Director of Operations — NHS Leader in Care & Performance

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust; Basildon; On-site; GBP 113,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust seeks an accomplished Director of Operations to join the Senior Leadership Team across Basildon and Broomfield. You will provide strategic and operational leadership, drive performance, and deliver high‑quality patient care within a large NHS portfolio.

Reporting to Hospital Chief Executives, you will lead clinical and operational teams, ensure governance and financial delivery, and champion continuous improvement.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across a large and complex healthcare portfolio.
• Lead, inspire, and develop high-performing operational and clinical teams to deliver exceptional patient care.
• Foster a culture of accountability, empowerment, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Drive delivery of key organisational objectives, performance targets, and transformation programmes.
• Champion quality, patient safety, and patient experience in all aspects of service delivery.
• Work in partnership with Clinical Directors and multidisciplinary teams to improve outcomes and operational effectiveness.
• Lead major service improvement and productivity initiatives to enhance efficiency and patient access.
• Build strong relationships with system partners, commissioners, local authorities, and external stakeholders.
• Ensure robust governance, risk management, and regulatory compliance across operational services.
• Use performance data and insight to drive informed decision-making and continuous service improvement.
• Act as an ambassador for the Trust's values, vision, and long-term strategic objectives.

Job description

Southend University Hospital NHS Trust seeks an accomplished Director of Operations to join the Senior Leadership Team across Basildon and Broomfield. You will provide strategic and operational leadership, drive performance, and deliver high‑quality patient care within a large NHS portfolio.

Reporting to Hospital Chief Executives, you will lead clinical and operational teams, ensure governance and financial delivery, and champion continuous improvement.