Deputy Head of Operations

Job summary

Reporting directly to the Head of Operations, the Deputy Head of Operations will help oversee day-to-day business activities across multiple departments. You will support the planning, coordination, and execution of key operational strategies, ensuring that our systems, processes, and teams are aligned to meet organisational objectives.

This is a hands-on, leadership role that demands a strong operational mindset, excellent people management skills, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment.

Main duties of the jobWe are looking for a proactive and strategic thinker with a solid background in operations management. You should be a confident communicator and proven leader, capable of influencing at all levels and making data-driven decisions.

Support the Head of Operations in managing core business functions, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and high-quality service delivery.

Lead operational teams to achieve performance targets and service standards.

Monitor and analyse key performance indicators (KPIs) to drive continuous improvement.

Identify and resolve operational issues, streamline processes and implement new systems where appropriate.

Coordinate cross-departmental projects, ensuring timelines and goals are met.

Provide leadership, mentoring, and development to team leaders and staff.

Ensure compliance with relevant legislation, company policies and best practices.

Act as a key point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, representing operations in high-level discussions when required.

Deputise for the Head of Operations in their absence

About us Please submit your application as soon as possible, as we reserve the right to close adverts once sufficient applications have been received.

We recognise that AI tools can support application writing; however, candidates are asked to keep their use to a minimum. Responses should reflect your own experience, skills and knowledge, as over-reliance on AI-generated content may result in generic answers that do not accurately represent your abilities.

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) brings together Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust. As a group, we are committed to improving services for our communities through collaboration, modernising care delivery and striving for excellence. Working together enables us to share expertise, strengthen services and create greater opportunities, and there may be a requirement to work across sites depending on service needs.

Our Excellence Values are Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity and Courage. UHN welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to an inclusive working environment. We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and hold the Gold Award under the Employer Recognition Scheme. Candidates who identify as members of the Armed Forces community and meet the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

Details Date posted
09 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

BandBand 8cSalary
79,504 to 91,609 a year

per annum pro rata

Contract Secondment Working  pattern

Full-time,

Part-time,

Flexible working

Reference number-FAMJob locations

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Northamptonshire Kettering NN
16 8UZ
United Kingdom Job description

Job responsibilities

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the Shortlisting Criteria section of the document.
Job description
Job responsibilities

For further information on the advertised role, please refer to the job description located under the Supporting Documents heading. The full person specification can be accessed under the Shortlisting Criteria section of the document.

Person Specification

Knowledge and experience

Essential

Experience with in the healthcare sector at senior manager level including acquired skills in people management, budget management and service delivery

Proven track record of achieving challenging healthcare performance targets

Experience of delivering complex programmes of change within a healthcare settingIT skills to manage and report on highly complex performance management information

Desirable

Experience of working in an Acute Teaching Hospital setting

Education, Training & Qualifications

Essential Master's degree or equivalent experience

Evidence of extensive CPD maintaining up to date…