About this role
Job summary The System Operations Manager will provide operational leadership, oversight and assurance across the ICB Cluster Operations and Urgent and Emergency Care (UEC) function. Working closely with ICBs, providers, NHS England and wider system partners, the post holder will support operational resilience, performance improvement and the delivery of safe and effective services. The role will focus on building strong system relationships, identifying and managing operational risks, and supporting the coordination of responses to system pressures across the cluster. Working within the UEC team and the wider LNR ICB provides an opportunity to be part of a collaborative and supportive organisation committed to improving outcomes for local people. This role will play a key part in overseeing the system winter plan, working alongside the wider directorate and system partners to coordinate delivery, manage operational pressures and support the effective delivery of urgent and emergency care services across the cluster.
Main duties of the job
The System Operations Manager will
Provide operational oversight and assurance across allocated systems and portfolios. Act as the operational lead for designated ICBs and providers. Monitor performance and identify emerging risks and pressures. Coordinate responses to operational challenges and escalation processes. Support improvements in patient flow, discharge and urgent and emergency care performance. Oversee winter planning and seasonal resilience activities. Develop strong relationships with system partners and stakeholders. Produce operational reports, briefings and assurance updates.
About us
Working for our Integrated Care Boards will require you contributing to a shared purpose of improving outcomes for the communities we serve as part of a wider health and social care system. The organisation's ethos is rooted in integrity, collaboration and accountability, with a strong focus on putting its patient population at the centre of everything it does and delivering services to improve patient outcomes, patient experience and added years of optimised health. As part of the newly formed cluster bringing together NHS Northamptonshire ICB and NHS Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland ICB, staff are expected to work flexibly and collaboratively across organisational boundaries to support a joined-up approach to strategic commissioning and service improvement. There is an expectation of 40% on patch working, with office bases at County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester and Haylock House, Kettering. Staff can choose which office is their primary base for contractual purposes and travel claims.
This role will require a minimum of 2 days 'on patch' working in Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Rutland in our 2 main offices or partner sites
Job description Job responsibilities
Provide senior operational leadership, oversight and assurance across the Cluster's Urgent and Emergency Care and operational portfolios. Lead the development and delivery of the Cluster Winter Plan, ensuring effective coordination of system responses during periods of increased pressure. Act as the primary operational liaison between the Cluster, NHS England, Integrated Care Boards, providers and wider system partners. Maintain strategic oversight of system performance, resilience, escalation management and operational risk. Provide expert operational advice and support to senior leaders, facilitating effective decision-making and problem resolution. Develop and maintain strong relationships across health and care organisations to support collaborative working and service improvement. Lead operational planning, policy implementation and service development initiatives that support system objectives and national priorities. Oversee operational reporting, intelligence and assurance processes to support performance management and situational awareness. Manage designated budgets, resources and staff, ensuring effective governance, accountability and delivery of objectives. Contribute to the development of long-term strategies, policies and approaches that improve operational resilience and urgent and emergency care services across the Cluster. Exercise significant judgement and autonomy in managing complex operational issues, often involving multiple organisations and competing priorities. Communicate and influence effectively with senior stakeholders, presenting complex information and supporting the delivery of change across the system.
Person Specification
Knowledge, Training and Experience Essential
Educated to master's level or equivalent experience at a senior level in a specialist area. Extensive senior operational leadership experience across NHS urgent and emergency care, system oversight, performance management and regional operations. Strong understanding of NHS policy, operational planning, escalation management and system transformation. Experience working across providers, ICBs, local authorities and regional/national NHS teams. Evidence of service improvement and operational recovery leadership.
Communication Skills Essential
Highly developed communication skills for conveying complex, sensitive and contentious information to senior stakeholders, providers, ICB leaders and national colleagues. Strong presentational, negotiation and influencing skills, with ability to build credibility and communicate clearly in high-pressure situations.
Analytical Essential
Strong analytical capability to interpret operational intelligence, system data and performance metrics. Able to identify emerging risks, anticipate issues, compare options and support evidence-based decisions and recovery actions in complex and ambiguous situations.
Planning Skills Essential
Able to plan and deliver regional operational priorities, portfolios and recovery activity across multiple systems. Experience leading winter planning, escalation arrangements, patient flow support and operational workplans in a fast-paced environment.
Autonomy Essential
Operates with significant autonomy within broad policy frameworks, providing specialist advice and expert operational judgement. Capable of making decisions, interpreting national policy for local and regional implementation, and acting effectively with minimal supervision.
Management Skills Essential
Strong leadership and matrix management skills, with experience driving delivery through influence as well as direct line management where appropriate. Able to build collaborative working relationships, support staff development and lead operational improvement across organisational boundaries.
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 NHS Northamptonshire Integrated Care Board
Address County Hall, Leicestershire
Glenfield
Leicestershire
LE3 8RA
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.icnorthamptonshire.org.uk/icb (Opens in a new tab)