Service Improvement Operational Manager

Overview

Job summary:

This is a unique opportunity for a motivated and organised leader to join the Acute & Crisis Mental Health Directorate leadership team in Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust. The post holder will report to the relevant Service Manager, and work alongside an established group of clinical, operational and administrative leaders to oversee a range of 24 hour clinical mental health services. The Directorate incorporates Crisis, HBPOS, Liaison and Inpatient services for working age adults and older people.

The Service Improvement Operational Manager is responsible for ensuring the efficient and effective management of services. The role provides high-level professional and managerial leadership, offering expert advice, interpretation and guidance to support the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused care within available resources.

Location:

Services are located in multiple locations across Bromley, Bexley and Greenwich. The directorate office base is Pinewood House, Pinewood Pl, Dartford, Bexley DA2 7WG
.

Date posted: 20 February 2026

Pay scheme:
Agenda for change

Band:
Band 8b

Salary: £70,396 to £80,837 a year pa inc

Contract:

Permanent

Working pattern:
Full-time, Flexible working, Home or remote working

Reference number:

-AAC

Job locations:
Pinewood House, Pinewood Place, Dartford, DA2 7WG

• Management Responsibilities
• Manage mental health services and staff within agreed budgets.
• Oversee staff supervision, appraisals and mandatory training.
• Lead recruitment, performance management and HR processes.
• Monitor performance targets, activity levels and quality standards.
• Maintain governance systems and produce regular performance reports.
• Ensure accurate and high-quality patient and clinical record keeping.

Risk & Safety Responsibilities

• Oversee risk management and health & safety compliance.
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are followed.
• Lead complaint investigations and embed learning from incidents.
• Ensure infection control standards are consistently met.

Leadership Responsibilities

• Provide visible leadership across Acute and Crisis Services.
• Promote inclusive, patient-centred and community-responsive services.
• Support development of service objectives, policies and business plans.
• Strengthen engagement with service users, carers and stakeholders.
• Drive service improvement, efficiency and innovation (e.g., reducing waiting times).
• Support senior leaders with service development, governance and planning.

Research Responsibilities

• Participate in research that supports service development.

Essential

• Education/
  
  Qualifications:
  
  Evidence of management & leadership development.
• Experience:
  
  Management of resources (both people and financial) with a good track record of change management, efficiency savings & financial recovery plans;
  Measurable track record in involving and motivating staff to improve performance.
• Skills & Knowledge:
  Good performance management skills; understanding of the political landscape and challenges in health and social care.

Oxleas offers NHS health care services to people in community and secure settings, including district nursing, speech and language therapy, learning disabilities care and mental health care. Our multidisciplinary teams work with NHS partners, local councils and the voluntary sector. We have around 4,300 staff and operate across multiple sites including hospitals, clinics, prisons, secure hospitals, children’s centres, schools and homes.

We operate in the South of England with a focus in London boroughs of Bexley, Bromley and Greenwich and in Kent. We are the largest NHS provider of prison health services in several regions and are committed to high-quality care.

Our purpose is to improve lives by providing the best possible care to our patients and their families, under our values:
We're Kind, We're Fair, We Listen, We Care.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires submission for DBS check.

Certificate of Sponsorship:
Applications from job seekers who require Skilled worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered. For more information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website. Guidance on overseas criminal records checks is available via the provided guidance links.