About this role
Job summary Ready to make a real impact in healthcare leadership? Join PAHT as our next Divisional Director of Operations and you'll drive transformational change, lead high-performing teams, and shape the future of patient care .
Interviews will take place in the form of an assessment centre on 9th October 2026.
Main duties of the job The Divisional Director of Operations leads strategic and operational delivery across a division, driving transformation, performance, and financial control. They manage complex stakeholder relationships, represent the Trust at system-wide forums, and contribute to executive-level decisions. The role ensures integrated, patient-focused services aligned with national and local healthcare priorities.
About us The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high-quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme thats changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined-up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector.
This means were working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
Were a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences.
Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job description Job responsibilities
Main duties of the job
Lead the operational function of the division in line with the Trust's operational plan and strategy. Work collaboratively within a triumvirate team (Divisional Director, Director of Nursing, Medical Director) to deliver standards and financial targets. Develop and deliver the division's business plan, workforce plan, and complex business cases. Drive system-wide transformation and collaborate with partners across the local health economy. Represent the division and deputise for the Chief Operating Officer in internal and external forums. Lead and manage divisional and Trust-wide projects, including capital and transformation initiatives. Ensure high standards of patient care, dignity, and respect. Oversee performance management, financial control, and resource allocation within the division. Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders (NHS, community, voluntary sector, local authorities, etc.). Ensure compliance with statutory regulations, Trust policies, and governance arrangements. Champion inclusive leadership, staff wellbeing, and talent development. Lead on the delivery of key performance targets (e.g., elective, non-elective, diagnostics, emergency standards) across relevant divisions. Oversee complaints, risk management, patient safety, and learning from incidents. Promote the use of data, digital tools, and health informatics for decision-making and innovation. Support integrated care and community transformation projects. Foster a culture of inclusivity, transparency, and continuous improvement. Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Organisational Context The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust serves a population of 350,000–500,000 across multiple sites. The Trust values are: Patient at heart, Everyday excellence, and Creative collaboration. Job Summary
Reports to the Divisional Director and is accountable to the Chief Operating Officer. Works as part of a triumvirate leadership team (with the Divisional Director of Nursing and Divisional Medical Director). Leads the operational function of the division, aligning with the Trust's operational plan and strategy. Drives transformational change to deliver the Trust's strategic objectives. Member of the Trust Executive Board, contributing to senior leadership decisions and deputising for the Chief Operating Officer as required. Main Responsibilities
Leadership & Strategy
Formulate and deliver the division's operating plan and strategy. Develop and maintain effective relationships with local health economy partners (NHS Trusts, ICB, GPs, community and voluntary services, local authorities, business partners). Lead integration of services between acute and community settings, shifting care where appropriate. Represent the division and Trust in internal and external forums, including deputising for the Chief Operating Officer. Lead Trust-wide projects (capital, transformation, etc.) as delegated by the executive team. Model inclusive leadership and uphold Trust and NHS values. Operational & Financial Management
Oversee divisional performance, ensuring delivery of constitutional standards (safe, caring, effective, responsive, well-led, and financial targets). Develop and deliver the division's business plan, workforce plan, and complex business cases. Ensure effective and efficient use of resources, robust financial management, and identification of savings. Lead performance reviews and ensure compliance with statutory regulations and Trust policies. Oversee data analysis and information management to support decision-making. People Management & Workforce Development
Support and develop divisional staff in line with the Trust's workforce strategy, prioritising health and wellbeing. Lead on recruitment, retention, appraisals, and people management processes. Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion within the division. Embed talent management and foster a culture of inclusivity, trust, and collaboration. Governance & Quality
Ensure robust governance arrangements and compliance with corporate governance. Oversee complaints management, patient safety incident investigations, and learning from incidents. Ensure risks are identified, managed, and escalated appropriately. Ensure data protection and information governance standards are met. Division-Specific Responsibilities
Integrated Emergency & Medical Pathways: Lead delivery of non-elective targets (ED four-hour standard, ambulance handover, length of stay), manage emergency preparedness, and support transformation projects. Lead delivery of elective performance targets for medical specialities (RTT, cancer, diagnostics), and manage productivity. Management & Leadership Standards
Act ethically and inclusively, promoting transparency and fairness. Drive operational excellence, balancing clinical quality, workforce wellbeing, and financial accountability. Champion talent development and use of data/digital tools for innovation. Support system-wide collaboration and integrated care.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Educated to masters level or equivalent experience Postgraduate management qualification Organisational Change Management qualification Participation in Continuing Professional Development to improve and update specialist knowledge
Desirable
Relevant professional qualification and affiliation Prince 2 Project Management
Experience Essential
Extensive management experience at a senior level within a large and complex organisation in at least four of the following areas: o Strategy development o Business development including tender responses o Planning o Performance management o Organisational change Experience of working at senior management level in an NHS or comparable healthcare organisation and delivery of constitutional standards
Desirable
Involvement in the planning and implementation of major capital projects Experience in pathway redesign methodologies, working around organisational boundaries on the development of integrated models of care.
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 The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
Address The Princess Alexandra Hospital
Harlow
Essex
CM20 1QX
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.pah.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)