Associate Director of Operations

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust; Prestwich; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading mental health service provider in the United Kingdom seeks an experienced Associate Director of Operations to manage and lead operational functions. This role involves ensuring financial stability, implementing service improvements, and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders. Ideal candidates should have experience in operational leadership and effective communication skills. The position offers comprehensive benefits including generous leave and development opportunities, making it an excellent opportunity for those looking to advance their careers in mental health services.

Benefits

27 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Cycle to work scheme

Salary sacrifice car scheme

Blue Light Card Discounts

FuelGenie Fuel Cards

Qualifications

• Experience in operational management and leadership.
• Strong communication and collaboration skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Ensure financial stability and performance management.
• Implement service redesigns and develop new business cases.
• Contribute to service reviews and manage service budgets.

Job description

Associate Director of Operations | Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust

Contract Type:

Permanent

Hours:

Full time

Disability Confident:

No

Closing Date:

01/02/2026

About this job

The Associate Director of Operations for the specialist care group will work alongside an Associate Medical Director and an Associate Director of Nursing and Quality as a Trio to deliver safe and effective services.

The Trio work closely with the leads for psychological professions and allied health professionals.

The specialist care group covers services for:

• Early intervention services
• University services
• Additions & Homelessness
• Neurodiversity and LD
• Talking therapies
• Military Veterans
• Perinatal

The Associate Director of Operations holds responsibility for the operational management and leadership of a designated portfolio.

Key duties include ensuring financial stability and robust performance management to meet national and local targets, while supporting the Trust’s strategic and business plans.

The role involves contributing to continuous improvement, service development across Greater Manchester, and deputising for the Chief Operating Officer where required.

Strategic responsibilities focus on implementing service redesigns, developing business cases, and identifying opportunities for new or expanded services in line with Trust priorities.

The postholder also leads or contributes to service reviews and major projects, utilising specialist knowledge and analytical skills.

The role requires effective communication and positive collaboration with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring policies and procedures are followed, and representing the Trust at external forums.

The Associate Director is also responsible for promoting service user, carer, and staff involvement in service development, and for ensuring strong on‑call and escalation arrangements.

They work closely with the Chief Operating Officer, other directors, and the Executive Leadership Team, and supervise staff as required.

Financial responsibilities include monitoring performance, supporting financial recovery, and managing service budgets in alignment with organisational policies.

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7,000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community‑based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work.

From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Please see attached job description and person specification. Staff benefits:

• Pay Enhancements - 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising to 29 after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
• Cycle to work scheme
• Salary sacrifice car scheme
• Blue Light Card Discounts
• FuelGenie Fuel Cards (for applicable roles)

This advert closes on Sunday 1 Feb 2026