Associate Director for Maternity and Neonatal Services

Somerset NHS Foundation Trust; Yeovil; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in Yeovil is seeking an exceptional Associate Director for Maternity and Neonatal Services. In this 24-month project-based role, you will lead the transformation of maternity services, ensuring safe and personalized care. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience as a Registered Nurse or Midwife, exceptional leadership skills, and a strong background in quality improvement initiatives. Benefits include flexible working options, an NHS pension, and generous leave allowances.

Benefits

Flexible working options

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave

Career development focus

NHS-specific perks

Qualifications

• Registered Nurse or Midwife with extensive experience in maternity and neonatal services.
• Track record in leading major change projects using quality improvement methodology.
• Comprehensive knowledge of national maternity and neonatal priorities.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformation of neonatal services across Somerset.
• Provide inspiring leadership to maternity and neonatal teams.
• Collaborate with clinical leaders and service user groups.

Skills

Leadership in clinical settings

Quality improvement methodology

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Knowledge of maternity and neonatal standards

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent experience

Leadership or Quality Improvement qualification

Job description

Overview

Are you an experienced clinical leader passionate about shaping the future of maternity and neonatal care? Somerset NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an exceptional leader to join our Children, Young People & Families Directorate as Associate Director for Maternity and Neonatal Services. This pivotal role will support the Maternity & Neonatal Triumvirate in delivering operational and clinical objectives across the Somerset system. This is a project-based role for 24 months. The primary aim of this role is to provide dedicated project leadership to the Maternity & Neonatal Triumvirate (Director of Midwifery, Associate Medical Director and Service Group Director) in the delivery of the Trust's operational and clinical service delivery objectives across the Somerset system, focusing specifically on the successful re-launch of Yeovil District Hospital (YDH) Maternity & Neonatal Services. The postholder will lead on development, oversight and delivery of the project of a new Somerset Wide Neonatal Service as part of the YDH re-launch.

Responsibilities

• Lead the transformation of neonatal services across Somerset, ensuring safe, equitable, and personalised care.
• Provide visible, inspiring leadership to maternity, neonatal, and paediatric teams, embedding a culture of excellence and innovation.
• Work collaboratively with clinical leaders, the Neonatal ODN, and service user groups to co-create seamless pathways for babies and families.
• Deputise for the Director of Midwifery at Trust Board and senior governance meetings.
• Drive quality improvement initiatives and ensure compliance with national standards and regulatory requirements.

Qualifications

• Is a Registered Nurse or Midwife with extensive experience in maternity and neonatal services.
• Has a proven track record in leading major change projects using QI methodology.
• Demonstrates exceptional leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Holds a Master’s level qualification (or equivalent experience) and ideally a leadership or QI qualification.
• Has comprehensive knowledge of national maternity and neonatal priorities, clinical governance, and workforce planning.

Benefits

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
• Access to Blue Light Card and NHS-specific perks