North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a multi‑award winning, innovative and collaborative NHS pathology network serving multiple NHS Trusts and private providers. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across our network for a 6‑month interim appointment.
Key Responsibilities
* Drive delivery of ambitious performance and service improvement targets.
* Lead the implementation of NWLP's strategy and integrated business plan.
* Ensure high‑quality patient care, clinical governance and financial sustainability.
* Maintain strong partnerships across NHS organisations, integrated care systems and external stakeholders.
* Champion innovation, research and continuous improvement in pathology services.
* Interpret and deliver overall health service policy and strategy, leading and managing operational services across all of NWLP.
* Provide high‑level operational and strategic business planning to meet performance objectives.
* Be accountable for operational performance and strategic development of the Directorates within the Division.
* Collaborate with other NWLP Directors to drive corporate and cross‑cutting programmes.
* Represent NWLP at a senior level within NHS, community and partner organisations to facilitate integrated working.
* Ensure necessary corporate governance arrangements are in place across NWLP.
Essential Qualifications
* Significant senior leadership experience in healthcare operations, ideally within pathology or acute services.
* Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and delivering large‑scale change.
* Strong leadership, influencing and communication skills to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
* Ability to manage complex budgets and performance frameworks.
* Commitment to NWLP vision and values: Patient‑Focused, Collaborative, Expert and Caring.
Qualifications & Education
* First degree or equivalent.
* Evidence of specialist knowledge of Pathology Scientific disciplines (MSc level or equivalent).
* Extensive knowledge of the NHS in the acute sector with up‑to‑date knowledge of medical/surgical services.
* Evidence of CPD.
* Desirable: HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.
Experience
* Significant experience within the Healthcare sector at very senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control for a group of complex medical/surgical specialties.
* Demonstrable success in delivering large‑scale change and performance through management and clinical teams.
* Track record of financial delivery including EBITDA target ratio, efficiency savings, income and expenditure targets.
* Extensive experience of writing complex business cases and policies.
* Extensive experience of managing and deciding on complex employment issues.
* Experience of delivering large‑scale clinical service management at a senior level in a complex hospital environment.
* Well‑developed IT skills to manage and report on complex performance management information.
Leadership Competencies
* Change management – encourages innovation whilst minimising disruption in line with organisational objectives.
* Financial Acumen – aligns operational decisions with financial sustainability.
* People Leadership – inspires, motivates and delegates effectively. Developing talent through coaching and mentorship.
* Operational excellence – focused on process improvement, efficiency and quality.
Benefits & Induction
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. Induction runs on the first Monday of each month (excluding bank holidays) and includes laboratory training for relevant roles.
Details
* Date posted: 23 December 2025
* Pay scheme: Agenda for change
* Band: 9
* Salary: £117,645 to £134,103 a year (inclusive)
* Contract: Fixed term
* Duration: 6 months
* Working pattern: Full‑time
* Reference number: 290‑NWLP‑370
* Job locations: Trust Wide, London, W2 1NY
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure and Barring Service check is required.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcomed and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Employer Details
* North West London Pathology
* Trust Wide, London, W2 1NY
* Website: https://www.nwlpathology.nhs.uk/
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