Job overview
The overall purpose of the role is to lead on and provide expert advice and support to others in delivering strategically identified improvement projects across the Trust.
Projects will be led end to end by the Senior Continuous Improvement Manager and delivered using the appropriate methods (A3, PDSA, DMAIC etc.) to enable significant improvements and subsequent benefits. The role will be responsible for organising and facilitating multi-disciplinary teams during the life cycle of the improvement activity and require suitable levels of governance e.g. Gateway reviews, Stakeholder Management etc. A key element will be to lead A3 and Yellow Belt level training to colleagues across the organisation, in addition to ongoing training, teaching, mentoring and coaching to individuals at all levels on Continuous Improvement methodology and theory to ensure delivery and sustainability of their projects.
The role will require responsibility for line management of Continuous Improvement Project Managers and development of relationships with Director and Executive level stakeholders.
Main duties of the job
1. Lead medium to large scale improvement projects using the appropriate continuous improvement method depending on type of project, developing performance / improvement processes in area of specialism which impacts across the whole Trust.
2. Provide coaching and support to Executive sponsors and Director level Champions/Process Owners to increase their continuous improvement capability.
3. Provide support through coaching and teaching to Project Managers to enable delivery of their designated improvement projects.
4. Lead the delivery of A3 training and, with support from Head of Service Transformation, Yellow Belt Continuous Improvement training and ongoing coaching.
5. Train and provide ongoing support to staff in Trust improvement methodologies, including lean, six sigma and systems thinking tools and techniques.
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex (UHSx), diversity is our strength, & we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First. Your uniqueness & 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, & can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) & a Veteran Aware Trust.
We treat our patients & staff with the same compassion & empathy we expect for ourselves. We’re here for them when they need us, and we go above & beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our candidate information pack & wellbeing programme, for staff which is extensive & 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 & training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us & throughout your career we will help you to grow & develop. We hope that in choosing UHSx you are choosing a long & happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make & feel valued for all that you do.
We look forward to receiving your application & the start of your journey with UHSx.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
6. Provide coaching and support the Executive sponsors and Director level champions/process owners of our Breakthrough Objectives to increase their continuous improvement capability.
7. Work effectively and collaboratively with clinical and non-clinical areas to provide professional expertise and advise to support them implementing improvement projects.
8. Lead the delivery of complex messages to a variety of staff groups who may not be used to these approaches.
9. Use a situational leadership model to adapt communication to style of the individual.
10. Provide expert advice and guidance to clinical and operational leadership teams in building an engaged workforce that utilises all Trust staff to drive results towards organisational goals.
11. Anticipate barriers to communication and take productive steps to improve communication to build relationships and/ or improve learning for delegates.
12. To provide updates on Improvement projects and activities to the senior leaders including Heads of Nursing, Divisional Director and Chief of Service.
Please see job description & person specs for full details.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria
13. •Educated to Degree level or demonstrable equivalent career path experience
14. •Lean Six Sigma Green Belt or equivalent qualification.
Desirable criteria
15. •Lean Six Sigma Black Belt or equivalent qualification.
16. Leadership or Coaching qualification
Experience
Essential criteria
17. •Extensive experience of leading end to end continuous improvement projects with demonstrable improvement and benefit.
18. •Extensive knowledge of various Continuous Improvement methodologies e.g. Lean, Six Sigma, Systems Thinking and experience of applying at least one in practice.
19. •Experience of leading the delivery of training to large groups.
20. •Experience of managing direct reports.
21. •Experience in coaching or individuals at senior organisational levels.
Desirable criteria
22. Experience of applying continuous improvement methodologies within a healthcare setting.
Information Resources/ IT Skills
Essential criteria
23. Intermediate/Advanced Excel skills and experience of using other MS Office software e.g. Visio, PowerPoint.
24. Able to analyse, interrogate and present data.
25. Experience of using statistical software e.g. Minitab
Skills and ED&I
Essential criteria
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
27. 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