Employer: University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
Location: Worthing, UK
Salary: £112,782 - £129,783 per annum
Closing date: 07/06/2026 23:59
Divisional Director of Operations (Medicine & Surgery Division)
Following the launch of our new target operating model and restructuring of our clinical divisions, we are seeking a Divisional Director of Operations for our Medicine Division and our Surgery Division. The DDO is a key role within the organisation and is responsible for operational management and leadership of a complex division in one of England’s largest acute hospital Trusts. A visionary leader who demonstrates an inclusive and engaging leadership style, you will balance operational delivery with quality and financial performance.
Main duties
* Day‑to‑day operational management ensuring safe, effective and efficient delivery of services.
* Collaborate with the Divisional Managing Director, Medical Director and Nursing Director to achieve divisional and Trust objectives.
* Lead performance management, service delivery and operational improvement, supporting the development and implementation of operational strategic plans.
* Develop and implement the division’s strategy and business plan to support the Trust Annual Plan.
* Shape the Trust’s strategy and business plans, supporting overall implementation, enabling good cross‑divisional working and contributing to major strategic developments.
* Set clear objectives and performance standards for all services within the division, ensuring alignment with Trust‑wide goals and regulatory requirements.
* Monitor and evaluate service delivery using KPIs, clinical outcomes and patient feedback, taking proactive steps to address underperformance, risks or emerging issues.
* Foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, empowering teams to take ownership of their areas and encouraging innovation in service delivery.
* Ensure compliance with national and local standards, maintaining high levels of patient safety, quality and efficiency.
* Design robust operational frameworks that define processes, roles and responsibilities across the division, supporting effective decision‑making and resource allocation.
* Oversee the allocation and management of financial, human and physical resources, ensuring optimal use to deliver high‑quality care within budgetary constraints.
Person specification
Knowledge and Skills
* Master’s degree or equivalent knowledge/experience.
* Educated to degree level or equivalent professional level in any relevant discipline.
* Evidence of continuing professional development.
* Relevant specialist knowledge (Lean, continuous improvement, pathway redesign, digital improvement).
* Expert level knowledge of CQC regulatory requirements and NHS England assurance frameworks.
* Good understanding of employment law, workforce policy, equality, diversity and inclusion obligations, information governance and data protection.
* Project management (e.g., Prince2).
Experience
* Extensive senior management experience in healthcare.
* Experience of managing multiple specialties.
* Demonstrable evidence of achievement in operational management roles.
* Experience of project and change management.
* Sound knowledge of NHS structure and targets.
* Demonstrable evidence of success in managing large teams and budgets.
* Experience in multi‑agency planning and service delivery.
Communication Skills
* Ability to provide and receive highly complex, sensitive or contentious information.
* Skilled in negotiation and influencing.
* Ability to present to large groups and write Board‑level reports.
People Management and Development
* Highly developed leadership skills.
* Experience of successful management teams and individuals.
* Experience of implementing people management processes.
* Coaching or mentoring qualification.
Analytical and Judgement Skills
* Highly developed numeric and analytical skills.
* Ability to analyse and interpret a wide range of information.
* Ability to make sound judgements and decisions.
Planning and Organising Skills
* Strategic thinking; ability to plan over various timescales and adjust resources accordingly.
Freedom to Act
* Ability to make autonomous decisions on complex issues, often under pressure.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues.
* Evidence of championing diversity in previous roles, where appropriate.
UHSussex is an equal opportunity employer. Applications from all backgrounds are welcome.
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