Head of Operations

Job Summary

We are looking for an exceptional Head of Operations who is dynamic, resilient, compassionate and inspires, engages and drives performance. As a key leader within UHN you will embody our values, champion a culture of excellence, accountability and collaboration, and deliver measurable improvements in performance, finance and quality to benefit patients and staff.

• Lead operational excellence initiatives, manage cost controls and deliver successful change programmes.
• Provide inspirational leadership, set high standards, energise teams and promote accountability.
• Analyse complex problems and develop innovative, practical solutions without awaiting executive approval.
• Challenge constructively to maximise productivity, value for money and clinical outcomes.
• Seek and apply best practices regionally and nationally, using data to inform decisions.
• Work across divisional boundaries, build external relationships and plan strategically for future healthcare at UHN.
• Maintain a patient‑centred focus, ensuring all actions support the highest quality of patient care.

• MSc/Master’s level or equivalent management knowledge.
• Extensive knowledge of the NHS acute sector and medical/surgical services.
• Specialist strategic knowledge in people management, financial management and programme delivery.
• Evidence of ongoing CPD maintaining up‑to‑date knowledge.

• Senior managerial role in a large complex NHS organisation, with responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control of medical/surgical specialties.
• Experience leading large change programmes and driving performance improvements.
• Ability to analyse complex problems and deliver workable solutions.
• Experience in service development, policy introduction and strategy implementation.
• Experience managing multi‑million‑pound budgets and complex contracts.
• Ability to collaborate with internal and external partners to support partnership working.

• Excellent written and oral communication.
• Team building, staff motivation and conflict resolution.
• Strategic, tactical and creative thinking with prioritisation skills.
• Ability to present and interpret highly complex data and financial information.
• Proficiency in IT systems for performance management reporting.
• Strong negotiating skills and ability to manage performance under tight deadlines.
• Capacity to work within unpredictable patterns, applying initiative and determination.

• Commitment to UHN’s values of compassion, accountability, respect, integrity and courage.
• Demonstrated inclusive and compassionate leadership, supporting diversity and equality.
• Behaviourally consistent with the Trust’s values and behaviours.
• Willingness and ability to travel between Kettering and Northampton sites and participate in on‑call rota.

UHN encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups. We support colleagues from diverse backgrounds and foster an inclusive, collaborative environment.

• Disclosure and Barring Service check is required under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
• Applications from skilled‑worker sponsorship seekers are welcome and will be considered.
• Applicants must have current UK professional registration.

Employer:

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address:
University Hospitals of Northamptonshire, Northampton, NN1 5BD

University Hospitals of Northamptonshire – Northampton

Permanent, full‑time, part‑time, job share or flexible working options available.

£109,179 to £125,637 per year, pro rata, band 9.