About this role
Job summary
We are seeking a dynamic and motivated General Manager to lead our Mental Health and Learning Disabilities Service Group.
This is a senior operational leadership role at the heart of service delivery, reporting directly to the Clinical Care Group Service Director. You will be instrumental in shaping and delivering a cohesive, forward-thinking model of care--bringing services together to ensure they are fully integrated, aligned, and responsive to the needs of our communities.
Balancing strategic vision with operational delivery, you will focus on improving quality, safety, patient experience and access, while ensuring resources are used effectively to achieve the best possible outcomes.
Based in beautiful West Wales, this role offers more than just a career move. With its stunning coastline, rolling countryside and strong sense of community, West Wales provides an exceptional quality of life--whether you're seeking outdoor adventure, a better work-life balance, or a welcoming place to call home.
This role is ideal for an aspiring senior leader ready to broaden their experience and make a meaningful impact--leading change that benefits both patients and staff, while building a strong foundation for future career progression.
Main duties of the job
As Service Group General Manager, you will provide visible and effective leadership across the service, driving long-term planning and shaping sustainable, high-quality services for the future.
You will be accountable for financial performance, including overseeing and monitoring budgets, while ensuring delivery against key performance targets and priorities at both a local and national level. A key part of your role will be to lead, support and inspire multidisciplinary teams--fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement.
We are looking for a confident and experienced operational leader with a proven track record of delivering complex projects and service improvements. You will bring resilience, adaptability and a forward-thinking mindset, enabling you to navigate challenges and develop strategies that align with Hywel Dda Health Board's wider ambitions.
If you are driven to make a genuine difference and lead services that improve lives across our communities, we would welcome your application.
About us
Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire, and bordering counties.
We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in-hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.
We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.
Our services are provided in:
Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings 47 general practices (six of which are health board managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 99 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services
Job description Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.
The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences. In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.
The ability to communicate in Welsh isdesirablefor this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.
If successfully shortlisted you will be asked to complete psychometric assessments. Information regarding these and the stakeholder panels/interview will be sent to you following completion of shortlisting.
Stakeholder panels will be held face to face on 29/07/2026.
Interviews will be held face to face on 30/07/2026.
Person Specification
Other Desirable
Welsh Speaker (Level 1)
Qualifications and Knowledge Essential
A higher degree at Masters level or equivalent experience at senior management level In depth knowledge of strategic healthcare agenda relating to service delivery Evidence of continuous management and personal development. In-depth professional specialist knowledge across a number of disciplines acquired through training and experience over a significant period. Knowledge of NHS, WG and Health Board strategies, policies and plans including HR policies
Desirable
Current knowledge of best practice gained through personal research A thorough understanding of the role and its purpose of within the organisation. Sound knowledge of performance management processes
Experience Essential
An extensive portfolio of experience of working at a relatively senior level in a large, complex organisation. Significant experience of managing staff and working with staff Trade Unions/staff representatives. Significant experience of financial management and knowledge of how to deliver a budget to a target Experience of delivering projects and in particular managing scope and delivering against agreed objectives to quality, cost and time.
Desirable
Good appreciation of planning and developing and implementing strategies. Previous experience of working in operational management roles in the NHS Evidence of delivering service change and improvement using recognised quality improvement methodology
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 Hywel Dda University Health Board
Address Tudour House, Hafan Derwen
St Davids Park
Carmarthen
SA31 3HB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://hduhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)