Associate Director of Performance and Operations

Job Summary Are you looking to take your leadership career to the next level? At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we are embedding our exciting new Operating Model and placing the roles closest to patient care at the heart of decision-making. By creating clinically led, multidisciplinary leadership teams we can ensure decisions are informed by clinical expertise while keeping the operational expertise needed to run safe, successful services. We are looking for experienced, forward-thinking leaders able to support the introduction of our new ways of working. You will be well supported with a bespoke personal development plan, and you will also have access to a range of development activities. This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in decision-making, influence the future of patient services, and be part of a Trust-wide movement to embed clinical leadership at every level. Main duties of the job The Associate Director of Performance and Operations for Surgery will support the Clinical Head of Division, and the Clinical Groups Management Team to lead on matters relating to the operational delivery of the Hospital's clinical and support services. Working within the Divisional triumvirate, they will advise on all operational matters to drive through the delivery of ambitious targets to continually improve performance within the Clinical Group. Working with the Clinical Head of Division, they will contribute to the development of the Clinical Group strategy and delivery of objectives. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring effective systems, processes and performance management arrangements are in place to deliver high standards of performance and quality of patient services. This includes supporting both the Clinical Leaders and the Operational Managers to hold service lines to account, ensuring there is effective managerial support at all levels of the Clinical Group and coordinating the effective day to day functioning of the Clinical Group. Driving service development, modernisation and innovation across the Clinical Group, promoting a culture of continuous service improvement is key to the success. They will provide strong visible leadership within the Clinical Group in support of the Clinical Head of Division. On call requirements will be confirmed within Clinical Groups to align with the agreed Operating Model. About us Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester. As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities. MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development. Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond. Details Date posted: 04 December 2025 Pay scheme: Agenda for change Band: Band 8d Salary: £91,342 to £105,337 a year per annum, pro rata Contract: Permanent Working pattern: Full-time Reference number: 349-MRI-7647186-RL4 Job locations: Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we’re proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOU for our patients, our communities, and each other. As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your application – especially personal statements and responses to role‑specific questions – is written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone. Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application. Diversity Matters MFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below. Person Specification Qualifications (Essential) Evidence of a demonstrable commitment to Continual Professional Development Education to a minimum of master's degree level or equivalent postgraduate qualification or equivalent senior level experience Qualifications (Desirable) Evidence of Management and Leadership Development geared towards very senior posts Skills, Knowledge, Requirements and Experience (Essential) Proven experience of working and contributing at a very senior level in a similarly complex organisation or system A proven ability to deliver consistently to NHS standards of operational performance. A commitment to system excellence as well as organisational excellence. Experience of operational and capacity planning to meet organisational performance targets. Experience of establishing and applying robust performance management systems and accountability frameworks. Evidence of setting ambitious attainable targets and of leading an implementing innovative solution, and complex change and modernisation programmes designed to improve quality and services within tight financial constraints. Having the ability to understand the longer term or widespread implications of decisions. Skills, Knowledge, Requirements and Experience (Desirable) Outstanding reputation and demonstrable successes at director/very senior level, with a proven track record of producing high quality results in the management and leadership of operations in a large organisation, preferably within the NHS. Personal Attributes (Essential) A commitment to excellence in all areas Able to identify and manage critical issues and priorities Proven influencing and negotiation skills, particularly across professional boundaries Strong commercial and business acumen, understanding the impact of operational efficiencies on overall revenue performance Able to develop and maintain effective working relationships with professional groups and senior managers within the Hospital and Group. An ability to communicate openly and effectively to listen and to be approachable The energy, resilience, stamina and drive required of a director, with a proven ability to set and meet ambitious targets and monitor against targets. A strong sense of the importance of the team Inspires others and leads by example 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. 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. For further information visit UK Visas and Immigration website. From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here: Criminal records checks for overseas applicants. Employer details Name: Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust Address: Manchester Royal Infirmary, Manchester, M13 9WL Website: https://mft.nhs.uk/careers/ #J-18808-Ljbffr