Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Manager

NHS; Southampton; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An esteemed healthcare provider in Southampton seeks a Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Manager to lead the team's efforts in improving neonatal care across a vast network. This crucial role involves strategic and operational leadership, ensuring delivery on key objectives while championing quality and collaboration within the network. Candidates should possess significant healthcare leadership experience and a strong understanding of neonatal services. This offers a chance to significantly impact on care delivery across the region.

Benefits

NHS discounts

35 days of paid holiday

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• Significant experience in operational delivery networks or system-level healthcare.
• Demonstrable knowledge of National and Local NHS frameworks.
• Evidence of budget management and achieving financial targets.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Neonatal ODN across multiple regions.
• Oversee delivery of key workplans aligned with network functions.
• Champion quality improvement across neonatal services.

Skills

Communication

Leadership

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Resource management

Education

First degree or equivalent

Post-qualification study to Masters level

Job description

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Manager

The closing date is 22 January 2026

Are you an experienced clinical network leader with the passion, credibility and strategic vision to shape neonatal care across a major region? We are seeking an exceptional Band 8b Operational Delivery Network (ODN) Manager to lead the Neonatal Critical Care ODN within the newly formed Strategic Network for Critical Care (SNCC).

Main duties of the job

For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the 'Job Description and Main Responsibilities' section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.

About us

As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.

All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.

Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.

The ODN manager role is predominantly remote working from home with travel to providers/trusts around the geographical footprint of the network. Employees residing outside the network footprint will have their contractual base set as UHS.

Job responsibilities

The SNCC spans the entire South East of England, bringing together the Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks across:

Across these localities, we deliver seven core functions critical to high-quality, equitable care: Service Delivery, Resources, Workforce, Quality, Collaboration, Transformation, Population Health.

Our work is underpinned by strong partnerships with commissioners, ICBs and providers to ensure system-wide improvement.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Network, you will be responsible for leading and managing the Neonatal ODN across TVW and KSS. This is a pivotal leadership role at an exciting point of transformation.

In 2025/26, the ODNs have come together under the new SNCC umbrella, resulting in redesigned structures, strengthened governance and refreshed funding arrangements. This transition brings opportunities to modernise how we work, enhance cross-regional collaboration and embed agile ways of operating across both the core network team and wider stakeholders.

As the ODN Manager, you will: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Neonatal ODN; Oversee delivery of key workplans aligned to all seven core network functions; Lead system-wide engagement with providers, commissioners, clinical leaders and families; Manage governance, assurance and performance frameworks across the network; Support new ways of working, enabling teams to operate more flexibly and effectively; Champion quality improvement, equity, safety and workforce development across neonatal services; Ensure the network is positioned for future sustainability, innovation and national priorities.

About You

We are looking for a dynamic, influential and compassionate leader with: Significant experience in operational delivery networks, commissioning, or system-level healthcare leadership; Deep understanding of neonatal services or critical care pathways (highly desirable); Proven ability to lead complex programmes, manage stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable impact; Strong governance, analytical and strategic planning skills; A collaborative approach with the ability to inspire teams through change and transformation.

Why Join Us? Lead one of the most established and respected Neonatal ODNs in England; Influence service delivery and outcomes for babies and families across the South East; Contribute to shaping a brand-new strategic framework for critical care; Become part of an ambitious, supportive and forward-thinking regional team.

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead at scale, support major transformation and champion excellence in neonatal critical care, we encourage you to apply.

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

Main Role Summary

The ODN manager will have day to day operational responsibility for delivering network activities and support/line manager staff employed by the neonatal network.

• Facilitate discussions to define and improve current processes, advising on best practices and value-based improvements within Strategic Networks.
• Document and oversee the implementation of agreed processes, supporting specific specialties with mutual aid as needed.
• Communicate highly complex project information to internal and external stakeholders in various formats, including verbal, written, and numerical.
• Engage constructively with stakeholders on contentious issues, promoting matrix working within the network and collaborative efforts across organizations.
• The post holder will have a high degree of autonomy and will be expected to manage a demanding workload to deliver sustainable service improvement and will deputise for the Head of Strategic Networks.
• Due to the nature of the role and ability to attend network meetings in a timeline manner, ability to drive and have access to own transport is essential. Travel expenses are claimable.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

• First degree or equivalent
• Evidence of post-qualification study/professional development to Masters level (post grad certificate/MBA/MSc) or equivalent general management experience.
• Leadership training
• Management training
• Experience of working in NHS
• Experience of working competently in an acute healthcare in a clinical care group or equivalent setting in a senior operational delivery/management position.
• Demonstrable knowledge of National and Local NHS; including national service frameworks
• Evidence of advanced leadership qualities
• Evidence of presenting complex information to internal and external groups in an understandable way.
• Report writing skills and experience.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data, to facilitate operational delivery decisions to support key performance targets.
• Experience of successful delegated budget management and evidence of achieving financial and finite resource targets
• Membership of professional body
• A breadth of clinical experience across the specialist area
• Evidence of successful leadership, management and engagement of clinical teams to introduce change

Skills and competencies

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Interpersonal skills
• Leadership
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving
• Resource management
• Teamwork
• Time management

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.

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust