About this role
Job summary
South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and proactive Tactical Deployment Manager to provide operational leadership, tactical oversight and command across our Integrated Contact Centres . Based at Southern House, this pivotal role supports the delivery of safe, effective and responsive emergency and urgent care services.
As a senior operational leader, you will oversee resource deployment, lead day-to-day tactical decision-making and respond to changing operational pressures to ensure performance targets are achieved and patient safety remains at the forefront. Working closely with clinical teams, call handling services and 999 Operations, you will support the effective delivery of services across the Trust.
As part of the Trust's tactical command structure, you will act as First Incident Commander during major incidents, coordinating the initial response until the wider command team is established.
You will monitor operational performance, support service improvement initiatives, contribute to patient safety investigations and ensure compliance with Trust policies and regulatory standards. Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external partners, you will play a key role in driving continuous improvement and enhancing patient outcomes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a resilient leader committed to operational excellence and patient care.
Main duties of the job
The Tactical Performance Manager is a role that has two distinct elements: daily tactical leadership and local deployment management. Whilst the post holder is the daily TAC lead, they will be responsible for Trust operational performance. This role alternates between the integrated contact centres and provides 24/7 cover.
The lead will ensure both ICC and 999 operational policies and procedures are deployed as per agreed business as usual. In the instance of a major incident, when on tactical rotation, this role will act as First Incident Commander whilst the major incident leadership is mobilised in line with the Trust Incident Response Plan. The lead will ensure escalation plans are enacted to deliver operational performance to meet internal and external key performance indicators.
When they are performing as Deployment management, they are accountable for day-to-day running of the relevant deployment model and team management; however, during times of a major incident or short-notice absences, they will revert to the Tactical Lead.The post holder is expected to act independently, taking decisions to ensure operational delivery for the organisation, driving change and improvement by supporting and influencing both clinical and corporate teams.
The post holder will deputise for the Assistant Director of ICC - Resource / Deployment internally as required and at a system and ambulance sector level.
About us
Benefits we offer:
Full training and a range of courses which you can book locally. Holiday entitlement of 27 days, rising to 29 days after 5 years' service and 33 days after 10 years' service, plus an additional 8 days bank holiday (pro rata for part time). Automatic enrolment into the NHS Pension Scheme. Access to continual professional development within SCAS and the wider NHS. Occupational Health support and direct access to our Employee Assistance Programme as well as our own Health and Wellbeing Team. NHS Discounts in over 200 + stores saving money on holidays, days out, car insurance, restaurants, clothing and much more. Ability to join our staff networking groups (as a member, ally or just for interest). Corporate Induction
It's really important for us to ensure you have the best onboarding experience which allows you to feel a sense of belonging from the start. To help with this, we will book your Corporate Induction as soon as we possibly can (depending on availability).
All new starters need to attend our *Corporate Induction in person, this is held over one and half days from our educational centres based in: Newbury (Berkshire), Bicester (Oxfordshire) or Whiteley (Hampshire). More specific details will be sent to you once your start date has been confirmed.
*Please note - depending on your role additional training may be required following on from your corporate induction.
Job description Job responsibilities
Lead the development and delivery of annual operational improvement plans, ensuring continuous service enhancement and alignment with organisational objectives. Maintain the highest standards of Corporate and Clinical Governance through active participation in and contribution to relevant governance and directorate-level forums.
Hold overall accountability for the management of all direct reports, including recruitment and selection, performance management, workforce planning, and the identification of training and development needs, in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
Act as a visible role model, demonstrating effective leadership and fostering an open, inclusive and supportive culture that reflects the Trust's values and behaviours.
Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with operational sector leadership teams and Integrated Contact Centre (ICC) colleagues to support the delivery of operational and performance objectives.
Support the development and implementation of Cost Improvement Programmes within the area of responsibility, identifying and delivering efficiencies that contribute to financial sustainability while maintaining safe, timely and effective patient care.
Take responsibility for achieving and sustaining operational key performance indicators across the areas within the post holder's direct responsibility and sphere of influence, driving performance improvement and ensuring high-quality service delivery.
Please see Job Description and Person Specification for full details
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Educated to degree level or equivalent experience of working within a management role in a high pressure specialist working environment (preferably a clinically led call centre). Willingness to undertake any training required to enable further development of the role/function. NVQ3 Management or demonstrable equivalent experience. A commitment to and evidence of continuous professional development Tactical Commander and Operational Commander trained Masters level qualification or equivalent relevant experience
Knowledge Essential
Proven experience leading teams in fast-paced, customer-focused, front-line service environments. Strong decision-making skills, including risk evaluation and independent judgement in specialist areas. In-depth knowledge of emergency preparedness, resilience, and response frameworks. Ability to stay calm under pressure, with a methodical and organised approach to multitasking and prioritisation
Skills Essential
Proven ability to lead and support teams to meet performance targets while maintaining staff welfare. Experience providing guidance to both clinical and non-clinical colleagues. Capable of motivating others in high-pressure environments Skilled in communicating complex information clearly to diverse audiences, including external stakeholders. Assertive yet empathetic, with a tactful and diplomatic approach.
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 South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Address Southern House
Otterbourne
SO21 2RU
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://scasjobs.co.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)