Director of Operations

IO Associates; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 89,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization based in Birmingham is seeking a Director of Operations. The role involves strategic oversight and hands-on delivery of operational matters. The ideal candidate will have extensive senior leadership experience, strong financial acumen, and a track record in multi-site management. This position offers a competitive salary and various benefits, including share options and private healthcare.

Benefits

Private Healthcare

Company Car

Pension

Share Options

Qualifications

• Extensive senior leadership experience within NHS or private healthcare.
• Strong track record of multi-site operational management.
• Experience in fast-paced environments.
• Strategic growth mindset with adaptability.
• Demonstrable experience in team development.
• Strong financial acumen managing large budgets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver all operational matters across the organisation.
• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with goals.
• Drive operational efficiency and ensure delivery meets expectations.
• Support development of new service models.
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders and represent the organisation.

Skills

Senior leadership experience within NHS or private healthcare

Multi-site operational management

Mobilise services quickly

Strategic growth mindset

Building and developing high-performing teams

Strong financial acumen

Developing relationships with NHS executives

Education

Graduate-level qualifications

Job description

Overview

Director of Operations – UK based (Hybrid, frequent travel to HQ in the North West). Reports to Chief Executive Officer. Salary: Up to £105,000 (depending on experience) + Share Options, Private Healthcare, Company Car, Pension.

About the Organisation

They are an established healthcare organisation delivering innovative, patient-centred services across the UK and Europe. With a reputation for clinical excellence, operational rigour and strategic growth, they partner with the NHS, private providers and international healthcare organisations to deliver high-quality care that improves patient outcomes.

The Role

The Director of Operations will be responsible for leading, developing and delivering all operational matters across the organisation. Sitting on the Senior Leadership Team, the role combines strategic oversight with hands-on delivery, ensuring services meet clinical, financial, logistical and governance requirements at scale.

With accountability for a revenue budget of circa £15M and a workforce of more than 150 employees across management, clinical and non-clinical roles, this position requires a highly experienced leader who can balance operational excellence with commercial growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement operational strategies aligned with Board-level objectives and commercial goals.

• Define annual and long-term operational targets, ensuring service delivery exceeds expectations.

• Mobilise and deliver services at pace, ensuring all logistical and clinical KPIs are achieved.

• Drive operational efficiency while maintaining high standards of patient care and compliance.

• Support the development of new service models, adapting to changing healthcare landscapes.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, mentor and inspire the UK operational management team, embedding a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.

• Develop succession plans for key operational roles, ensuring organisational resilience.

• Support operational managers in delivering high performance across their areas of responsibility.

• Collaborate closely with the CEO and Commercial Director to deliver strategic and financial objectives.

Relationship Management

• Build strong relationships with NHS executives, commissioners, private providers, OEMs, suppliers and healthcare partners.

• Act as a trusted partner to regulators, ensuring transparent and constructive relationships.

• Represent the organisation at regional and national healthcare events.

• Develop and implement a patient engagement framework that strengthens the patient voice in service delivery.

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure full compliance with external regulatory requirements, including the Care Quality Commission.

• Maintain the highest standards of clinical governance, patient safety and corporate accountability.

• Oversee financial governance through effective planning, resource management and control.

• Identify operational risks and implement robust mitigation strategies.

• Provide accurate, timely reports to the Senior Leadership Team, escalating issues where required.

Key Requirements

They are looking for a proven operational leader who brings:

• Extensive senior leadership experience within NHS or private healthcare (essential).

• A strong track record of multi-site operational management.

• Experience in fast-paced environments, with the ability to mobilise services quickly.

• A strategic growth mindset, with the ability to identify opportunities, adapt delivery models and pivot to meet changing market conditions.

• Demonstrable experience in building and developing high-performing teams.

• Strong financial acumen, with experience managing multi-million-pound budgets.

• Proven success in developing relationships with NHS executives, commissioners and senior clinicians.

• Graduate-level qualifications (postgraduate desirable).

What They Offer

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on healthcare delivery across the UK and Europe.

• A senior leadership role with scope to shape strategic direction and operational growth.

• A collaborative and ambitious culture, with strong commitment to professional development and CPD.

How to Apply

If you are a proven operational leader with the vision, resilience and expertise to lead at scale in a complex healthcare environment, please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role.