Service Manager

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust; Harrogate; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in Harrogate is seeking a Service Manager to oversee complex healthcare services. Candidates should have substantial operational management experience and a strong grasp of NHS governance. Responsibilities include leading day-to-day service operations, managing budgets, and driving performance in line with national health standards. This role offers the opportunity to shape effective patient care delivery while engaging with multidisciplinary teams. Flexible working and development opportunities are also provided.

Benefits

Flexible working

Development opportunities

Focus on wellbeing

Qualifications

• Significant operational management experience including large multidisciplinary teams.
• Proven ability to lead service redesign and strategic change.
• Strong understanding of NHS governance and risk management.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple services.
• Ensure safe and effective delivery of healthcare services.
• Manage budgets and resources for financial sustainability.

Skills

Operational management

Leadership

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Recognised post-graduate management qualification

Job description

Service Manager

The closing date is 11 January 2026

Are you an experienced operational leader with a proven track record in managing complex healthcare services? We are seeking a Service Manager to join our team and play a pivotal role in delivering high‑quality, patient‑centred care.

Roles in the following specialities:

• General Surgery/ Upper GI
• Vascular
• Surgical IP Wards
• Adult Emergency Department & Same Day Emergency Care
• Cardiology & Respiratory
• Medical Wards, General Medicine and Palliative Care
• Maternity, Community Maternity and EPU

Main duties of the job

As a Service Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across a portfolio of services within the Care Group. Working closely with Clinical Leads, Matrons, and senior managers, you will: lead day‑to‑day service operations, ensuring safe, efficient, and effective delivery; drive performance against national and local targets, including RTT, UEC, and cancer standards; manage budgets and resources, ensuring financial sustainability and cost‑effectiveness; lead service redesign and transformation projects, improving patient flow and pathways; oversee governance, risk management, and compliance with CQC and NHS standards. You will also deputise for the General Manager and take a divisional lead on key projects such as demand and capacity planning, theatre efficiency, and length‑of‑stay reduction; champion staff engagement and development, fostering a culture of inclusion and excellence.

About us

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services. We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that’s changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives. We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.

Job responsibilities

Our Way Forward We are implementing a new divisional structure that strengthens accountability, integration, and patient‑centred care. This is an exciting time to join us as we embed transformation, break down silos, and create a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. As Service Manager, you will be at the forefront of this change.

What we are looking for:

• Educated to Master’s level or equivalent experience
• Significant operational management experience, including managing large multidisciplinary teams
• Proven ability to lead service redesign and strategic change
• Strong understanding of NHS governance, performance targets, and risk management
• Excellent leadership, communication, and problem‑solving skills

Qualifications

• Educated to a master’s degree level or equivalent qualifications or experience
• Recognised post‑graduate management qualification or equivalent experience

Experience

• Proven general and operational management experience to include the management of a large multi‑disciplinary group of staff part of which to have been in the NHS
• A proven record of success in managing significant operational / strategic change whilst also developing and maintaining the provision of a high‑quality service, within a clinical setting, with multidisciplinary teams
• Experience in managing quality/clinical audit/clinical governance/risk management issues

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 name

The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust