary period covering first 6 months in post. Travel between hospital sites may be required. Please review all documents attached to ensure you familiarize yourself with all requirements of the job.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* BSc (Radiography) or equivalent.
* Registration as a Radiographer with the Health Professions Council plus evidence of CPD.
* Specialist training to masters or equivalent level, management qualification or equivalent experience.
* Formal management or business qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience
* oProven budget management skills and financial acumen with experience of delivering CIPs.
* Presenting complex plans and clinical/operational data at Board level.
* Negotiation and influencing skills at a senior management level.
* Evidence of delivering and implementing strategic plans.
Knowledge / Personal Skills
* Excellent organisational skills, and evidence of these in a multi‑disciplinary environment.
* Excellent communication and interpersonal skills in complex settings, managing multi‑dimensional issues.
* Commitment to, and demonstration of organisational behaviours and values.
* Ability to lead a number of complex projects simultaneously and deliver to agreed timescales.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website.
Job Details
* Job location: Bedfordshire Hospitals, Luton, LU4 0DZ.
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change.
* Band: Band 8c.
* Salary: £76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum.
* Contract: Permanent.
* Working pattern: Full‑time.
* Reference number: 418‑DTO4070‑KA.
* Date posted: 03 November 2025.
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