Operational Delivery Network Manager

University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279)

The closing date is 12 March 2026

NHS England funds the Internal Medicine Strategic Network (IMSN). We are in the early stages of building a skilled, multidisciplinary team to lead transformation across specialised services. This is a formative phase that offers the opportunity to help shape how the Strategic Network operates and delivers impact across Cardiac, Renal, and Vascular Operational Delivery Networks.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to shape and deliver high‑impact transformation across specialised services. As an Operational Delivery Network (ODN) Manager, you will lead the strategic development care across Cardiac, Renal and Vascular services. We anticipate appointing more than one ODN Manager and actively encourage multiple applications from candidates with complementary strengths.

• Provide system‑level leadership for ODN programmes, ensuring delivery against national specifications, quality metrics and agreed outcomes.
• Drive whole‑pathway improvement through collaboration with clinicians, operational leaders, commissioners, analysts and patient representatives.
• Lead complex, multi‑stakeholder programmes from initiation to benefits realisation; manage interdependencies, risks, issues and change control.
• Establish robust governance, reporting and performance frameworks, including benchmarking and audit across providers.
• Produce Board‑level briefings, options appraisals and business cases; present highly complex information clearly to diverse audiences.
• Support capacity, activity and demand planning; manage delegated budgets and resources with a clear focus on value.
• Deputise for senior network leadership and represent the programme at regional and national forums as required.

At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level
3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.

This role is eligible for visa sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. Sponsorship can only be provided where applicants meet the specific requirements set by UKVI, including the relevant skill and salary thresholds, and any role‑specific criteria.

Refer to the attached documentation to review the job description, responsibilities, and person specification.

Please note that if you currently work for another NHS Trust or UHSussex and you are applying to accept this position as a secondment opportunity, before applying you must seek agreement and authorisation from your current Trust/Manager. Secondments can’t be agreed without this approval. If you are unable to gain approval, you should refrain from applying unless you wish to take this role as a fixed‑term position.

• Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience working at a senior level in a specialist area.
• Healthcare‑related management training or equivalent experience to senior manager level.
• Leadership training or qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Healthcare clinical background with current or previous professional registration with a relevant professional body.
• Project or programme management qualification such as PRINCE2 or MSP.

• Experience in managing acute healthcare services in a service delivery or commissioning role.
• Experience working within a managed clinical network service or in establishing clinical network arrangements.
• Operational experience in managing groups of services at least to Band 8a or equivalent.
• Experience in reporting to Clinical Directorate/Divisional Board level or equivalent in a commissioning organisation.
• Experience in leading successful service…