Job summary
Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a strategic, compassionate and inspirational operational leader to take on the role of Strategic Head of Sexual Health and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the South West.
This is a senior operational management role, responsible for overseeing the delivery, development, and performance of system wide sexual health services and SARCs across multiple sites. This will include subcontracting responsibility with our partners in Primary Care, Police and the third sector.
You will work closely with clinical teams, safeguarding leads, commissioners, and external partners to ensure safe, effective, and trauma-informed care for all service users. Acting with diplomacy and tact you will be expected to champion and influence system thinking and system change and position RDUH as a trusted and respected system leader.
Main duties of the job
For more detail about the main duties of this role, please see the job description section below. As a key member of the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, you will be joining an exceptional team working together to help our patients to stay healthy, when they need it most.
Details
Date posted: 24 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 8b
Salary: £64,455 to £74,896 a year pro rata
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 185-41843-11789
Job locations: Hembury House, Pynes Hill, Exeter, Devon, EX2 5SE
Job responsibilities
For more information on the Job Description and Responsibilities please click the link below.
More detail about the role
Key Responsibilities
* Provide operational leadership and strategic oversight of sexual health and SARC services across the region.
* Lead service transformation and improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with NHS England and local council commissioning standards and local priorities.
* Ensure robust governance, safeguarding, and quality assurance processes are in place.
* Build and maintain strong partnerships with police, social care, voluntary sector, and public health teams.
* Manage budgets, contracts, and workforce planning to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery, whilst championing the services and ensuring corporate support and governance is in place.
* Support a culture of positive staff wellbeing, training, and development across multidisciplinary teams.
About You
Essential:
* Significant experience in operational management within healthcare, population health and integrated care, or public sector services.
* Proven leadership in complex whole system environments.
* Strong understanding of service commissioning, performance management, and partnership working.
* Excellent skills in negotiation, communication, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
* Creative vision and solution focussed approach
Desirable:
* Experience working within SARCs, sexual health, or forensic healthcare settings.
* Postgraduate qualification in healthcare leadership, public health, or contracting.
Why Join Royal Devon?
We value our people and offer a comprehensive range of benefits to support your health, wellbeing, and career development:
* NHS Pension Scheme one of the most generous in the UK
* 27 days annual leave (rising to 33 with service), plus bank holidays
* Flexible working options and hybrid arrangements where applicable
* Car lease scheme and cycle-to-work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support
* Access to leadership development programmes and CPD
* Exclusive NHS discounts across retail, travel, and leisure
* Relocation support available for eligible candidates
Working Pattern
37.5 hours
Interview Date
To Be Confirmed
Contact
For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Lead, emily.simpson21@nhs.net or 07958931414
EOE statement: As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Note: The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
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