Job summary
Head of Planned Care Transformation
Are you a visionary leader with a passion for driving transformational change in healthcare? Do you thrive in complex environments where innovation, collaboration, and strategic thinking are key to delivering outstanding patient care?
We are seeking an exceptional individual to lead the transformation of our Planned Care services. You will spearhead high‑impact initiatives to redesign elective care pathways, reduce waiting times and improve patient outcomes across acute hospital services.
What You'll Be Doing
* Lead large‑scale transformation programmes to improve efficiency, quality and sustainability of planned care.
* Collaborate with clinical, operational and executive teams to deliver innovative solutions aligned with national targets, including RTT standards.
* Use data‑driven insights and rapid improvement workshops to boost productivity and performance.
* Manage programme budgets and ensure delivery of benefits on time and within scope.
* Act as a strategic partner to the Executive Team and Director of Transformation.
What We're Looking For
* Proven experience in leading complex transformation programmes within healthcare or similarly regulated environments.
* Strong understanding of elective care pathways and performance improvement.
* Exceptional leadership, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
* Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and innovation.
Proposed Interview Date
17th December 2025
Main duties of the job
As Head of Planned Care Transformation, you will lead strategic and operational initiatives to improve the efficiency, quality and sustainability of planned care services across the Trust. Your key responsibilities will include:
* Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement transformation strategies aligned with national and local priorities, ensuring delivery against key performance targets such as RTT and cancer waiting times.
* Programme Delivery: Lead complex, cross‑functional transformation programmes across outpatient services, elective surgery, diagnostics and day‑case procedures.
* Team Management: Line manage and develop a high‑performing transformation team, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
* Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate with clinical leaders, operational teams and external partners across the Integrated Care System to deliver integrated care pathways.
* Performance & Governance: Oversee programme governance, reporting and benefit realisation, ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget and to a high standard.
* Change Management: Drive cultural and operational change, supporting staff through transitions and embedding new ways of working.
* Financial Oversight: Manage programme budgets and resources effectively, ensuring value for money and alignment with the Trust's financial goals.
This is a high‑impact leadership role requiring strategic vision, operational expertise and a passion for improving patient care.
About us
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provides hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust. Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity.
Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital, is one of the busiest in London. We are also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people's homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children's Hospital at Home cares for children with long-term conditions without them having to come to hospital.
Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we are no exception. With the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff, offering access to a range of core skills training and professional development.
Details Date posted
01 December 2025
Pay scheme
Agenda for change
Band
Band 8c
Salary
£82,906 to £94,632 a year per annum pro rata incl HCAS (outer)
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full‑time
Reference number
199-7565448-FM-MT
Job locations
Croydon University Hospital, 530 London Road, Croydon, CR7 7YE
Person Specification
* Education, qualifications - Essential
o Educated to degree level with either a Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field
o Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma or equivalent qualification in continuous improvement methodologies
o Project/Programme Management Qualification or equivalent experience
* Desirable
o Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
o Coaching or mentoring qualification
* Experience - Essential
o Significant experience in leading large‑scale transformation and improvement initiatives within an acute hospital or healthcare setting
o Proven track record of optimising elective care pathways and delivering measurable improvements in service performance
o Experience of working at a senior level, managing complex projects, and engaging multidisciplinary teams across clinical and operational areas
* Desirable
o Experience of working with Integrated Care Systems or Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships
* Knowledge - Essential
o In‑depth knowledge of planned care pathways, elective care services and the challenges facing acute hospitals
o Advanced knowledge of improvement methodologies and their application in healthcare settings
* Skills - Essential
o Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
o Excellent leadership and influencing skills
o Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills
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.
Employer details
Croydon Health Services NHS Trust
Croydon University Hospital, 530 London Road, Croydon, CR7 7YE
Employer's website: https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/recruitment/
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