Divisional Director of Operations- Diagnostic and Specialties, Band 8d

NHS; Gloucester; On-site; GBP 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in Gloucestershire is seeking a senior leader to coordinate clinical services in the Diagnostic and Specialist Services. This role offers the chance to significantly impact patient care and operational performance, requiring a Master's degree and extensive experience in change management within the NHS. The position comes with an attractive salary package and opportunities for professional development in a collaborative environment that prioritizes innovation and excellence.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Exclusive benefits

Qualifications

• Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent.
• Relevant postgraduate professional qualification.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.
• Demonstrated understanding of NHS structures and compliance frameworks.
• Substantial change management capability with measurable results.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate the delivery of all clinical and supporting services.
• Oversee management and implementation of corporate policies.
• Ensure service lines remain within financial budgets.
• Support development of demand and capacity plans.
• Promote a culture of innovation and lead improvement projects.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation skills

Change management

Performance improvement

Communication

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Postgraduate professional qualification

Job description

Job summary

We are seeking an enthusiastic & forward-thinking leader to help deliver qualitative, high performing services across our established Diagnostic and Specialist Services.

The division offers a rewarding environment, encompassing a diverse range of portfolios and services. This is an opportunity to shape and influence meaningful improvements in patient care and service delivery. Our leadership team is collaborative and passionate about innovation, with strong support from our Executive Team, who actively champion the Division's vision and priorities.

As a senior leader, play a pivotal role in coordinating and prioritising the effective, efficient and safe delivery of clinical services, ensuring high standards of quality, patient access and operational performance.

Responsibilities

• Responsible to the Chief of Service for operational delivery in the Division
• Co‑ordinate the delivery of all clinical and supporting services
• Responsible for performance in the Division against agreed operational, access and financial targets
• Oversee the management and implementation of corporate and management policies and procedures
• Chair programmes of work which will lead to improvements in service delivery
• Operate an effective and transparent performance management framework
• Work with the Professional Leads, Clinical Leads, Matrons and General Managers to ensure the safety and effectiveness of clinical services
• Ensure the Service Lines and Specialties remain within financial budgets
• Promote a culture of innovation and ensure the success of service redesign improvement projects
• Prepare regular performance and exception reports for the Trust Board
• Take responsibility for the delivery of the Trust's performance standards
• Ensure robust demand and capacity plans are in place to deliver the potential demands of emergency activity and planned activity
• Support the development of a Winter plan, Demand and Capacity and Digital Innovation

Qualifications and Experience

• Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent
• Relevant postgraduate professional qualification
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Detailed knowledge of NHS Improvement and other compliance and performance frameworks, safety, financial procedures and statutory regulations
• Demonstrable understanding of the structure and framework of the NHS and how the Trust delivers care within this
• Substantial change management capability with proven and measurable results, based on and promoting positive culture and organisational values
• Track record of successful organisation wide project management, including as Senior Responsible Office (SRO)/Sponsor or programme management delivery of formal change initiatives
• Ability to use quantitative and qualitative information to stimulate performance improvement and provide assurance on data integrity
• Ability to set out a clear direction, inspire others and assume command
• Ability to grasp critical issues and distil them into clear and manageable priorities, weighing both the costs and benefits
• Understanding of the different environments in which the Trust operates and ability to assess opportunities for innovation, revenue generation, partnership and enhanced care
• Ability to interpret and communicate the Trust vision to all stakeholders, develop prioritised objectives and monitor a coherent delivery plan
• Ability to contribute to effective board working and organisation, monitor compliance with risk management, legal, ethical, clinical, social and environmental requirements
• Evidence of formal management development
• Proven previous experience of working at as a Divisional Director or very senior Operational manager, or extensive leadership experience in an equally diverse and complex organisation
• Demonstrable knowledge of the NHS financial regime and probity, and considerable proven experience of budgetary management
• Proven track record of tactical management and delivery at a senior level in a large, complex, service-focused organisation, including staff management, change management, performance management, and service improvement
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the concepts and practices of integrated service planning in complex organisations, analysing, synthesising and using complex data as the basis for strategic and tactical decisions, and scenario planning
• Experience of consultation, negotiation and influencing different stakeholders
• Experience of building personal and professional credibility with clinical and operational senior managers, other Directors, staff, and the public
• Experience working with Diagnostic and Specialist Services
• Demonstrable experience of senior transformational and organisational change

Attributes

• Highly developed leadership, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to motivate and engage individuals.
• Ability to think laterally and creatively to develop innovative plans and identify new business opportunities, commercial acumen.
• Ability to provide coaching and mentoring at the appropriate levels, encouraging and promoting a culture of openness, honesty and clarity.

About us

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we are proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals.

The Diagnostic and Specialties Division is one of four divisions, leading and managing core operational clinical services through a divisional structure. We provide a comprehensive range of services, covering both planned and unplanned care, from emergency care to planned treatments.

With a variety of opportunities, the Diagnostic and Specialties Division offers a wide range of services situated at Gloucester Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital is ideal place for a clinical leader looking to expand their experience in clinical and operational leadership.

Contact information

Employer name: Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Trustwide, Gloucestershire (Gloucester / Cheltenham), GL1 3NN

Website: https://www.gloshospitals.nhs.uk/

Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Band: 8d

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 318-26-T0011

Date posted: 12 January 2026