Divisional Director of Operations


Company:	NHS Jobs
Salary:	£94,346 to £108,814 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Harlow, CM20 1QX
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	3 Sept 2026
Closing date:	17 Sept 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Main duties of the job Lead the operational function of the division in line with the Trust's operational plan and strategy. Work collaboratively within a triumvirate team (Divisional Director, Director of Nursing, Medical Director) to deliver standards and financial targets. Develop and deliver the division's business plan, workforce plan, and complex business cases. Drive system-wide transformation and collaborate with partners across the local health economy. Represent the division and deputise for the Chief Operating Officer in internal and external forums. Lead and manage divisional and Trust-wide projects, including capital and transformation initiatives. Ensure high standards of patient care, dignity, and respect. Oversee performance management, financial control, and resource allocation within the division. Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders (NHS, community, voluntary sector, local authorities, etc.). Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Trust policies, and governance arrangements. Champion inclusive leadership, staff wellbeing, and talent development. Lead on the delivery of key performance targets (e.g., elective, non-elective, diagnostics, emergency standards) across relevant divisions. Oversee complaints, risk management, patient safety, and learning from incidents. Promote the use of data, digital tools, and health informatics for decision-making and innovation. Support integrated care and community transformation projects. Foster a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement. Detailed job description and main responsibilities Organisational Context The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust serves a population of 350,000–500,000 across multiple sites. The Trust values are: Patient at heart, Everyday excellence, and Creative collaboration. Job Summary Reports to the Divisional Director and is accountable to the Chief Operating Officer. Works as part of a triumvirate leadership team (with the Divisional Director of Nursing and Divisional Medical Director). Leads the operational function of the division, aligning with the Trust's operational plan and strategy. Drives transformational change to deliver the Trust's strategic objectives. Member of the Trust Executive Board, contributing to senior leadership decisions and deputising for the Chief Operating Officer as required. Main Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy Formulate and deliver the division's operating plan and strategy. Develop and maintain effective relationships with local health economy partners (NHS Trusts, ICB, GPs, community and voluntary services, local authorities, business partners). Lead integration of services between acute and community settings, shifting care where appropriate. Represent the division and Trust in internal and external forums, including deputising for the Chief Operating Officer. Lead Trust-wide projects (capital, transformation, etc.) as delegated by the executive team. Model inclusive leadership and uphold Trust and NHS values. Operational & Financial Management Oversee divisional performance, ensuring delivery of constitutional standards (safe, caring, effective, responsive, well-led, and financial targets). Develop and deliver the division's business plan, workforce plan, and complex business cases. Ensure effective and efficient use of resources, robust financial management, and identification of savings. Lead performance reviews and ensure compliance with statutory regulations and Trust policies. Oversee data analysis and information management to support decision-making. People Management & Workforce Development Support and develop divisional staff in line with the Trust's workforce strategy, prioritising health and wellbeing. Lead on recruitment, retention, appraisals, and people management processes. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion within the division. Embed talent management and foster a culture of inclusivity, trust, and collaboration. Governance & Quality Ensure robust governance arrangements and compliance with corporate governance. Oversee complaints management, patient safety incident investigations, and learning from incidents. Ensure risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately. Ensure data protection and information governance standards are met. Division-Specific Responsibilities Integrated Emergency & Medical Pathways: Lead delivery of non-elective targets (ED four-hour standard, ambulance handover, length of stay), manage emergency preparedness, and support transformation projects. Lead delivery of elective performance targets for medical specialities (RTT, cancer, diagnostics), and manage productivity. Management & Leadership Standards Act ethically and inclusively, promoting transparency and fairness. Drive operational excellence, balancing clinical quality, workforce wellbeing, and financial accountability. Champion talent development and use of data/digital tools for innovation. Support system-wide collaboration and integrated care.

Apply for this job