Deputy Operational Network Delivery Manager for Neonates

Deputy Operational Network Delivery Manager for Neonates

The closing date is 26 February 2026

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for the detailed job description of the role.

NHS Recruitment Advert – Band 8a Deputy ODN Manager (Neonatal) Strategic Network for Critical Care – South East Region.

Are you an experienced clinical network leader with the passion, credibility and strategic vision to shape neonatal care across a major region?

We are seeking an exceptional Band 8a Deputy Operational Delivery Network (ODN) Manager to support the ODN Manager in leading the Neonatal Critical Care ODN within the newly formed Strategic Network for Critical Care (SNCC).

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalising your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we're committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognising that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We're committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

About the Strategic Network for Critical Care:
The SNCC spans the entire South East of England, bringing together the Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks across Thames Valley & Wessex (TVW) and Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS). Across these localities, we deliver seven core functions critical to high-quality, equitable care:
Service Delivery, Resources, Workforce, Quality, Collaboration, Transformation, Population Health. Our work is underpinned by strong partnerships with commissioners, ICBs and providers to ensure system-wide improvement.

About the Role:

Reporting to the Neonatal ODN Manager, you will be responsible for supporting the leading and managing of the Neonatal ODN across TVW and KSS. This is a pivotal leadership role at an exciting point of transformation. In 2025/26, the ODNs have come together under the new SNCC umbrella, resulting in redesigned structures, strengthened governance and refreshed funding arrangements. This transition brings opportunities to modernise how we work, enhance cross-regional collaboration and embed agile ways of operating across both the core network team and wider stakeholders.

As Deputy ODN Manager you will:
• Be responsible for the effective day‑to‑day operational management of the network, making decisions, providing solutions and/or advice to staff in response to pressures that may affect network activity.
• Be an active lead, involved in shaping and delivery of the strategic direction of the network.
• Identify areas for service improvement and lead on projects to enhance the availability of resources and streamline processes to improve network activity.
• Manage the delivery of regional and national targets, negotiating with clinical leads when necessary to ensure throughput of network activity.
• Exercise delegated responsibility and deputise as required…