NHS Recruitment Advert – Band 8a Deputy ODN Manager (Neonatal) – Strategic Network for Critical Care – South East Region
A Vacancy at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
About the Strategic Network for Critical Care
The SNCC spans the entire South East of England, bringing together the Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks across:
* Thames Valley & Wessex (TVW)
* Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS)
Across these localities, we deliver seven core functions critical to high-quality, equitable care:
* Service
* Delivery
* Resources
* Workforce
* Quality
* Collaboration
* Transformation Population Health
Our work is underpinned by strong partnerships with commissioners, ICBs and providers to ensure system-wide improvement.
About the Role
Reporting to the Neonatal ODN Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the leading and managing of the Neonatal ODN across TVW and KSS. This is a pivotal leadership role at an exciting point of transformation.
In 2025/26, the ODNs have come together under the new SNCC umbrella, resulting in redesigned structures, strengthened governance and refreshed funding arrangements. This transition brings opportunities to modernise how we work, enhance cross-regional collaboration and embed agile ways of operating across both the core network team and wider stakeholders.
Responsibilities
* Responsible for the effective day‑to‑day operational management of the network, making decisions, providing solutions and/or advice to staff in response to pressures that may affect network activity.
* As an active lead, be involved in shaping and delivering the strategic direction of the network.
* Identify areas for service improvement and lead on projects to enhance the availability of resources and streamline processes to improve network activity.
* Manage the delivery of regional and national targets, negotiating with clinical leads when necessary to ensure throughput of network activity.
* Exercise delegated responsibility and deputise as required for the ODN Manager.
* Line manage staff within the network and wider network support roles.
* Act as an ambassador leading by example and modelling the network and hosted Trust’s values and policies.
Why Join Us?
* Lead one of the most established and respected Neonatal ODNs in England.
* Proven ability to support leading complex programmes, manage stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable impact, strong governance, analytical and strategic planning skills.
* A collaborative approach with the ability to inspire teams through change and transformation.
* Influence service delivery and outcomes for babies and families across the Southeast.
* Contribute to shaping a brand‑new strategic framework for critical care.
* Become part of an ambitious, supportive and forward‑thinking regional team.
* If you are excited by the opportunity to lead at scale, support major transformation and champion excellence in neonatal critical care, we encourage you to apply.
Qualifications & Requirements
* Experience in operational delivery networks, commissioning, or system‑level healthcare leadership.
* Understanding of neonatal services or critical care pathways (highly desirable).
* Proven ability to support leading complex programmes, manage stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable impact.
* Strong governance, analytical and strategic planning skills.
* A collaborative approach with the ability to inspire teams through change and transformation.
* Travel across the whole of the southeast; candidate must have a driving license and ability to commute around the network footprint regularly.
We are committed to providing a flexible working environment, championing individuality and building an inclusive, anti‑racist, anti‑discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered.
This advert closes on Thursday 26 Feb 2026.
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