Operational Manager-NHS Talking Therapies

NHS; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 63,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare organization in the UK is seeking an Operational Manager to lead the Digital Talking Therapies Team. This role involves overall management and delivery of therapy services, supporting staff, and ensuring quality patient care. Candidates should have significant NHS management experience and the ability to coordinate services effectively. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from £55,690 to £62,682 per annum and allows for flexible working arrangements.

Qualifications

• Significant management experience within the NHS.
• Experience of working with clinicians and multi-professional teams.
• Knowledge of national policy and standards of governance.

Responsibilities

• Lead overall management of the Digital Talking Therapies Team.
• Ensure effective quality service delivery.
• Work closely with the clinical leadership to coordinate services.

Skills

Management within the NHS

Service improvement collaboration

Engaging service users

Verbal and written communication

Analytical problem-solving

Education

First degree or equivalent in health/social care

Job description

Job Summary

We are looking to recruit an Operational Manager to join our team. As the Operational Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of the Digital Talking Therapies Team, including delivery of high-quality therapy services, staff management and wellbeing, and excellent patient care, supported by a clinical and operational leadership team.

Main Duties

• Leading, managing and developing systems and processes to ensure effective management of demand and ensuring quality service delivery
• Managing resources effectively in order to meet the needs of our people
• Supporting a staff team with a range of abilities and experience, including trainees and experienced, qualified staff
• Working with stakeholders and other organisations to ensure service users' needs are met

About Us

Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust is one of just five mental health trusts to achieve an overall rating of 'Outstanding' from the Care Quality Commission. Our family of over 4,000 staff provide health and social care for people with mental ill health, physical ill health and learning disabilities across Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Essex and Norfolk, delivering these services within the community and several inpatient settings. Everything is underpinned by choice, independence and equality, with our Trust values embedded throughout: Welcoming. Kind. Positive. Respectful. Professional.

Details

Date posted: 12 December 2025

Pay scheme: Agenda for Change

Band: 8a

Salary: £55,690 to £62,682 per annum, pro rata

Contract: Permanent

Working pattern: Full-time, flexible working, home or remote working

Reference number: 367-AMCS-9937

Job locations: Tekhnicon House, Springwood Drive, Braintree, CM7 2YN

Job Responsibilities

This is an operational leadership role, with the post holder responsible for overall management and leadership of the Digital Talking Therapies Team. The Operational Manager creates an effective working environment that supports the delivery of the best possible outcomes for all service users, staff and the public. The post has overall responsibility for the management of the team.

The Operational Manager works closely with the Talking Therapies Clinical Leadership Team, Service Manager and the Head of Services to establish and ensure effective coordination and operational delivery of Digital Talking Therapies Service.

For a more detailed description, please see attached JD and PS.

Interviews week commencing 5 January 2026

Person Specification

Qualifications (Required)

• First degree or equivalent and professional qualification in a relevant area of health or social care
• Evidence of continuous professional and management development showing a combination of short courses, structured self‑study or formal management courses.

Experience (Required)

• Significant management experience within the NHS
• Experience of working with clinicians and multi-professional teams in achieving service improvement.
• Experience of engaging service users/carers in service planning and improvement.
• Knowledge of national policy and standards of governance.
• Knowledge of NHS and local government strategies, policies and plans.
• Experience of planning and implementing service change.
• Evidence of achieving targets and objectives within a challenging environment.
• Able to organise own workload and that of the team to meet objectives and operate effectively.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of managing a Talking Therapies team
• Experience of supporting a team through the challenges of remote/virtual working

Communication (Required)

• Able to communicate verbally and in writing to inform and influence staff and stakeholders.
• Ability to effectively lead and empower teams
• Ability to manage conflict and tension proactively and constructively.
• Ability to direct and delegate effectively.
• Open, honest and approachable in relationships with staff, peers and colleagues in partner organisations.

Analytical Skills (Required)

• Ability to translate complex issues and problems into clearly articulated and understandable recommendations and plans.
• Ability to develop flexible and creative solutions to difficult problems and challenges.

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

Employer name: Hertfordshire Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust

Address: Tekhnicon House, Springwood Drive, Braintree, CM7 2YN

Employer Website

https://www.hpft.nhs.uk/careers/