Job Overview
My name is Karen and I am the Divisional Director of Operations for Surgery, and I’m looking for a Deputy who wants to work alongside me to strengthen, develop and continually improve our Surgical Division.
This role is at the heart of how we deliver safe, compassionate and high‑quality care. You’ll bring calm, clarity and good judgement to busy operational days, and curiosity, teamwork and kindness to our longer‑term improvement and transformation work. If you’re someone who enjoys helping people do their best work, who can balance strategic thinking with practical problem‑solving, and who values a kind, inclusive culture, then you will be a great fit for us - and we will support you to thrive.
Main Duties of the Job
* Support the daily operational running of surgical services, ensuring our teams feel heard, supported and guided.
* Lead performance, financial and quality delivery - with both confidence and compassion.
* Manage escalation and risk, always focusing on patient safety and staff wellbeing.
* Work closely with clinical and non‑clinical colleagues, strengthening relationships across the Division and the Trust.
* Support our speciality managers to grow, develop and thrive in an inclusive, high‑performing environment.
* Bring data, insight and thoughtful challenge to decision‑making.
* Represent our Division professionally and collaboratively, including on the senior manager on‑call rota.
This is a role where your leadership truly matters — to patients, staff, and the future of our services.
Working for Our Organisation
At the RUH we put people at the heart of what we do, working together as one team to make a difference for our patients, each other, and our community. No matter what your role is, we value everyone’s contribution in supporting the exceptional, person‑centred care we pride ourselves on.
We are proud to be in the top 20 best hospitals to work for in the country. We are committed to creating a compassionate and inclusive environment. This can be seen in our growing community of staff networks – celebrating successes and creating opportunities to listen and learn. We value our differences, champion kindness and civility, and truly believe that diversity makes us stronger.
A culture of learning, developing and innovating is the thread that runs throughout our whole organisation. We want to support you to thrive, taking your career to its full potential. We value staff wellbeing, with a well‑established programme of support. We believe in a holistic approach spanning all aspects of living a healthy life, including physical, emotional, spiritual and financial wellbeing. We’ve even got a pool!
We are committed to supporting you and hope you want to join our team. In the meantime, find out more about living and working the beautiful historic city of Bath, learn about our extensive package of staff benefits, and read about how we’re providing healthcare fit for the future with the landmark Dyson Cancer Centre and our passion for research.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
Corporate Leadership
You will act as a key partner in driving the Division forward – ensuring our direction is clear, our communication consistent, and our priorities aligned with our Trust strategy. You’ll also represent the Division in Trust‑wide workstreams and improvement programmes.
Divisional Management and Performance
You’ll help embed high‑performing routines, oversee mitigation plans, manage risk, and ensure our services meet national and local targets. When something isn’t working, you’ll help us fix it with pace, teamwork and transparency.
Financial and Resource Management
You’ll support the development and delivery of integrated plans – capacity, workforce and finance – ensuring resources are used wisely, responsibly and with patient care at the centre.
People Leadership
Our Specialty Managers and wider teams will look to you for steady leadership, kindness, clarity and fairness. You’ll help them grow, navigate challenges and stay connected to what matters most: improving the patient experience.
Service and Quality Improvement
You’ll help us standardise pathways, develop business cases, strengthen governance processes, and ensure our services reflect evidence, best practice and the voices of our patients, families and staff.
Governance, Safety and Risk
You will ensure our risk register is up to date, our incidents and complaints are handled with sensitivity and accountability, and our improvement actions are both meaningful and delivered.
Deputising and Partnership Working
When I’m not available, you’ll provide stable, confident operational leadership for the Division. You’ll also collaborate closely with your peers across the Trust to ensure seamless, safe care for our patients.
Additional Contact Information
Why you’ll enjoy working with us
* You’ll be valued – your ideas, perspective and leadership will genuinely shape the Division.
* You’ll work with great people – our teams are committed, compassionate and proud of the care they provide.
* You’ll have room to grow – we’ll support your development, encourage your ambition and give you opportunities to stretch yourself.
* You’ll make a real difference – the work you do will directly improve patient experience and staff wellbeing.
* You’ll be trusted – this is a senior role with autonomy, influence and the backing to make meaningful change.
* You’ll feel part of something bigger – we work as one team, supporting each other, celebrating successes and navigating challenges together.
Who We’re Hoping To Find
* Leads with empathy, clarity and confidence – especially when things are challenging.
* Values teamwork and knows how to build strong, trusting relationships across clinical and non‑clinical groups.
* Can use data and insight to influence, guide and improve.
* Has the courage to challenge constructively, and the humility to listen deeply.
* Wants to make a real difference to staff experience, patient care and service quality.
* Brings steadiness, optimism and professionalism to the role – even on the busiest days.
Informal Contact Very Welcome
If you’re curious about the role or would simply like a conversation before applying, I would be more than happy to speak with you. Please feel free to get in touch – an informal chat is genuinely encouraged.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Experience – Essential Criteria
* Significant operational experience in acute healthcare with a minimum of 5 years senior management experience
* Leading change through empowering people and holding them to account
Specific Skills – Essential Criteria
* Evidence of creative and inspirational approach to problem solving
* Ability to quickly gain and maintain credibility
Physical Skills and Emotional Effort – Essential Criteria
* Ability to deliver highly complex information where people hold strongly opposing views
Desirable Criteria
* Management of staff, dealing with issues as necessary, including poor performance or attendance
Please Note – Visa and Immigration
Due to recent changes in UK immigration and visa rules, applicants who do not currently have the right to work in the UK may not be considered unless an alternative right to work solution can be provided. Candidates requiring sponsorship (or who will need sponsorship at the end of a current visa, e.g. those with graduate visa's) should review the eligibility criteria on the gov.uk website before applying: Prove your right to work to an employer – Overview - GOV.UK.
Applicant Requirements
The postholder will have access to vulnerable people in the course of their normal duties and as such this post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Application Numbers
This vacancy may close early if we receive a high number of applications. We strongly encourage you to complete and submit your application in good time to ensure it can be considered.
Documents to Download
* Job Description & Person Spec - Deputy Divisional Director of Operations for Surgery (PDF, 733.7KB)
* Join the RUH (PDF, 1.3MB)
Further Details / Informal Visits Contact
Name: Karen Maxfield
Job title: Divisional Director of Operations for Surgery
Email address: karen.maxfield@nhs.net
Telephone number: x4877
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