Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy

Lehrmancameron; Wales; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading health organization in West Wales is seeking a Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy to play a key role in shaping and delivering high-quality services. You will lead teams, influence strategic decisions, and ensure operational excellence across the Health Board. Candidates must possess exceptional communication skills, experience in NHS services, and a passion for occupational therapy. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a beautiful location with a strong community focus.

Qualifications

• Experience of working across various NHS services.
• Ability to inspire others in occupational therapy.
• Strong leadership and operational management skills.

Responsibilities

• Shape and deliver outstanding occupational therapy services.
• Represent the Head of Occupational Therapy at senior forums.
• Lead service development projects and identify gaps in provision.
• Foster a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Influencing skills

Building strong partnerships

Passion for occupational therapy

Job description

Are you ready to take the next step in your leadership journey and make a real difference in peoples lives? This is an exciting opportunity to join Hywel Dda University Health Board as Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy, helping shape the future of our services across the stunning landscapes of West Wales.

As part of our senior leadership team, you'll play a pivotal role in strategic and operational management, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred occupational therapy services. You'll lead and inspire teams across a defined portfolio, championing innovation and excellence within the resources available.

What makes this role special?

• Drive service development and influence how occupational therapy supports health and wellbeing across diverse communities.
• Work alongside passionate professionals and service users to create meaningful change.
• Enjoy the unique work‑life balance that West Wales offers from breath‑taking coastlines to vibrant local culture.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Has exceptional communication and influencing skills.
• Brings experience of working across a variety of NHS services and is able to build strong partnerships.
• Is passionate about occupational therapy and can inspire others.

Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy – Key Responsibilities

As Deputy Head of Occupational Therapy, you will play a key leadership role in shaping and delivering outstanding services across Hywel Dda University Health Board. Reporting to the Head of Occupational Therapy, you will support the delivery of all operational functions and be accountable for the performance of defined service areas.

You will deputise for the Head of Occupational Therapy when required, representing the profession at senior forums and influencing strategic decisions.

You will ensure the delivery of evidence-based, high-quality occupational therapy services, lead service development projects, and identify gaps in provision to champion innovative solutions.

Providing operational line management and professional leadership, you will foster a culture of collaboration, learning and continuous improvement, supporting staff to achieve their full potential.

Working closely with multidisciplinary teams, service users and stakeholders, you will develop plans that inform the wider occupational therapy strategy and align with organisational priorities.

Your ability to influence and contribute to Health Board-wide initiatives will ensure occupational therapy is recognised as a key enabler of health and wellbeing across our communities.

About Hywel Dda University Health Board

Hywel Dda University Health Board plans and provides NHS healthcare services for people living in Carmarthenshire, Ceredigion, Pembrokeshire and bordering counties.

We have over 13,000 staff and together we provide primary, community, in‑hospital, mental health and learning disabilities services.

We work in partnership with the three local authorities, as well as public, private and third sector colleagues, including our valued team of volunteers.

Our Services Are Provided In

• Four main hospitals: Bronglais Hospital in Aberystwyth; Glangwili Hospital in Carmarthen; Prince Philip Hospital in Llanelli; and Withybush Hospital in Haverfordwest
• Five community hospitals: Amman Valley and Llandovery hospitals in Carmarthenshire; Tregaron Hospital in Ceredigion; and Tenby and South Pembrokeshire hospitals in Pembrokeshire
• Two integrated care centres: Aberaeron and Cardigan in Ceredigion, and several other community settings
• 47 general practices (six of which are health board‑managed practices); dental practices (including four orthodontic); 97 community pharmacies; 43 general ophthalmic practices; and 8 ophthalmic domiciliary providers
• Numerous mental health and learning disabilities services.

If you’re ready to lead with vision and make a lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you.

You will be able to find a full job description and person specification attached within the supporting documents.

The Health Board is committed to supporting its staff to fully embrace the need for bilingualism thereby enhancing patient and service user experiences.

In our commitment to increase the number of staff who are able to communicate in Welsh with patients and professionals, we welcome applications from Welsh speakers.

The ability to communicate in Welsh is desirable for this post. If you do not meet the Welsh Language requirements specified, the Health Board offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal desirable requirements during the course of your employment with us.

Interviews will be held on 04/02/2026.