Operational Manager

NHS; Manchester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A mental health service provider in Manchester is seeking an Operational Manager to oversee the Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. The role involves providing operational leadership, managing complaints, and ensuring compliance with training and performance standards. The ideal candidate will possess strong leadership and communication skills, along with experience in health and social care settings. This position supports a diverse client group requiring effective treatment for common mental health disorders like anxiety and depression.

Qualifications

• Registered Mental Health Professional (RMN, Social Worker, Psychological Therapist or equivalent).
• Leadership and/or Management experience in health and social care settings.
• Evidence of working within Talking Therapies.

Responsibilities

• Ensure operational and financial management of the service.
• Provide leadership to Clinicians and Team Managers.
• Drive service improvement projects and monitor performance.

Skills

Leadership

Strong communication

IT proficiency

Ability to motivate teams

Adaptability

Education

Registered Mental Health Professional

Evidence of post-registration development

Job description

A vacancy has opened up for an Operational Manager at the Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. This service is located in Chorlton and supports a varied and diverse client group. Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service is a welcoming, friendly and high performing team.

The service offers short term therapy to clients who present with common mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. The team consists of CBT therapists, Counsellors, Psychological Therapists, and Psychologists. As the Operational Manager you have to ensure that clients receive quick and effective treatment. Your responsibilities will include managing the waiting list, overseeing complaint investigations and governance procedures, and making sure all staff have the necessary equipment to perform their roles effectively.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide operational leadership and line management to a group of Clinicians and Team Managers.
• Oversee staffing, recruitment, budgets, and resource allocation.
• Ensure throughput and effectiveness within the service.
• Promote a therapeutic, inclusive culture aligned with Trust values.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training and share learning from complaints and incidents within the team.
• Monitor performance, manage risk, and drive service improvement projects.
• Support staff development through supervision, appraisal, and training.
• Champion equality, dignity, and respect in all interactions and practices.
• Maintain professional standards, confidentiality, and information governance.
• Contribute to strategic planning within the division.
• Act as a key contact for complaints, investigations, and incident reviews.
• Understand and embed the Trust's strategic goals and values into daily practice.
• Carry out duties in line with Equal Opportunities, Diversity, and Dignity in Care policies.
• Treat everyone with respect, professionalism, and fairness.
• Managing estates for the service, and conducting annual Health and Safety and Fire Audits.

About us

Greater Manchester Mental Health (GMMH) Foundation Trust employs over 7000 members of staff, who deliver services from more than 122 locations.

We provide inpatient and community-based mental health care for people living in Bolton, the city of Manchester, Salford, Trafford and the borough of Wigan, and a wide range of specialist mental health and substance misuse services across Greater Manchester, the north west of England and beyond.

Greater Manchester is one of the world's most innovative, original and exciting places to live and work. From the beauty of the surrounding countryside to the heart of the vibrant inner city with great shopping, entertainment and dining options.

Wherever you go you will experience a great northern welcome with people famed for their warmth, humour and generosity.

Our people enjoy their work, have opportunities to learn and develop their skills and are encouraged to generate new ideas that improve care for our service users.

Job responsibilities

As the Operational Manager you will be responsible for the operational and financial management of Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. You will be visible and accessible to staff and service users acting as a role model and champion for recovery and change. The Operational Manager will ensure that care of the highest standard is delivered and maintained within Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service. This will be achieved through workforce development and routine monitoring of Talking Therapies KPIs which are nationally set by NHS England.

The Operational Manager will work closely and collaboratively with the Clinical Lead, Service Manager and Team Managers across Manchester Talking Therapies Services and the Hub.

The post holder will ensure all interventions and care is delivered and maintained with the needs of patients/service users being central to service provision and development.

Qualifications and Registration

• Registered Mental Health Professional (RMN, Social Worker, Psychological Therapist or equivalent)
• Leadership and/or Management experience in health and social care settings
• Evidence of post-registration development (CPD, short courses relevant to the role)
• Evidence of working within Talking Therapies

Knowledge and Experience

• Experience managing other professionals such as allied health professionals
• Managing staff performance and disciplinary issues

Skills and Abilities

• Ability to lead, motivate, and organise teams to meet objectives
• Strong communication skills with professionals, service users, and the public.
• Commitment to creating a safe, open, and trusting environment.
• IT proficiency (Word, email, internet) and ability to present information professionally.
• Commitment to own professional development and reflective practice.
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to change.

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.

Central Manchester Talking Therapies Service
Chorlton House, 90 Manchester Road, Chorlton M21 9UN