General Manager - Elderly Care, Discharge & General Medicine KGH

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust; Kettering; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent healthcare provider in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced General Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple service lines. The role involves ensuring the delivery of high-quality patient care, financial performance, and leading a team within the healthcare setting. Candidates should have a proven track record in operational leadership and the ability to innovate and drive service improvements.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience in leading complex projects within an acute healthcare setting.
• Ability to drive service improvements and innovate.
• Strong analytical skills to monitor performance and develop solutions.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across multiple service lines.
• Collaborate with clinical leads to implement service strategies.
• Ensure business continuity and maintain resilient delivery frameworks.

Skills

Operational leadership

Financial management

Service improvement

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple high-profile service lines, within the Elderly Care, Discharge & General Medicine Directorates. Working in close partnership with Clinical Directors and the Deputy Head of Nursing, you will play a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery. The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in leading complex projects within an acute healthcare setting, along with exceptional attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will be responsible for day-to-day operational delivery, financial performance, and long-term planning to ensure business continuity and service resilience.

Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across designated service lines, ensuring the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of clinical services.
• Collaborate with clinical leads to develop and implement service strategies with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Lead robust financial and capacity planning to meet performance targets and support long-term sustainability.
• Ensure business continuity and maintain resilient service delivery frameworks.
• Drive service improvements, foster a culture of innovation, and uphold high standards of patient care and staff engagement.

About the Trust and Values

Kettering General Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is one of the largest employers in the area and we are on an exciting journey. All our divisions are committed to doing things better, with more efficiency as we update, modernise, and advance. We have entered a Group Model with neighbouring Northampton General Hospital NHS Trust and become University Hospitals of Northamptonshire. Our Excellence Values: Compassion, Accountability, Respect, Integrity, Courage.

We aim to recruit the best people to deliver our services across the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire and help unleash everyone's full potential. The Hospital Group encourages applications from people who identify from all protected groups and values inclusive working environments. We recognise the contribution of the Armed Forces community and have signed the Armed Forces Covenant with a Silver Award under the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme. We have active Networks that promote and support colleagues from all backgrounds.

Role Details

We are seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to provide strong leadership and operational oversight for key specialty areas within the Division. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Operations, you will be responsible for strategic planning, service delivery, financial performance, workforce leadership, and continuous improvement across designated services. As a senior member of the Directorate Management Team, you will work closely with clinical and corporate colleagues to ensure the highest standards of patient care, safety, and performance, and contribute to cross-organisational transformation initiatives.

Categories

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the operational and strategic development of designated specialties within the Division.
• Develop and deliver business plans aligned to Trust priorities and the Integrated Business Plan.
• Promote innovation and share best practices to improve service effectiveness and quality.
• Ensure Trust policies and service improvement initiatives are successfully implemented at directorate level.

Service Delivery & Transformation

• Oversee high-quality, patient-centred services that are safe, efficient, and evidence-based.
• Lead on service redesign and improvement programmes to enhance clinical outcomes, reduce waiting times, and increase operational efficiency.
• Interpret national and local guidance to anticipate service demands and develop strategic responses.

Performance & Financial Management

• Ensure services meet national standards, KPIs, and constitutional targets.
• Implement systems to monitor performance and develop solutions for underperformance.
• Manage budgets for specific service areas, support delivery of CIPss, and contribute to divisional financial planning.

Governance & Risk

• Embed a strong culture of clinical governance, patient safety, and risk management.
• Ensure services meet CQC and licensing standards and maintain robust systems to handle complaints and incidents.
• Support the development and implementation of the Division's annual governance plan.

Workforce & Staff Development

• Lead on workforce planning to ensure the right staffing, skills, and training are in place.
• Support managers in delivering effective HR practices including appraisals, sickness absence, and staff engagement.
• Promote a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.

Research, Education & Teaching

• Promote research, audit, and clinical education within service areas in alignment with Trust strategies.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training and promote lifelong learning across teams.

Communication & Partnership Working

• Maintain effective two-way communication within services and with key stakeholders internally and externally (e.g., ICBs, local authorities, universities).
• Foster collaborative working relationships with clinical leaders, service users, and partner organisations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in the Trust's senior management on-call rota.
• Travel between hospital sites (e.g., Kettering and Northampton) as required.

Application and Safeguarding

Applications will be transferred to the TRAC system; by completing an application you are giving authorisation for the transfer of your data. Correspondence regarding your application will be sent via a TRAC system account. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds. Safeguarding is everyone's business and a priority within KGH.

Recruitment and Disclosure

Appointments will be made on merit. If a DBS check is required, applicants may be responsible for DBS costs as applicable. News starters with KGH are subject to a six-month probationary period. Ensure information provided on your application is correct and can be evidenced. The organisation supports diverse backgrounds and inclusive practices across the Hospital Group.