Deputy Operational Head of Service

OverviewAs the Deputy Operational Head of Service for the Adult Specialist Services portfolio, you will lead, coordinate and enhance the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred care. You will work with the wider senior management team to support operational and clinical Heads of Service in delivering outstanding patient care. This role involves collaboratively leading multidisciplinary teams to improve patient outcomes, champion service excellence, and foster a compassionate, high-performing culture. You will help keep services safe, responsive and of consistently high quality, while ensuring your team is engaged, supported and empowered to thrive. We are seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking leader with energy, innovation and resilience for a fast-paced environment.Note: The following responsibilities and requirements describe the role and are not all-inclusive. Main duties of the jobAs Deputy Operational Head of Service, you will lead the operational delivery and day-to-day management of your service portfolio. You will work closely with the other Deputy, the Operational and Clinical Heads of Service, and the wider senior leadership team to ensure services are safe, effective, financially sustainable, and continuously improving. Your responsibilities include analysing performance data, developing targeted action plans, and contributing to demand and capacity planning to ensure the service remains responsive to patient needs and contractual obligations.You will manage and develop multidisciplinary teams, promoting a culture of compassionate leadership, staff wellbeing, and continuous development. You will participate in workforce planning, recruitment, and implement policies that uphold consistency and quality across the service. Your duties span governance and risk management, addressing concerns and complaints, and driving service improvement. You will also contribute to service-wide projects and learning opportunities across services.The successful candidate can expect to develop skills and experience in:Supporting and developing teams and individualsService and pathway developmentFinance, performance and quality improvementRisk managementBusiness planningIntegrated working with Quality and Safety, HR, Recruitment, Contracts, Performance and QI teams About usWe are the main provider of NHS community services across East and West Sussex, with 6,000 staff serving 1.3 million people. We deliver essential care to adults and children, helping them manage their health, avoid hospital admissions, and reduce hospital stays. Our Trust vision is to provide excellent care at the heart of the community. We offer opportunities across medical, clinical, support and corporate services.Why work for us? Positive 2024 NHS Staff Survey results highlighting compassionate leadership and wellbeing. Varied environments: community hospitals, patients’ homes and bases across Sussex. Flexible working options: part-time, flexi-time, annualised hours and flexi-retirement. Excellent training, development and research opportunities. Family-friendly benefits and wellbeing networks. Level 3 Disability Confident Leader and Veteran Aware Trust. Beautiful Sussex location near the South Downs and coast.Our values – Compassionate Care, Working Together, Achieving Ambitions, Delivering Excellence – guide everything we do.We embrace diversity and encourage applications from all backgrounds, particularly from ethnically diverse, disabled, and LGBTQIA+ individuals. We aim to create an inclusive environment and support reasonable adjustments during recruitment.This post may close early if sufficient applications are received. DetailsDate posted: 10 October 2025Pay scheme: Agenda for ChangeBand: Band 8aSalary: £55,690 to £62,682 a year (per annum/pro rata)Contract: PermanentWorking pattern: Full-time, Flexible workingReference number: 150-KB2157-CCJob locations: Brighton General Hospital, Brighton, BN2 3EW Job descriptionThere is an expectation that each Deputy Operational Head of Service will support others as needed, work on Trust-wide projects, and utilise opportunities across services for learning and development.The Deputy Operational Head of Service will lead on planning and delivery of service targets and objectives in line with the Trust’s business planning cycle, and actively monitor delivery throughout the year by coordinating resources across teams as necessary.If you are an experienced leader who is passionate about leading teams to deliver high-quality, patient-centred care while driving operational excellence and innovation, this is your opportunity to make a real impact. Person SpecificationQualifications and/or professional registration (Essential)Bachelor’s degree in a health, social care or related area of study.Postgraduate Diploma in a relevant clinical or health service management area, or equivalent level of knowledge acquired through experience.Experience (Essential)Experience in a leadership role including contributing to operational management of services.Experience in management of health servicesExperience of budget management, budget monitoring and review.Experience in drafting service level business plans, local standard operating procedures and policies.Experience of staff management including recruitment and retention of staff, performance management, and managing sickness and absence.Experience of monitoring, analysing and assessing clinical operational performance.Skills and knowledge (Essential)Knowledge of multidisciplinary team working and an understanding of differing professional role boundaries.Able to translate complex information and make it meaningful to staff at all levels and across all professions both verbally and in writing.Ability to deal with competing demands, priorities and deadlines whilst managing operational imperatives and frequent interruptions.Knowledge of NHS Human Resource Policies and Procedures.Knowledge of clinical and operational governance and its application to services.Word-processing and keyboard skills and ability to use Microsoft Office packages including Word, PowerPoint and Excel.Excellent time management, prioritisation and organisational skills and ability to manage and deliver to agreed deadlines. Additional informationDisclosure and Barring Service Check: This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure submission may be required.Certificate of Sponsorship: Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. See UK Visas and Immigration guidance for overseas checks where applicable. Employer detailsSussex Community NHS Foundation TrustBrighton General Hospital, Brighton, BN2 3EW #J-18808-Ljbffr