Head of Unplanned Care Transformation

NHS; Croydon; On-site; GBP 82,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a Head of Unplanned Care Transformation to lead initiatives aimed at improving efficiency in urgent and emergency care services. The role requires extensive experience in transformation projects, strong leadership and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate will have expertise in methodologies like Lean and Six Sigma, along with a strategic mindset. This permanent full-time position offers competitive salary ranging from £82,906 to £94,632 per annum, with a commitment to innovative patient care.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading large-scale transformation in urgent or emergency care.
• Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies.

Responsibilities

• Lead large-scale change programmes to improve patient flow.
• Oversee governance and delivery of transformation projects.
• Collaborate with stakeholders for integrated care pathways.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication skills

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree or equivalent

Project/Programme Management qualification

Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma

Job description

Job summary

Head of Unplanned Care Transformation

Are you ready to lead transformational change in urgent and emergency care? Do you thrive in fast‑paced environments where strategic thinking, collaboration, and innovation are key to improving patient outcomes?

What You’ll Be Doing

• Lead large‑scale change programmes to improve patient flow, reduce delays, and enhance the quality and efficiency of urgent and emergency care.
• Work closely with clinical, operational, and executive teams to align transformation initiatives with national priorities and local performance targets, including A&E and ambulance handover standards.
• Oversee the governance, planning, and delivery of transformation projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve measurable benefits.
• Design and facilitate rapid improvement workshops to identify and implement solutions that address key challenges in unplanned care.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing transformation team, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, including system partners, to deliver integrated and patient‑centred care pathways.
• Monitor and report on programme progress, risks, and outcomes to the Executive Team and Trust Board, ensuring transparency and impact.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in leading large‑scale transformation in urgent or emergency care.
• Strong leadership, stakeholder engagement, and change management skills.
• A strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach to problem‑solving and service redesign.
• Expertise in continuous improvement methodologies (e.g. Lean, Six Sigma).

About Us

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust provides hospital and community services from a number of community and specialist clinics throughout Croydon. The Trust was formed on 1st August 2010 through the integration of Croydon Community Health Services and Mayday Healthcare NHS Trust. Around 4,100 staff provide services for a population of over 360,000 people who are relatively young with a high level of ethnic diversity.

Our main hospital site, Croydon University Hospital, is one of the busiest in London. We’re also leading the way in providing more healthcare outside hospitals at clinics, specialist centres and in people’s homes. Our experienced district nursing teams, Allied Health Professionals and community matrons look after people of all ages across Croydon and our Children’s Hospital at Home cares for children with long‑term conditions without them having to come to hospital.

Across the NHS everyone is working hard to meet growing demand and we’re no exception. But with the right people on board, we are rising to this challenge, putting our people in the driving seat, encouraging innovation and transforming our services to give local people the quality of care they deserve. Croydon Health Services puts a great deal of importance on education and training throughout the careers of all of our staff. As well as offering access to a range of core skills training and professional development.

Details

Posted on 01 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for change

Band: Band 8c

Salary: £82,906 to £94,632 a year per annum incl HCAS (Outer)

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full‑time

Reference number: 199-7565723-FM-MT

Job locations

Croydon University Hospital

530 London Road

Croydon

CR7 7YE

Person Specification

Education & Qualification – Essential

• Educated to degree level with either Master’s degree or equivalent
• Project/Programme Management qualification
• Black Belt in Lean Six Sigma or equivalent qualification in continuous improvement methodologies

Education & Qualification – Desirable

• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant field
• Coaching or mentoring qualification

Experience – Essential

• Significant experience in leading large‑scale transformation and improvement initiatives within an acute hospital
• Experience of implementing large‑scale service improvement and change projects within a large complex organisation
• Experience of working at a senior level, managing complex projects

Experience – Desirable

• Experience of working with Integrated Care Systems or Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships

Knowledge – Essential

• In‑depth knowledge of urgent and emergency care pathways
• Advanced knowledge of improvement methodologies
• Demonstrable astuteness in understanding and working with complex policy and diverse interest groups

Skills – Essential

• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
• Excellent leadership and influencing skills
• Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Croydon Health Services NHS Trust

Croydon University Hospital

530 London Road

Croydon

CR7 7YE

Employer’s website

https://www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk/recruitment/ (Opens in a new tab)