Head of Operations

Job Overview

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Operations . Are you dynamic, resilient, and a compassionate leader who inspires, engages, and drives performance? As a key leader within UHN, you will embody our values, championing a culture of excellence, accountability, and collaboration. You will have a proven track record of delivering measurable improvements in performance, finance, and quality, ensuring sustainable outcomes that make a real difference for our patients and colleagues.

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is on an exciting journey with all of our divisions committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have also entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN). As part of this collaborative approach, there may be a requirement for you to work across both the Kettering and Northampton hospital sites, depending on the needs of the service.

• Compassion
• Accountability
• Respect
• Integrity
• Courage

We are an equal opportunities employer, which aims to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds, including those from black and minority ethnic (BME) communities and members of the LGBTQ+ community. We appreciate and support the Armed Forces community, having signed the Armed Forces Covenant and achieved a Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria for the job will be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please inform the recruitment services team as soon as possible.

Correspondence regarding your application will be sent to you via a TRAC system account. Applications will be transferred to the TRAC system by completing an application and granting authorisation for the transfer of your data.

• Inspirational Leadership – a leader who wins hearts and minds, sets high standards, and brings energy, motivation, and personal impact.
• Performance & Finance Expertise – demonstrated success in delivering operational excellence, managing cost controls, and leading successful CIP programmes.
• Problem‑Solving & Decision‑Making – an autonomous problem solver who tackles challenges head‑on, bringing innovative solutions without waiting for executive intervention.
• Holding to Account – the ability to challenge constructively, ensuring that direct reports, teams, and medical colleagues maximise productivity and deliver value for money.
• Ambition & Continuous Learning – a leader who does not settle for mediocrity, actively seeks best practices regionally and nationally, and uses complex data to inform decision‑making.
• Strategic Thinking & Collaboration – someone who works across divisional boundaries, builds external relationships, and strategically plans for the future of healthcare at UHN.
• Patient‑Centred Approach – a leader who ensures that everything we do remains focused on delivering the highest quality patient care.