About this role
Job summary
Are you an ambitious and inspiring operational leader ready to make a lasting impact on patient care? East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional Deputy Divisional Director of Operations to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal time of transformation and innovation.
We are currently recruiting across two areas: Women's and Children's Services and Diagnostics, Anaesthetics and Surgery (DAS).
Please clearly indicate within your application which department/post you are interested in.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare services across one of the largest integrated trusts in the South East. Working alongside senior clinical and executive leaders, you will drive operational excellence, lead complex service improvements, and play a key role in delivering outstanding care for our communities.
As a trusted senior lead, you will influence major decisions, champion innovation, and lead high-performing teams through change and improvement. Whether it's improving patient flow, reducing waiting times, enhancing productivity, or transforming pathways of care, your leadership will directly contribute to better outcomes for thousands of patients every day.
Join us and help shape the next chapter of healthcare delivery in East Sussex.
Together, we can deliver excellence, inspire change, and improve lives.
Main duties of the job
The role will involve working closely with the Divisional Director of Operations. You will be working in a tri or quadrumvirate, leading the Care Groups in Division with the Clinical Director and Head of Nursing and Clinical Professions to oversee specific service improvement projects, as well as supporting the implementation of the Divisional strategy and day-to-day operational management of the division.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are passionate about delivering exceptional services, and are looking for a role that combines strategic influence with visible operational impact, we would love to hear from you.
About us
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
Statement on the Use of AI
We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.
Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Job description Job responsibilities
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
Masters level qualification/training relevant to role or equivalent knowledge acquired through extensive experience and training Evidence of continuous professional and personal development relevant to role to demonstrate expert management and leadership skills Senior Leadership/management qualification or training Project Management and Quality Improvement qualification or training
Experience Essential
Experience working in a senior leadership position including contributing to operational management of services. Experience in management of health services Able to demonstrate experience of: Strategic planning Service delivery Quality/Service improvement and leading change Operational management and performance People Management - performance, appraisal, sickness, development, retention Managing budgets Monitoring, analysing and assessing performance across complex services Management of risk across services Managing multi-disciplinary teams
Skills Essential
Knowledge and skills and understanding of: Leadership skills that inspire, engage and motivate a workforce Knowledge of constitutional standards and developments/initiatives within NHS and impact on service delivery Change management skills and ability to analyse complex data and drive service improvements Workforce planning and managing complex HR issues, multidisciplinary team working Financial management skills, including the ability to analyse complex financial information Quality improvement initiatives, setting and monitoring standards and performance across a range of clinical services and able to agree clear performance goals, hold to account and offer constructive feedback. Assessment and management of complex operational and risks and knowledge of clinical and operational governance frameworks. Excellent team and project management, prioritisation and organisational skills and ability to manage and deliver to agreed deadlines with competing demands and frequent interruptions. Excellent communication skills, able to engage, negotiate and influence stakeholders, present information, report writing skills, write business cases, recovery and service plans. Managing distressing, emotional circumstances with staff, service users and carers.
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 East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
Address Conquest/Cross Site
St Annes house, The ridge
Hastings
TN37 7RD
United Kingdom
Employer's website http://jobs.esht.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)