Job summary Are you a dynamic leader with a passion for improving cancer services? The East of England Cancer Alliance is looking for an experienced Assistant Director to drive the delivery of high-quality, equitable cancer services across the region. In this role, you will lead strategic initiatives, manage key relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and support transformative changes to enhance patient outcomes. With a focus on innovation, quality improvement, and tackling health inequalities, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a vital sector. If you are an experienced leader with a proven track record in driving systemic change and have a strong understanding of cancer care and health policy, we want to hear from you. Join us and help shape the future of cancer services in the East of England. Main duties of the job You will lead strategic initiatives delivering of high-quality cancer services. Manage relationships with key stakeholders, NHS bodies, local authorities, and national policy makers ensuring alignment across systems. Your role will include driving performance improvements, overseeing transformation projects and implementing evidence based practices. To work closely with providers, clinical experts and partners to develop and promote innovative strategies. You will lead efforts to reduce health inequalities, improve patient outcomes and ensure the efficient use of resources. You will also oversee the progress of key projects, ensuring delivery within timelines and budgets. You will drive strategic and operational excellence across an alliance of health and care providers. Your role will involve guiding large-scale cancer service improvements, support the delivery of national cancer priorities eg early diagnosis and five year survival rates. You will manage a diverse range of projects collaborating with senior management and clinical teams to implement innovation and best practices that improve patient care and reduce health inequalities. Strong leadership and communication skills to build and maintaining effective partnerships with stakeholders. You will have the autonomy to influence key decisions, allocate resources and drive transformation programs. With a focus on evidence-based outcomes you will monitor progress, manage risks. About us NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough is an Integrated Care Board (ICB) and the statutory NHS organisation responsible for planning and delivering local health and care services to the population and communities of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough. Working collaboratively with partner organisations, including the VCSE sector, it oversees the commissioning, performance, financial management and transformation of the local NHS, as part of Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Integrated Care System (ICS). We are passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity. We know through experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger and more creative work environment that delivers better patient outcomes. We welcome applications irrespective of peoples age, disability, sex, gender, identity and gender expression, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation or other personal circumstances. We are a predominantly home based organisation. Some roles within the ICB are not suitable for the sole use of public transport and/or where there is a long journey from home to where work routinely takes place. Date posted 20 February 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8d Salary £88,168 to £101,677 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Flexible working Reference number D9644-25-018 Job locations Gemini House Cambridgeshire Business Park Ely CB7 4EA Job description Job responsibilities We are recruiting to two roles within the Cancer Alliance. Assistant Director - Strategy & Performance portfolio which includes the Programme Management and Business Office, Evidence based Data Insights for Performance improvement, Partnerships, Public and Patient engagement, Communications, Health Inequalities and Cancer Workforce programme incorporating training and education. Assistant Director - Transformation & Innovation portfolio with overall responsibility for programmes aligned to whole cancer pathways including early diagnosis, faster diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and end of life; innovative ways of working, best practice and support for most challenged areas as well as work of the Cancer Network Clinical Groups and clinically led programmes, such as genomics. As Assistant Director within the East of England Cancer Alliance, you will play a pivotal role in leading the improvement and delivery of cancer services across the region. This senior position will see you working closely with local healthcare providers, clinical teams, and senior management to implement national cancer strategies and ensure high-quality services for patients. You will be responsible for shaping and driving the strategic direction of the cancer alliance, with a focus on improving patient outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and delivering national priorities such as earlier cancer diagnosis and improved survival rates. Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Strategic Oversight: You will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with national cancer priorities and local healthcare goals. You will play a leading role in driving transformational change within the cancer services network. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including NHS partners, clinical teams, patient advocacy groups, and government bodies. You'll be responsible for facilitating collaboration and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in achieving shared objectives. Cancer Service Improvement: Lead and manage the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative cancer service models, with a particular focus on improving early diagnosis, treatment access, and patient survival. You'll oversee the development of programs that reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and ultimately provide better care for cancer patients. Monitoring and Reporting: Take responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the performance of cancer services across the region. You will assess the effectiveness of cancer pathways, ensuring all targets are met and providing recommendations for further improvement. Policy and Programme Development: Lead the development and implementation of cancer care policies and programs. You will work with teams across the region to design initiatives aimed at tackling healthcare inequalities, promoting early intervention, and advancing research into new treatment options. Budget and Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of resources, ensuring efficient use of budgets, managing financial performance, and identifying cost-effective solutions while maintaining high service standards. Change Management: Implement and lead significant change management programs. You will ensure that the organizational culture remains responsive to the dynamic healthcare environment while promoting continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices in cancer care. Data Analysis and Performance Management: You will lead on the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to cancer services, utilizing this information to inform strategic decisions and improve the quality of care delivered. Risk Management: Proactively identify risks to the delivery of cancer services, and work closely with senior management to mitigate these risks while ensuring the smooth delivery of patient care. Communication and Advocacy: Represent the East of England Cancer Alliance at regional and national levels, advocating for resources, policies, and initiatives that will support the enhancement of cancer services. Qualifications & Experience: Proven leadership experience in a senior healthcare management or clinical role, ideally within the cancer care or broader health services sector. A deep understanding of cancer care pathways, national cancer strategies, and healthcare policy. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale change programs, with a focus on improving patient outcomes. Expertise in data analysis and performance management. Knowledge of NHS funding and resource allocation processes is advantageous. Key Skills: Leadership and Team Management Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Cancer Care Service Improvement Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building Budget and Resource Management Risk and Performance Management Change Management Data Analysis and Reporting Interviews to be held w/c 17th March 2025 & w/c 24th March 2025 Job description Job responsibilities We are recruiting to two roles within the Cancer Alliance. Assistant Director - Strategy & Performance portfolio which includes the Programme Management and Business Office, Evidence based Data Insights for Performance improvement, Partnerships, Public and Patient engagement, Communications, Health Inequalities and Cancer Workforce programme incorporating training and education. Assistant Director - Transformation & Innovation portfolio with overall responsibility for programmes aligned to whole cancer pathways including early diagnosis, faster diagnosis, treatment, surveillance and end of life; innovative ways of working, best practice and support for most challenged areas as well as work of the Cancer Network Clinical Groups and clinically led programmes, such as genomics. As Assistant Director within the East of England Cancer Alliance, you will play a pivotal role in leading the improvement and delivery of cancer services across the region. This senior position will see you working closely with local healthcare providers, clinical teams, and senior management to implement national cancer strategies and ensure high-quality services for patients. You will be responsible for shaping and driving the strategic direction of the cancer alliance, with a focus on improving patient outcomes, reducing health inequalities, and delivering national priorities such as earlier cancer diagnosis and improved survival rates. Key Responsibilities: Leadership and Strategic Oversight: You will provide strategic leadership across a broad portfolio of projects and initiatives, ensuring alignment with national cancer priorities and local healthcare goals. You will play a leading role in driving transformational change within the cancer services network. Collaboration and Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including NHS partners, clinical teams, patient advocacy groups, and government bodies. You'll be responsible for facilitating collaboration and ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned in achieving shared objectives. Cancer Service Improvement: Lead and manage the design, implementation, and evaluation of innovative cancer service models, with a particular focus on improving early diagnosis, treatment access, and patient survival. You'll oversee the development of programs that reduce delays, enhance efficiency, and ultimately provide better care for cancer patients. Monitoring and Reporting: Take responsibility for monitoring and reporting on the performance of cancer services across the region. You will assess the effectiveness of cancer pathways, ensuring all targets are met and providing recommendations for further improvement. Policy and Programme Development: Lead the development and implementation of cancer care policies and programs. You will work with teams across the region to design initiatives aimed at tackling healthcare inequalities, promoting early intervention, and advancing research into new treatment options. Budget and Resource Management: Oversee the allocation of resources, ensuring efficient use of budgets, managing financial performance, and identifying cost-effective solutions while maintaining high service standards. Change Management: Implement and lead significant change management programs. You will ensure that the organizational culture remains responsive to the dynamic healthcare environment while promoting continuous improvement and the adoption of best practices in cancer care. Data Analysis and Performance Management: You will lead on the collection, analysis, and reporting of data related to cancer services, utilizing this information to inform strategic decisions and improve the quality of care delivered. Risk Management: Proactively identify risks to the delivery of cancer services, and work closely with senior management to mitigate these risks while ensuring the smooth delivery of patient care. Communication and Advocacy: Represent the East of England Cancer Alliance at regional and national levels, advocating for resources, policies, and initiatives that will support the enhancement of cancer services. Qualifications & Experience: Proven leadership experience in a senior healthcare management or clinical role, ideally within the cancer care or broader health services sector. A deep understanding of cancer care pathways, national cancer strategies, and healthcare policy. Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. Demonstrated experience in managing large-scale change programs, with a focus on improving patient outcomes. Expertise in data analysis and performance management. Knowledge of NHS funding and resource allocation processes is advantageous. Key Skills: Leadership and Team Management Strategic Planning and Decision-Making Cancer Care Service Improvement Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Building Budget and Resource Management Risk and Performance Management Change Management Data Analysis and Reporting Interviews to be held w/c 17th March 2025 & w/c 24th March 2025 Person Specification Experience Essential An in depth additional expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in the following areas Substantial subject matter expertise across all areas relating to cancer services with demonstrable experience of delivering successful improvements for patients. Proven and significant leadership experience and or formal management qualification and evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development. Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy relating to cancer and the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England, Integrated Care Systems and provider and commissioning organisations. Demonstrable experience of managing and prioritising a budget with solid working knowledge of financial process requirements. Qualifications Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area. Person Specification Experience Essential An in depth additional expert knowledge acquired over a significant period of time in the following areas Substantial subject matter expertise across all areas relating to cancer services with demonstrable experience of delivering successful improvements for patients. Proven and significant leadership experience and or formal management qualification and evidence of post qualifying and continuing professional development. Must understand the background to and aims of current healthcare policy relating to cancer and the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England, Integrated Care Systems and provider and commissioning organisations. Demonstrable experience of managing and prioritising a budget with solid working knowledge of financial process requirements. Qualifications Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist area. Employer details Employer name NHS Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Address Gemini House Cambridgeshire Business Park Ely CB7 4EA Employer's website https://www.cpics.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)