Job Description
We are partnering with a leading Acute NHS Trust in the Midlands to appoint an Interim Divisional Director of Operations for Planned Care. This is a key executive-level leadership position within the Trust, working within a triumvirate leadership team and responsible for strategic and operational oversight of a high-profile division at a time of significant transformation.
The post is available immediately and offered on a fixed-term contract (Band 9). Hybrid working is available, with an expectation of at least 3 days per week on-site presence.
Role Overview:
As Divisional Director of Operations for Planned Care, you will lead the delivery of safe, high-quality, and efficient patient services across Critical Care, Theatres and Planned Care specialities and associated pathways.
You will drive operational performance, patient experience, and workforce engagement while managing a substantial divisional budget and supporting the Trust’s broader strategic priorities.
Key Responsibilities:
* Provide senior operational leadership across all Planned Care Group services, demonstrating behaviours of accountability and collaboration;
* Develop and implement a clear operational structure and delivery model aligned to Trust and national priorities;
* Lead delivery of key access and performance standards (including Theatre Utilisation, RTT targets and quality indicators);
* Ensure the implementation of national clinical guidelines, NICE standards, and CQC compliance;
* Drive the division’s transformation and quality and performance improvement agenda, including significant theatres improvement initiatives.
* Own divisional financial performance, delivering efficiency programmes and ensuring budgetary control;
* Lead on business planning, establishment control, capital planning, and income generation;
* Manage a multidisciplinary team of senior managers, clinical leads, and service heads;
Candidate Profile:
Essential:
* Extensive experience in a senior operational leadership role within an NHS acute provider, ideally within Planned Care;
* Strong track record of managing large, complex clinical services and multidisciplinary teams;
* Demonstrable experience in delivering high-profile operational targets and performance metrics;
* Proven leadership in operational financial management, workforce planning, and service transformation;
* Strategic mindset with the ability to manage across boundaries and influence stakeholders at all levels;
* Skilled in using data, analytics, and insight to inform decision-making and service development;
* Educated to degree level with a postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, MBA, or equivalent experience).
Desirable:
* Experience working across ICBs and regional systems;
* Background in managing Planned Care and Theatres transformation;
* Evidence of successful delivery of large-scale service improvement programmes.
* Able to demonstrate politically astute leadership through change.