Operations Manager - Exeter EOC (INTERNAL)

Job summary

Are you an experienced operational leader passionate about delivering outstanding patient care in a fast-paced environment?

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) Senior Leadership Team, leading the 999 call-answering and ambulance dispatch functions in Exeter. At the heart of England's largest ambulance service, you will provide visible, values-led leadership to Duty Officers, ensuring the safe, effective and resilient delivery of services.

This challenging and rewarding role requires significant operational leadership experience. You will lead service performance, patient safety, workforce planning, quality improvement and operational resilience, while supporting leadership development and continuous improvement.

Working closely with colleagues across operations, governance and corporate services, you will help shape the future of 999 call-answering and ambulance dispatch. You will influence strategic decision-making, drive service improvements and ensure patients receive a timely response, maintaining the highest standards of safety, quality and professional practice.

If you are a credible and inspiring leader who thrives under pressure, values collaboration and is committed to excellence for patients and staff, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

Reporting to the Head of EOC - 999 Operations, the EOC Operations Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for the safe, effective and resilient delivery of 999 call handling and ambulance dispatch services within the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). The post holder will provide visible leadership, ensuring high standards of operational performance, patient safety, quality, governance and people management.

The role includes line management of EOC Duty Officers and leadership of call handling and dispatch teams, promoting a culture of accountability, professional judgement and continuous improvement. The post holder will lead confidently in fast-paced environments, making decisions that balance patient safety, service performance and staff wellbeing.

As a member of the EOC Senior Leadership Team, they will support delivery of Trust objectives, EOC priorities, national standards and contractual requirements, while strengthening leadership capability and ensuring consistent, evidence-based practice focused on high-quality patient care.

The EOC Operations Manager will oversee the effective operation of their EOC, workingwith fellow Operations Managers to maintain standards. They will also work with the EOC Business Manager to ensure effective arrangements for health and safety, IPC, estates management and audit.

The role requires collaboration with operational colleagues, regular travel to Exeter and Bristol EOCs, and travel across the South West region as required.

About us

Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.

We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.

If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples' lives, then we would love to hear from you.

In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.

You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.

Benefits

• Competitive NHS salary
• A standard working week of 37.5 hours
• Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Career and salary progression
• Car leasing scheme (this is subject to your pay not falling below the National Living Wage)
• Free parking across Trust sites
• Staff networks
• Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK

Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Exeter EOC

Trust HQ

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

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Employer details

Employer name

South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Exeter EOC

Trust HQ

Exeter

EX2 7HY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.swast.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

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