Service Director (Operations) | Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust


Company:	Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Salary:	£112,782 - £129,783 p.a.
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Poole, BH17 0RB
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	13 Aug 2026
Closing date:	12 Sept 2026

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Summary

As the Service Director of operations for a designated portfolio you will lead a comprehensive range of inpatient and community services with c.3000 team members working across a diverse but integrated care system.

This is a substantive role leading a large and complex operational portfolio. The role is not permanently allocated to an operational portfolio at this time, in recognition of the likely future changes to how directorates are structured to achieve a place based model. In the immediate term, the role will lead the current Mental Health, Learning Disabilities and Children’s Services portfolio pending the development of a new operating model for the Trust as part of being an Advanced Foundation Trust.

We hold a vision for delivering integrated placed based population health across Dorset to identify and address healthcare inequalities in our population. Being accountable for the delivery of quality services around the core dimensions of safety, effectiveness and patient experience you will ensure clinical engagement and be committed to good clinical governance, safety and risk management.

Working with a great management team, together you will ensure delivery of effective services in line with the Trust’s strategic aims and service models and ensure the integrity and effectiveness of patient pathways across the services. Transformation and promoting the development of evidence-based interventions which are innovative and promote continuous improvement is also a key part of this role.

Working as part of a directorate management triumvirate, this post has operational management and leadership responsibilities for a designated portfolio of Trust services and will be responsible for:

• The delivery of quality services around the core dimensions of safety, effectiveness and patient experience

• The development of strategic plans in line with overall Trust Strategy

• The performance management of all services in line with local and national performance targets and standards

• Ensuring clinical engagement, taking responsibility for clinical governance, safety and risk management

• Taking a commercial and business approach to services which recognises and adapts to the needs of our customers

• Providing leadership, support and advice to managers and staff

• Delivering consistently high quality, responsive and cost-effective services

We would love to hear from you. Please contact Jo Nation jo.nation@nhs.net to arrange a discussion with our Chief Operating Officer.

At Dorset HealthCare we’re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We’re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here – it’s one of the reasons the CQC rated us ‘outstanding’ in 2019. It’s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you’re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We’re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us you’ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don’t know. And you’ll be working towards our vision to create healthier lives, empowered citizens and thriving communities.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

We understand that AI can be a useful tool when completing your application. However, we are seeing an increasing over-reliance of AI tools, which can negatively affect your application as it reduces a candidate’s individuality, and makes it difficult for us to gain a clear and authentic understanding of your experience, skills, and in turn your suitability for the role.

All submissions must be truthful and if you do use AI, it should only be used to enhance your application and not create your supporting statement in its entirety. Your supporting statement should be in your own words and must accurately reflect your personal experience and achievements. Where we have concerns that AI has been used to generate content that misrepresents your experience and suitability for the role, we may withdraw your application.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contactdhc.wideningparticipation@nhs.net

This advert closes on Thursday 27 Aug 2026

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