Interim Deputy Group Director of Operations

Finegreen; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading NHS Acute Trust in the Midlands seeks an Interim Deputy Group Director of Operations to spearhead operational leadership during a crucial period of transformation. The role demands seasoned expertise in improving service delivery and performance, with responsibilities covering oversight of clinical specialties, collaboration on strategic initiatives, and driving key performance metrics. An ideal candidate will possess significant operational experience in an NHS setting, particularly in theatres and anaesthetics, with a strong focus on results in high-pressure environments.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable senior operational leadership experience within an NHS Acute Trust setting.
• Theatres and anaesthetics background is essential.
• Proven track record in delivering against key performance, quality, and financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior operational leadership across clinical specialities.
• Drive the achievement of key performance targets including RTT and cancer recovery.
• Lead Trust-wide service improvement initiatives.

Skills

Operational leadership

Service transformation

Project delivery

Capacity/demand planning

Stakeholder management

Education

Experience in NHS Acute Trust

Job description

Interim Deputy Group Director of Operations – NHS Acute Trust, Midlands

Band: 8c (NHS Agency Capped Rates)
Contract: 6 months initially (potential to extend)
Location: Midlands
Start Date: ASAP

An NHS Acute Trust in the Midlands is seeking a highly experienced and motivated Interim Deputy Group Director of Operations to provide operational leadership and drive performance improvement across a defined Clinical Group. This pivotal role offers an opportunity to influence and shape service delivery at a senior level during a key period of transformation and recovery.

Working in close collaboration with the Group Director of Operations, this role will support the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused care through effective leadership, robust performance management, and strategic operational oversight.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide senior operational leadership across clinical specialities, supporting performance improvement, efficiency, and service delivery.
• Lead Trust-wide service improvement initiatives, including theatre and outpatient productivity programmes, ensuring timely delivery of objectives.
• Drive the achievement of key performance targets including RTT, cancer, elective recovery, and other national standards.
• Ensure rigorous day-to-day operational management, including financial and workforce performance within the Clinical Group.
• Deliver robust theatre and outpatient scheduling processes to optimise capacity and enhance patient experience.
• Collaborate with clinical and nursing leads to ensure appropriate workforce deployment and effective service models.
• Lead the formulation and execution of capacity and production plans to meet both elective and emergency demands.
• Deliver and monitor agreed financial and activity profiles, identifying risks and implementing mitigation plans.
• Coordinate emergency and resilience planning to ensure service continuity during critical incidents and pressures.
• Monitor and report progress of operational improvement initiatives against Trust strategic plans and transformation objectives.
• Contribute to the Trust’s Quality, Innovation, Productivity and Prevention (QIPP) programme and local service redesign projects.

The Ideal Candidate:

• Demonstrable senior operational leadership experience within an NHS Acute Trust setting.
• Theatres and anaesthetics background is essential.
• Proven track record in delivering against key performance, quality, and financial targets.
• Skilled in service transformation, project delivery, and capacity/demand planning.
• Adept at leading multidisciplinary teams and managing complex stakeholder environments.
• Strong understanding of governance, workforce, and financial management in an acute care context.
• Resilient, results-driven, and capable of operating effectively in a high-pressure environment.

This role offers a unique opportunity for a high-calibre interim professional to make a tangible impact across operational services. If you're passionate about improving care delivery and performance, and have the expertise to lead within a complex acute care environment, we’d like to hear from you.

If you are interested in the role, please email Toni Coates with a copy of your updated CV to [e-mail] along with your availability and rate understanding in line with the above.