Service Manager - Theatre Services

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust (WHH)

The closing date is 03 July 2026.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Operational Manager to expand their portfolio and to take up the role of Service Manager for Theatre Services. Our Service Manager is pivotal in the safe and effective delivery of patient care and works in collaboration with clinical and administrative teams to lead and manage Theatre Services.

The successful candidate will have operational, staff and budget management experience gained in an NHS setting and will need to draw upon previous experience of service and business planning and delivery of key performance targets and quality indicators.

The ideal candidate will have a strong team work ethic, sense of accountability, accompanied by a desire for quality and innovation.

This post will directly lead the day-to-day operational management of the theatre services, across both Warrington and Halton sites, at North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust and will take direct responsibility for ensuring our theatres are productive and deliver against planned activity levels and provide 24/7 out-of-hours emergency care, including maternity theatres.

For more information about this opportunity and to arrange an informal visit, please contact Melanie Alsop, Clinical Business Unit Manager on or alternatively email

• Lead the delivery of an effective and efficient Theatre Service within the Planned Care Group.
• Responsible for the development of service delivery, continuous service improvement, pathway redesign and modernisation.
• Ensure an evidence based approach is applied to shape and influence the future direction for Theatre Services.
• Responsible for the management and oversight of governance arrangements.
• Lead the development and implementation of robust and sustainable business and workforce plans.
• Responsible for the achievement of local Theatre metrics and performance targets.
• Lead the development and implementation of any required performance related remedial action plans.
• Responsible for ensuring Theatre Services are delivered within budget and proactively identify savings opportunities to contribute towards the Trust Cost Improvement Programme.
• Working closely with Procurement, theatre staff and clinicians to ensure regular reviews of consumable spend are undertaken.
• Participate on the Tactical (Senior Manager on Call) Rota for the Trust.
• Participate on the Planned Care Group (Surgical) Operational Manager of the day rota.

An experienced, motivated and results-driven leader with a strong track record of leading high-performing teams and delivering operational excellence within a climate of constant change. Known for a proactive, can-do leadership style, the post holder will thrive in a fast-paced environment, driving service improvement, Theatre productivity, and operational transformation within the Digestive Diseases Clinical Business Unit (CBU).

• Senior operational management experience in an Acute Trust managing services
• Evidence of successful change management in services within a complex organisation
• Proven ability to manage all resources effectively (financial and workforce)
• Evidence of delivery of key performance targets and commitment to ongoing service improvement

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
• Strong understanding of IT systems
• Understanding of Theatre Services and the key issues facing the service nationally and locally
• Must be able to operate at a strategic and operational level, with evidence of delivering within strategic level projects and operational work streams
• Evidence thoughtful decision making, and a commitment to continuous improvement
• Demonstrates the ability to manage timelines, resources, and stakeholders effectively
• Proven track record of managing competing priorities and a demanding workload
• Must possess a high standard of verbal and written communications skills, including being able to analyse reports and data sets
• Proven track record of collaborative working with senior colleagues (Clinical and non-clinical)
• Works in partnership with Trade Unions and professional bodies to support the effective and smooth delivery of services
• Well-developed leadership and motivational skills
• Well-developed influencing and negotiation skills

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

North Cheshire and Mersey NHS Foundation Trust