Job overview
An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Surgery Division, at Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust.
The role of the Deputy Divisional Director of Operations is to be responsible for the strategic and operational management and delivery of all services and contracts within their portfolio. The role comprises day-to-day operational delivery of sustainable, high-quality services, maintaining and delivering against performance targets and standards, and leading the development and implementation of business cases and plans. They will work in partnership with the transformation team to implement the service redesign programme.
This role requires significant engagement with a range of stakeholders, including commissioners, acute, primary care, and mental health providers, as well as the public, voluntary and community sector organisations. The post holder is expected to provide visible leadership and promote high standards by modelling the values and behaviours expected of a senior NHS manager. They will have a professional and management line of accountability to the Divisional Director of Operations and Performance.
Please note: This Recruitment Process will include an Assessment Centre on 5th August 2026.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will be responsible for the efficient and effective day-to-day running of their portfolio within the Division; ensuring the delivery of key operational performance targets (finance, activity, workforce and quality/safety). Working with the Divisional and wider leadership team, the Deputy Divisional Director of Operations will provide leadership and direction for all services within their portfolio, delivering local and national targets and operational service objectives. They will work as part of a dynamic team in delivering an effective service supporting clinicians, managers and other staff, and will develop and role-model strategic and operational practice to promote strong leadership and innovation across the specialties within their portfolio.
Working for our organisation
Mersey and West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust serves a population of over 600,000 with a workforce of over 9,000 across 21 sites. We strive for Five Star Patient Care and aim to provide high-quality services across our acute, primary, community and specialist regional services.
Our services
- Acute Care – Emergency and maternity services at Whiston, Southport and Ormskirk hospitals, and medical and surgical specialties across sites.
- Primary Care – Primary care services at Marshalls Cross Medical Centre (St Helens Hospital).
- Community Services – Adult community services for St Helens, wheelchair service in Chorley/South Ribble/West Lancashire, and urgent care at the Urgent Treatment Centre (St Helens).
- Specialist Regional Services – Mersey Regional Burns & Plastic Surgery Unit and Spinal Injuries Unit serving a wide region.
Achievements
- Rated Outstanding by CQC (August 2018)
- Top 100 places to work in the NHS
- National Preceptorship Accreditation (2023) for Nursing & AHP Preceptorship Programme
Detailed job description and person specification
Note: See the attached Job Description and Person Specification for full details.
Values
- We are kind
- We are open
- We are inclusive
Qualifications
- Masters level education or equivalent experience
- Evidence of recent professional and/or managerial development experience
- Professional qualification or equivalent experience
Knowledge & Experience
- Substantial leadership and operational management experience in a medium/large acute hospital
- Significant senior management experience within a complex service provider organisation
- Experience of managing clinical services
- Track record of performance management improvement and delivery at a senior management level
- Involvement in NHS service delivery
Skills
- Advanced IT skills including Microsoft Office
- Ability to develop and deliver financially sound business and operational plans
- Proven ability to plan and implement projects and work streams
- Ability to write and present concise Board papers
- Sound financial management skills and experience of managing resources and budgets
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion – We are committed to promoting fairness, equality, dignity and respect for all. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and value diverse perspectives.
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