Head of Operations Acute, Urgent & Emergency Mental Health Services

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS Foundation Trust; Chester; On-site; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare organization in Chester is seeking a Head of Operations for Acute and Urgent Care Mental Health Services. This key leadership position involves overseeing operational management, ensuring quality and regulatory compliance, and enhancing staff and patient experiences. The successful candidate will demonstrate extensive experience in senior healthcare leadership and a commitment to continuous improvement. Join us in shaping the future of mental health care and making a real impact within our community.

Qualifications

• Experienced in senior operational leadership within healthcare.
• Skilled in working collaboratively with clinicians and senior leaders.
• Committed to inclusive leadership and driving improvement.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational management of mental health services.
• Ensure delivery of quality, governance, and regulatory compliance.
• Lead workforce development and human resource initiatives.

Skills

Operational leadership

Quality improvement

Budgetary control

Collaborative teamwork

Patient experience improvement

Job description

Head of Operations – Acute, Urgent & Emergency Care Mental Health Services (Cheshire & Wirral)

An exciting career opportunity has arisen for a Head of Operations to lead Acute (inpatient) and Urgent & Emergency Care Mental Health services across Cheshire and Wirral. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of our organisation’s ambition to deliver safe, effective, and compassionate care.

About the Role

As Head of Operations, you will work closely with the Head of Operations for Community Mental Health Services, Clinical Directors, system partners, and Trust colleagues to ensure the delivery of high‑quality, safe, and efficient care across a diverse and high‑impact portfolio. You will provide outstanding operational leadership, driving service delivery in partnership with clinical and operational leaders.

Responsibilities

• Operational management of the portfolio
• Delivery of key performance targets and national standards
• Quality, governance and regulatory compliance
• Human resource leadership and workforce development
• Budgetary control and resource optimisation

Shortlisting and Interview Dates

Shortlisting for this vacancy is due to commence on 26th January, and the proposed interview date is 3rd February.

Our Commitment to Continuous Improvement

Aligned with our Trust’s Continuous Improvement strategy, you will champion continuous quality improvement across clinical pathways and service design, directly enhancing the experience of patients, service users, carers and staff.

Shaping the Future of Mental Health Care

• The NHS Long Term Plan
• The 2025/26 Urgent & Emergency Care Plan for Mental Health
• Neighbourhood models of care
• Inpatient Quality Transformation Programme

About You

• Passionate about meeting population needs
• Committed to reducing health inequalities
• Driven to improve staff and patient experienceSkilled in working collaboratively with clinicians and senior leaders to drive improvement and transformation
• Experienced in senior operational leadership within healthcare
• Committed to inclusive leadership, workforce development and continuous improvement, fostering a positive culture that supports staff wellbeing and high‑quality care

Cheshire and Wirral Partnership (CWP) provides health and care services for a population of over one million people, including mental health, learning disability, community physical health and all-age disability care. CWP employs around 4,500 staff across 73 sites and has services across Wirral and Cheshire, as well as Trafford, Warrington, Bolton, Halton, Liverpool and Stockport.

This advert closes on Monday 26 Jan 2026.