Job summary We have a real and exciting opportunity to improve population health, address health inequalities and provide high quality services in partnership with our communities designed to transform the delivery of our clinical operational services. We aim to ensure that every person using our services receives high quality care no matter where they access services. It supports our commitment to embedding cultural change through a style of leadership that is aligned to our values 'we are kind, respectful, always learning and a team'. We are seeking compassionate leaders who are champions of diversity and inclusion, put service users and carers at the centre of decision making and actively work in partnership. The Central and West Lancashire Network are looking for an experienced and talented leader with excellent operational management skills who is able to analyse complex situations and information in order to reach a decision based on clear rationale. System working is integral to this post as we move into Place and look at how we develop services based on population need. You will report to the Director of Operations and be responsible for the operational management of a range of community mental health services, with overall care group responsibility. Central and West Lancashire is an exciting area to work in, with a breadth of services and an excellent team of people. There is always the opportunity to be involved in something new and innovative. Main duties of the job The Associate Director of Operations is an accountable officer within the network locality and is responsible, for the delivery of all patient services within it. This involves ensuring that high quality services are provided to patients and that all operational and performance targets, including waiting lists, finance, HR are achieved. The role also includes ensuring that services are continually improved and developed in line with best practice standards. The Associate Director of Operations will work in a team of managers within the network, alongside senior clinical colleagues, working together to ensure consistent quality of services is achieved across the organisation whilst delivering the specific elements commissioned through local delivery plans. The Associate Director of Operations will be responsible for line management of the service managers within the Locality. The post holder will work in line with the Trust's corporate objectives and will be expected to make a positive contribution to the provision of health services across the local health economy. About us Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust provides a range of services including secondary mental health care across this area. Specialist provision comprises inpatient child and adolescent mental health services, perinatal mental health and forensic services including low and medium secure care. The Trust also provides a range of physical health and well-being services in the community alongside a range of partners in the Lancashire, Cumbria and Sefton area. Lancashire & South Cumbria Foundation Trust encourages flexible working, we believe that a positive work/life balance benefits NHS employees through improved health and wellbeing. We would consider working patterns such as; term time, part time, compressed hours, flexi-time and career breaks. We encourage applicants to state clearly on their application forms this request and discuss these options at interview. For more information please visit our website via Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS FT Date posted 27 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8c Salary £74,290 to £85,601 a year Per Annum Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 351-CEN1069-MC-A Job locations Central Management Preston PR5 6GD Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role. Job description Job responsibilities Please see attached the job description and person specification for more information about this role. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Masters degree level or equivalent Appropriate professional management qualification Participation in continuing professional development to improve and update specialist knowledge Experience Essential Extensive Experience of operational management Detailed understanding and Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of the operation of healthcare services and performance targets Experience of managing a budget Experience of leading and managing change Skills Essential Well-developed analytical & problem solving skills with the ability to make decisions by determining key points from complex data and multiple information strands. IT literate with well -developed skills for the use and application of information technology systems including file management, safe and effective internet use, Outlook, Word processing, PowerPoint, Access and Excel. Well -developed written and verbal communication skills together with influencing and negotiating skills for interacting with individuals across the Network Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Masters degree level or equivalent Appropriate professional management qualification Participation in continuing professional development to improve and update specialist knowledge Experience Essential Extensive Experience of operational management Detailed understanding and Advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and experience of the operation of healthcare services and performance targets Experience of managing a budget Experience of leading and managing change Skills Essential Well-developed analytical & problem solving skills with the ability to make decisions by determining key points from complex data and multiple information strands. IT literate with well -developed skills for the use and application of information technology systems including file management, safe and effective internet use, Outlook, Word processing, PowerPoint, Access and Excel. Well -developed written and verbal communication skills together with influencing and negotiating skills for interacting with individuals across the Network 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. Employer details Employer name Lancashire & South Cumbria NHS Foundation Trust Address Central Management Preston PR5 6GD Employer's website https://www.lscft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)