Job summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen for Director of Operations for the Division of Surgery, and Women's and Children's Services at the James Paget University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
As part of the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group, James Paget is on a significant journey of development and improvement. A Trust that is part of the New Hospitals Programme, an Electronic Patient Record and an Acute Clinical Strategy redesign are all current strategic priorities for the Group.
As the Director of Operations for the Division of Surgery and Women's and Children's Services, we are looking for an exceptional candidate to balance the day-to-day grip and control required to lead one of our two clinical divisions whilst simultaneously leading and contributing to significant strategic projects across Norfolk and Waveney.
Interview Date 26 March 2026
Main duties of the job
The Divisional Operations Director (DOD) role has a high level of delegated authority from the Chief Operating Officer and other members of the Site Leadership Team, providing operational and strategic leader leadership across all areas of the work within their designated portfolio. In addition, the DOD has wide ranging corporate responsibilities representing and making decisions on behalf of the Trust at local and regional level. The DOD is expected to work collaboratively across the Norfolk and Waveney University Hospitals Group.
About us
We want to attract the best and brightest people to work with us and that means we will look after you from the moment you apply for a role at the Trust and throughout your career with us. Our staff are central to everything we do, and we believe that investing in you is crucial if we want to enable you to reach your full potential.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership
- Provide strong visible leadership across the designated area in partnership with the Divisional Medical Director, Head of Midwifery and Lead Nurse
- Drive through the delivery of ambitious targets to continually improve performance within the designated area.
- Work collaboratively with all senior leaders in the Trust and wider group
- Introduce new and innovative strategies to maximise organisational efficiency.
- Ensure that all staff in the designated area are clear about what is expected and are working together in successful teams to achieve the Trusts vision and objectives.
- Lead on the implementation of new systems, processes and policies.
- Take the strategic lead for the designated area within the Trust, ensuring most effective use of resources.
Service Development
- In collaboration with the Divisional Medical Director, Lead Nurse and Head of Midwifery the post holder will assume lead responsibility for the development and improvement of patient care within the designated area, ensuring links are made across specialties/departments within the Trust and wider group and outside with other system partners and Place partners.
- The post holder will take an active role in determining the designated areas priorities and objectives and contribute to the Trust and Groups business plan.
- Develop clear plans to implement new services, in line with the Norfolk and Waveney Hospital Groups clinical strategy, service development plans, business planning, within agreed timeframes and within the financial envelope.
- Support Clinicians to deliver service re-design projects that improve clinical outcomes for patients, reduce waiting times and promotes more efficient/effective use of resources
- The post holder will ensure processes are in place for continual review of services to achieve an optimal fit between clinical service delivery and current best practice.
- Encourage and promote a quality and improvement agenda within the Division sharing good practice and excellence as appropriate.
Operational Management
- To manage the operational performance of the designated area, ensuring each specialty has clearly defined performance objectives supported by a management plan to deliver continuous improvement and against national guidance.
- Lead the regular performance meetings for the designated area of responsibility.
- Develop and implement effective reporting arrangements across the designated area to accurately record and monitor performance against local and national targets and to pro-actively manage any variances.
- To develop operational objectives within the designated area, which supports the achievement of Trust Targets and are consistent with Trust and Group objectives.
- Ensure that effective clinical governance, risk management and controls assurance systems and procedures are embedded into the culture of the designated area of responsibility.
- Provide regular reports to the Chief Operating Officer with assurance that appropriate follow up actions will be completed
- Ensure capital utilisation is maximised to optimise productivity and improve patient care including effective infection control systems.
- Work closely with Clinicians, Managers and Trust Leads to ensure that the Trust is providing optimum quality of care in line with CQC Standards, national and local healthcare targets.
Financial Management
- Responsibility for delegated budgets for the designated area.
- Ensure robust financial management systems and processes are in place to optimally utilise the designated area budget and resources.
- Leading the Division to deliver financial performance in line with the Trusts agreed financial plan, including efficiencies, exploring and implementing opportunities for cost improvement and maximising income.
- Ensure all delegated budgets within the designated area adhere to Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders.
- Establish a system for business risk evaluation of service developments.
Governance & Risk
- Promote a culture where patient safety is at the centre of the designated areas planning, analysis and performance delivery
- Ensure that appropriate and necessary Divisional resources are made available to describe and deliver an annual Governance Plan, including relevant clinical audit activity.
- Ensure that the designated area employs robust risk management and systems for clinical quality and safety improvement.
- Promote clinical information for benchmarking and audit to improve patient experience and delivery of excellent performance.
- Ensure that systems are in place to deliver accurate and timely statutory information (e.g. Data Protection and Freedom of Information).
Human Resource Management
- Line manage Operations Managers and Administrative & Clerical staff.
- Develop and maintain robust staff development systems within the designated area engendering a culture of openness, value and respect.
- Establish effective communication systems with all members of staff within the designated areas.
- Work in partnership with the HR team to ensure that all managers and employees comply with Trust policies and procedures, HR best practice and employment law and ensure that staff experienced is maximised through delivery of a formal staff experience plan.
- Ensure that all direct line management staff in the designated area are regularly appraised and have a Personal Development Plan which supports their development and is in line with Trust values and objectives.
- Promote a culture where staff feel empowered and accountable for the service they provide.
- Promoting staff development, working in collaboration with professional bodies and/or academic institutions enable them to competently and safely fulfil their roles whilst fulfilling ongoing progression and development aspirations.
- To personally update and keep abreast of professional and organisational developments within the NHS.
- To be ultimately responsible for the performance management of all staff in own areas and initiate and undertake disciplinary and capability procedures up to the level of dismissal and to hear grievances as appropriate and in accordance with Trust policiee
- Ensure the Division has an integrated workforce plan to ensure continuity of high-quality care
Other Duties
- Lead Trust and Group wide initiatives and projects as required.
- The post holder will participate in the On Call rota for the Trust.
- Represent the Chief Operating Officer or the Trust at local or national meetings.
- The post holder will be required to carry out other relevant duties as required.
- This post of Divisional Operations Director may be required to be flexible in the portfolio of work being managed. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.
- The post holder will adhere to, at all times, any professional and NHS Code of Conducts for their area of work.
- The post holder will act, at all times, in a courteous, dignified and respectful manner when dealing with patients, staff and visitors to the Trust complying with the Trusts values and to be an effective role model in this respect for all staff across the Division.
- The post holder will deputise for the Chief Operating Officer internally and externally when required.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Leadership
- Provide strong visible leadership across the designated area in partnership with the Divisional Medical Director, Head of Midwifery and Lead Nurse
- Drive through the delivery of ambitious targets to continually improve performance within the designated area.
- Work collaboratively with all senior leaders in the Trust and wider group
- Introduce new and innovative strategies to maximise organisational efficiency.
- Ensure that all staff in the designated area are clear about what is expected and are working together in successful teams to achieve the Trusts vision and objectives.
- Lead on the implementation of new systems, processes and policies.
- Take the strategic lead for the designated area within the Trust, ensuring most effective use of resources.
Service Development
- In collaboration with the Divisional Medical Director, Lead Nurse and Head of Midwifery the post holder will assume lead responsibility for the development and improvement of patient care within the designated area, ensuring links are made across specialties/departments within the Trust and wider group and outside with other system partners and Place partners.
- The post holder will take an active role in determining the designated areas priorities and objectives and contribute to the Trust and Groups business plan.
- Develop clear plans to implement new services, in line with the Norfolk and Waveney Hospital Groups clinical strategy, service development plans, business planning, within agreed timeframes and within the financial envelope.
- Support Clinicians to deliver service re-design projects that improve clinical outcomes for patients, reduce waiting times and promotes more efficient/effective use of resources
- The post holder will ensure processes are in place for continual review of services to achieve an optimal fit between clinical service delivery and current best practice.
- Encourage and promote a quality and improvement agenda within the Division sharing good practice and excellence as appropriate.
Operational Management
- To manage the operational performance of the designated area, ensuring each specialty has clearly defined performance objectives supported by a management plan to deliver continuous improvement and against national guidance.
- Lead the regular performance meetings for the designated area of responsibility.
- Develop and implement effective reporting arrangements across the designated area to accurately record and monitor performance against local and national targets and to pro-actively manage any variances.
- To develop operational objectives within the designated area, which supports the achievement of Trust Targets and are consistent with Trust and Group objectives.
- Ensure that effective clinical governance, risk management and controls assurance systems and procedures are embedded into the culture of the designated area of responsibility.
- Provide regular reports to the Chief Operating Officer with assurance that appropriate follow up actions will be completed
- Ensure capital utilisation is maximised to optimise productivity and improve patient care including effective infection control systems.
- Work closely with Clinicians, Managers and Trust Leads to ensure that the Trust is providing optimum quality of care in line with CQC Standards, national and local healthcare targets.
Financial Management
- Responsibility for delegated budgets for the designated area.
- Ensure robust financial management systems and processes are in place to optimally utilise the designated area budget and resources.
- Leading the Division to deliver financial performance in line with the Trusts agreed financial plan, including efficiencies, exploring and implementing opportunities for cost improvement and maximising income.
- Ensure all delegated budgets within the designated area adhere to Trust Standing Financial Instructions and Standing Orders.
- Establish a system for business risk evaluation of service developments.
Governance & Risk
- Promote a culture where patient safety is at the centre of the designated areas planning, analysis and performance delivery
- Ensure that appropriate and necessary Divisional resources are made available to describe and deliver an annual Governance Plan, including relevant clinical audit activity.
- Ensure that the designated area employs robust risk management and systems for clinical quality and safety improvement.
- Promote clinical information for benchmarking and audit to improve patient experience and delivery of excellent performance.
- Ensure that systems are in place to deliver accurate and timely statutory information (e.g. Data Protection and Freedom of Information).
Human Resource Management
- Line manage Operations Managers and Administrative & Clerical staff.
- Develop and maintain robust staff development systems within the designated area engendering a culture of openness, value and respect.
- Establish effective communication systems with all members of staff within the designated areas.
- Work in partnership with the HR team to ensure that all managers and employees comply with Trust policies and procedures, HR best practice and employment law and ensure that staff experienced is maximised through delivery of a formal staff experience plan.
- Ensure that all direct line management staff in the designated area are regularly appraised and have a Personal Development Plan which supports their development and is in line with Trust values and objectives.
- Promote a culture where staff feel empowered and accountable for the service they provide.
- Promoting staff development, working in collaboration with professional bodies and/or academic institutions enable them to competently and safely fulfil their roles whilst fulfilling ongoing progression and development aspirations.
- To personally update and keep abreast of professional and organisational developments within the NHS.
- To be ultimately responsible for the performance management of all staff in own areas and initiate and undertake disciplinary and capability procedures up to the level of dismissal and to hear grievances as appropriate and in accordance with Trust policiee
- Ensure the Division has an integrated workforce plan to ensure continuity of high-quality care
Other Duties
- Lead Trust and Group wide initiatives and projects as required.
- The post holder will participate in the On Call rota for the Trust.
- Represent the Chief Operating Officer or the Trust at local or national meetings.
- The post holder will be required to carry out other relevant duties as required.
- This post of Divisional Operations Director may be required to be flexible in the portfolio of work being managed. Any changes will be made in consultation with the post holder.
- The post holder will adhere to, at all times, any professional and NHS Code of Conducts for their area of work.
- The post holder will act, at all times, in a courteous, dignified and respectful manner when dealing with patients, staff and visitors to the Trust complying with the Trusts values and to be an effective role model in this respect for all staff across the Division.
- The post holder will deputise for the Chief Operating Officer internally and externally when required.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Elective Recovery Delivery
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience within the Healthcare Sector at senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning, operations, significant change and budgetary controls for groups of complex specialities
Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of the NHS in operations management with up to date knowledge of system and process redesign within emergency, ambulatory and elective services.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of leading and delivering significant programmes of change within an NHS setting.
Person Specification
Experience
Desirable
- Elective Recovery Delivery
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience within the Healthcare Sector at senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning, operations, significant change and budgetary controls for groups of complex specialities
Experience
Essential
- Extensive knowledge of the NHS in operations management with up to date knowledge of system and process redesign within emergency, ambulatory and elective services.
Experience
Essential
- Experience of leading and delivering significant programmes of change within an NHS setting.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
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.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
