Job summary The West of England Imaging and the West of England Pathology Networks are entering an exciting phase, considering next steps in their development that take advantage of the increasing maturity of network relationships and functions and exploring the transformation opportunities available to our collaboratives. A unique opportunity has arisen for an enterprising and highly motivated Director of Network Operations and Strategy with significant leadership experience to join our Networks. This will be an exciting opportunity for you to shape the strategy of the West of England Networks beyond March 2025 and act as the leadership face of both Networks. Main duties of the job As Director of Network Operations and Strategy, you'll play a key role in strengthening relationships with our Network Partners Trusts and ICBs, a critical component of our next steps in deepening Network collaboration. The Network Teams are comprised of talented and committed individuals, determined to make a difference for our patients and our workforce. They are predominantly remote working, which while challenging at times, works very effectively. As the leadership face of the Network, it is expected that you'd need to have regular physical presence across our Network sites. We are a relaxed but professional, fun and engaging team, working in a supportive atmosphere of positive challenge and encouragement. We take work/life balance seriously and believe achieving this balance is critical to our long term success. Our organisation is in a truly privileged position to lead transformational change at scale, so we're looking for someone who shares our excitement about this. We really look forward to welcoming our new Director into the team as we move into our next exciting chapter. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. About us At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer: Flexible working options to help you balance work and life NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work. We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds. Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London. The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future. Somerset truly has it all- the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy. Date posted 14 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8d Salary £88,168 to £101,677 a year Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time, Home or remote working, Compressed hours Reference number 184-OL-PU-1660 Job locations Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Job description Job responsibilities For more information about the role, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification. Job description Job responsibilities For more information about the role, please refer to the attached Job Description and Person Specification. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Master's level or equivalent experience Change management or project management qualification or equivalent experience of change delivery Experience Essential Experience at senior management level in the NHS Experience of managing organisations or parts of organisations with accountability for delivery of an annual plan or work programme Experience working in partnership and supporting collective decision-making in system wide or local work programmes Track record of delivering change programmes to transform clinical services Experience working with executive level colleagues Desirable Experience of working within clinical networks in the NHS Experience working at a senior level in a diagnostic service Additional Criteria Essential Knowledge of evidence-based policy making Knowledge of NHS governance and risk management approaches Highly developed interpersonal skills, negotiation, conflict management, feedback, partnership working, and coaching skills Ability to work collaboratively in partnership with senior leaders of other organisations with a facilitative and flexible approach Able to understand the risk environment with knowledge and understanding of the risks inherent in transformation strategies Desirable Knowledge of imaging services Knowledge of pathology services Person Specification Qualifications Essential Educated to Master's level or equivalent experience Change management or project management qualification or equivalent experience of change delivery Experience Essential Experience at senior management level in the NHS Experience of managing organisations or parts of organisations with accountability for delivery of an annual plan or work programme Experience working in partnership and supporting collective decision-making in system wide or local work programmes Track record of delivering change programmes to transform clinical services Experience working with executive level colleagues Desirable Experience of working within clinical networks in the NHS Experience working at a senior level in a diagnostic service Additional Criteria Essential Knowledge of evidence-based policy making Knowledge of NHS governance and risk management approaches Highly developed interpersonal skills, negotiation, conflict management, feedback, partnership working, and coaching skills Ability to work collaboratively in partnership with senior leaders of other organisations with a facilitative and flexible approach Able to understand the risk environment with knowledge and understanding of the risks inherent in transformation strategies Desirable Knowledge of imaging services Knowledge of pathology services 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 Somerset NHS Foundation Trust Address Musgrove Park Hospital Musgrove Road Taunton Somerset TA1 5DA Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)