Job summary You will be a credible and visible leader and an experienced manager who will be able to demonstrate effective people leadership skills together with a track record of operational management, budgetary management and implementing service improvements. We are currently in the process of relocating Elective Colorectal & Lower GI Cancer Surgery and Stoma Reversal Surgery from Royal Sussex County in Brighton to the Worthing site, creating a centre of excellence for Colorectal Cancer Surgery delivered across at Worthing and St Richard's hospitals. This is an exciting development where we be investing in new theatre and bed capacity and associated surgeon, anaesthetic, nursing, therapies and other workforce requirements to meet the additional demand in Worthing. This new post will be key in supporting the delivery of the service. As Operational Manager, you will be responsible for the professional leadership and day to day operational management to support the senior management team and lead on the achievement of agreed activity volumes, performance and access targets to deliver these within available resources. The role offers the opportunity to actively participate in strategic service planning and implementation of developments and manage change. The role will include participation to the Oncall Rota Main duties of the job Use leadership and influencing skills to enthuse, engage and maintain effective two way channels of communication within the service area and to involve individuals and teams within service areas of responsibility to ensure delivery of relevant targets. Establish lines of communication with other colleagues in the Trust and wider healthcare community, to ensure that services are integrated and opportunities for improvements are maximised. Ensure that good practice is identified and shared within the Division and wider organisation where appropriate. Using the highest degree of motivational and negotiating skills, ensure an atmosphere of collaboration across the service area to deliver a programme of continuous improvement in a challenging and demanding environment. About us At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always put the Patient First, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of Staff Networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We're proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust. We treat our patients and staff with the same compassion and empathy we expect for ourselves. We're here for them when they need us, and we go above and beyond to meet their needs. This can be seen in our Wellbeing Programme for staff which is extensive and designed to support you when you need it - because we know that to look after others we must first look after ourselves. As a university trust and a leader in healthcare research, we value learning, teaching and training so that we can be the best that we can be. From the moment you start with us and throughout your career we will help you to grow and develop. We hope that in choosing UHSussex you are choosing a long and happy career where you will be able to see the difference you make and feel valued for all that you do. We look forward to receiving your application and the start of your journey with UHSussex. Candidate information pack - University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust Date posted 07 March 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 8a Salary £53,755 to £60,504 a year per annum Contract Fixed term Duration 18 months Working pattern Full-time Reference number 279-7038949-MAR25 Job locations Worthing Hospital Lyndhurst Road Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2DH Job description Job responsibilities Use leadership and influencing skills to enthuse, engage and maintain effective two way channels of communication within the service area and to involve individuals and teams within service areas of responsibility to ensure delivery of relevant targets. Establish lines of communication with other colleagues in the Trust and wider healthcare community, to ensure that services are integrated and opportunities for improvements are maximised. Ensure that good practice is identified and shared within the Division and wider organisation where appropriate. Using the highest degree of motivational and negotiating skills, ensure an atmosphere of collaboration across the service area to deliver a programme of continuous improvement in a challenging and demanding environment. Develop political judgment and astuteness in understanding and working with policy and diverse interest groups, and judgement in knowing when to escalate upwards, interpreting and implementing changes to respond to policy developments. Analyse and communicate highly complex verbal and written data to relevant stakeholders (internal and external), ensuring all information concerning performance in all areas is communicated and understood and managed confidentially where appropriate. Negotiate with others to reach a decision/conclusion to complex problems and to use appropriate influencing skills with supporting departments to ensure the needs of the service are met. Challenge internal and external parties where necessary to overcome barriers to change and understanding and to ensure that learning is shared and that risks are mitigated and reduced. Demonstrate effective stakeholder management across different departments at all levels. Respond to and resolve conflict between different stakeholders when this arises through facilitation or other appropriate mechanisms. Attend, lead and participate in departmental meetings. Demonstrate empathy, compassion and diplomacy to communicate effectively with patients and relatives to resolve issues that may arise. Lead the development and application of systems, control processes and risk management arrangements that ensure compliance with internal and external governance and best practice requirements. Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of mitigating actions to reduce risks identified. Manage the capital and revenue budgets for the Directorate as may be delegated to ensure that expenditure and income is within financial plans and budget and to ensure compliance with Standing Financial Instructions. The post holder will also lead on budget setting, cost improvement plans and contract submissions for the service area. Responsible for interpreting, proposing and drafting changes to policies, guidelines and service level agreements (SLAs) which impact the service, while contributing to strategic and contingency planning for the service, which may have an impact on other areas. Work with relevant stakeholders to establish a culture of continuous improvement within the service area(s) and ensure that best practice in the delivery of high quality, modern, patient centred care is delivered, developed and maintained. Develop and implement effective reporting arrangements within the service area to accurately record and monitor performance against local and national targets and to pro-actively develop solutions to manage any variances. Support the implementation of change and improvement programmes across the Trust. Maintain a good knowledge of emerging policies from government departments and external bodies which may impact the service. Contribute to the development and review of the service and business strategy in collaboration with other Divisional leaders to ensure the anticipation of future needs, ensuring that progressive solutions, which take into account models of best practice, are incorporated into service plans. Identify and create new business opportunities within and outside the organisation, and to suggest service improvements that will enhance patient care. Lead on the production of business cases, considering a range of options using analytical and interpretation skills, to achieve the required business objectives. Lead and coordinate the production and update of an asset register for the relevant services as and when required. Be an authorised signatory for procurement of equipment and supplies and be involved in procurement of capital equipment, deciding in collaboration with staff appropriate purchases from a range of options. Identify service redesign options and service improvement plans within the service area that will lead to the delivery of improved clinical outcomes for patients and the more efficient use of resources within the service area. Responsible for leading, developing and improving the overall management of administrative services for the Division. Provide clear, visible, responsive and professional leadership to all staff within area of responsibility that maximises their effort and potential. Monitor workforce performance metrics for area(s) of responsibility and ensure appropriate plans are in place where improvement is required. Day-to-day line management of staff. Provide leadership and support to all delegated budget holders within the service, while also holding them to account for delivery of a balanced budget and cost improvement plans. Support the management of workforce issues through the application of people policies and procedures as required within the Directorate and wider Trust (including, but not limited to, conduct and capability concerns, grievances, attendance management and appeal processes). Job description Job responsibilities Use leadership and influencing skills to enthuse, engage and maintain effective two way channels of communication within the service area and to involve individuals and teams within service areas of responsibility to ensure delivery of relevant targets. Establish lines of communication with other colleagues in the Trust and wider healthcare community, to ensure that services are integrated and opportunities for improvements are maximised. Ensure that good practice is identified and shared within the Division and wider organisation where appropriate. Using the highest degree of motivational and negotiating skills, ensure an atmosphere of collaboration across the service area to deliver a programme of continuous improvement in a challenging and demanding environment. Develop political judgment and astuteness in understanding and working with policy and diverse interest groups, and judgement in knowing when to escalate upwards, interpreting and implementing changes to respond to policy developments. Analyse and communicate highly complex verbal and written data to relevant stakeholders (internal and external), ensuring all information concerning performance in all areas is communicated and understood and managed confidentially where appropriate. Negotiate with others to reach a decision/conclusion to complex problems and to use appropriate influencing skills with supporting departments to ensure the needs of the service are met. Challenge internal and external parties where necessary to overcome barriers to change and understanding and to ensure that learning is shared and that risks are mitigated and reduced. Demonstrate effective stakeholder management across different departments at all levels. Respond to and resolve conflict between different stakeholders when this arises through facilitation or other appropriate mechanisms. Attend, lead and participate in departmental meetings. Demonstrate empathy, compassion and diplomacy to communicate effectively with patients and relatives to resolve issues that may arise. Lead the development and application of systems, control processes and risk management arrangements that ensure compliance with internal and external governance and best practice requirements. Lead the development, implementation and monitoring of mitigating actions to reduce risks identified. Manage the capital and revenue budgets for the Directorate as may be delegated to ensure that expenditure and income is within financial plans and budget and to ensure compliance with Standing Financial Instructions. The post holder will also lead on budget setting, cost improvement plans and contract submissions for the service area. Responsible for interpreting, proposing and drafting changes to policies, guidelines and service level agreements (SLAs) which impact the service, while contributing to strategic and contingency planning for the service, which may have an impact on other areas. Work with relevant stakeholders to establish a culture of continuous improvement within the service area(s) and ensure that best practice in the delivery of high quality, modern, patient centred care is delivered, developed and maintained. Develop and implement effective reporting arrangements within the service area to accurately record and monitor performance against local and national targets and to pro-actively develop solutions to manage any variances. Support the implementation of change and improvement programmes across the Trust. Maintain a good knowledge of emerging policies from government departments and external bodies which may impact the service. Contribute to the development and review of the service and business strategy in collaboration with other Divisional leaders to ensure the anticipation of future needs, ensuring that progressive solutions, which take into account models of best practice, are incorporated into service plans. Identify and create new business opportunities within and outside the organisation, and to suggest service improvements that will enhance patient care. Lead on the production of business cases, considering a range of options using analytical and interpretation skills, to achieve the required business objectives. Lead and coordinate the production and update of an asset register for the relevant services as and when required. Be an authorised signatory for procurement of equipment and supplies and be involved in procurement of capital equipment, deciding in collaboration with staff appropriate purchases from a range of options. Identify service redesign options and service improvement plans within the service area that will lead to the delivery of improved clinical outcomes for patients and the more efficient use of resources within the service area. Responsible for leading, developing and improving the overall management of administrative services for the Division. Provide clear, visible, responsive and professional leadership to all staff within area of responsibility that maximises their effort and potential. Monitor workforce performance metrics for area(s) of responsibility and ensure appropriate plans are in place where improvement is required. Day-to-day line management of staff. Provide leadership and support to all delegated budget holders within the service, while also holding them to account for delivery of a balanced budget and cost improvement plans. Support the management of workforce issues through the application of people policies and procedures as required within the Directorate and wider Trust (including, but not limited to, conduct and capability concerns, grievances, attendance management and appeal processes). Person Specification Application form Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience. Experience of continued learning and professional development to postgraduate diploma or equivalent level.. Demonstrable previous success in leading and delivering service change and performance initiatives. Proven evidence of managing a significant size team. Desirable Evidence of managing operational arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness. Experience of effectively managing a budget. Computer literate in Word, Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet and file management to a high level. Operational Management Essential Evidence of preparing and presenting reports up to Board level Evidence of the ability to source, interpret and report on highly complex data Evidence of managing operational arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness. Ability to work as part of a team and/or independently across departmental, organisational and professional boundaries Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with staff at all levels throughout the Trust and with external organisations on behalf of the Division Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and overcome barriers to understanding and resistance to change Service Delivery and Improvement Essential Experience of effectively managing a budget. Ability to deal with confidential, sensitive or contentious information with senior managers/clinical staff/clients, which requires persuasive skills where agreement and co-operation is required, e.g. sensitive staffing or finance information Conflict management, influencing and negotiation skills Ability to make judgements and take action based on available knowledge sometimes taking difficult decisions and overcoming barriers Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines Computer literate in Word, Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet and file management to a high level People Management and Development Essential Proven evidence of managing a significant size team and utilising resource effectively and efficiently e.g. theatre and clinic capacity Knowledge and understanding of people management processes required for both direct management and responsibility for involvement in supporting processes outside of own area Experience of managing and implementing change within the workforce Experience of a range of employment issues including but not limited to Sickness, Disciplinary, Performance and Grievance issues Experience of engagement with workforce colleagues including driving strategic plans forward to the point of delivery, establishing clear work priorities, delegating effectively, ensuring a capability to deliver, monitoring performance and giving feedback EDI Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). Person Specification Application form Essential Educated to masters level or equivalent level of knowledge and experience. Experience of continued learning and professional development to postgraduate diploma or equivalent level.. Demonstrable previous success in leading and delivering service change and performance initiatives. Proven evidence of managing a significant size team. Desirable Evidence of managing operational arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness. Experience of effectively managing a budget. Computer literate in Word, Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet and file management to a high level. Operational Management Essential Evidence of preparing and presenting reports up to Board level Evidence of the ability to source, interpret and report on highly complex data Evidence of managing operational arrangements to a high degree of accuracy, timeliness and effectiveness. Ability to work as part of a team and/or independently across departmental, organisational and professional boundaries Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to deal with staff at all levels throughout the Trust and with external organisations on behalf of the Division Ability to communicate effectively at all levels and overcome barriers to understanding and resistance to change Service Delivery and Improvement Essential Experience of effectively managing a budget. Ability to deal with confidential, sensitive or contentious information with senior managers/clinical staff/clients, which requires persuasive skills where agreement and co-operation is required, e.g. sensitive staffing or finance information Conflict management, influencing and negotiation skills Ability to make judgements and take action based on available knowledge sometimes taking difficult decisions and overcoming barriers Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail. Ability to prioritise workload and work to deadlines Computer literate in Word, Database, Presentation, Spreadsheet and file management to a high level People Management and Development Essential Proven evidence of managing a significant size team and utilising resource effectively and efficiently e.g. theatre and clinic capacity Knowledge and understanding of people management processes required for both direct management and responsibility for involvement in supporting processes outside of own area Experience of managing and implementing change within the workforce Experience of a range of employment issues including but not limited to Sickness, Disciplinary, Performance and Grievance issues Experience of engagement with workforce colleagues including driving strategic plans forward to the point of delivery, establishing clear work priorities, delegating effectively, ensuring a capability to deliver, monitoring performance and giving feedback EDI Essential Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role). 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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. Certificate of Sponsorship 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). Employer details Employer name University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279) Address Worthing Hospital Lyndhurst Road Worthing, West Sussex BN11 2DH Employer's website https://www.uhsussex.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)