Job overview
he Divisional Director of Operations (DDO) is a senior leadership role responsible for the strategic and operational management of the Medicine and Emergency Care Division. Reporting to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer, the DDO provides strong leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, high-quality, patient-centred care within performance, financial, and workforce targets.
This role leads divisional business planning, performance management, service transformation, and staff engagement. The post-holder will work closely with clinical and corporate colleagues to ensure services are sustainable, efficient, and responsive to patient needs. A key member of the Divisional Management Board, the DDO also contributes to Trust-wide initiatives and represents the division at internal and external forums.
The role demands excellent leadership, change management, and operational delivery skills, as well as the ability to influence across a complex healthcare environment. The post-holder will play a vital role in driving quality improvement, embedding governance, and supporting the long-term vision and values of East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust.
Main duties of the job
Main Job Roles and Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Provide overall management of divisional services to ensure safe, effective, and efficient care.
* Ensure delivery of all NHS constitutional standards and performance targets (e.g. RTT, ED, cancer).
Business and Strategic Planning
* Lead annual business planning and contribute to Trust-wide strategic priorities.
* Drive service transformation, redesign, and improvement to enhance patient experience and productivity.
* Represent the division in internal and external forums, including system-level commissioning discussions.
Performance and Financial Management
* Monitor and manage performance against activity, quality, and financial KPIs.
* Lead on financial planning, budget control, and delivery of efficiency savings and cost improvement programmes (CIPs).
* Ensure services are delivered within available resources.
Staff Leadership and Workforce Planning
* Provide visible leadership to clinical and operational teams across the division.
* Manage and develop staff performance, including objective setting, appraisal, and development planning.
* Support workforce development, role redesign, and recruitment in alignment with the Trust’s People Plan.
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Working
* Develop strong working relationships with internal departments and external partners, including commissioners and local authorities.
* Act as a key liaison between the division and executive management team.
Working for our organisation
Working for East Lancashire Hospitals NHS Trust (ELHT) offers a rewarding and supportive environment. The Trust is known for its commitment to providing safe, personal, and effective care, serving over 600,000 people across East Lancashire and beyond.
So why could ELHT be a great place to work for you?:
* Supportive Culture: ELHT fosters an open and collaborative culture, ensuring staff feel valued and appreciated.
* Career Development: The Trust invests in training and development, helping employees grow and achieve their potential.
* Flexibility: ELHT offers flexible and agile working options to help staff balance their personal and professional lives.
* Diversity and Inclusion: ELHT values a workforce that reflects the communities it serves and promotes equality.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
For full details of the role, please refer to the job description and person spec.
If you would like an informal discussion around the role, please see details below.