Divisional Director of Operations- Diagnostic and Specialties, Band 8d

NHS; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 91,000 - 106,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading healthcare provider in England is seeking a Divisional Director of Operations to enhance quality in clinical services. This role involves strategic leadership, operational management, and performance oversight within the Diagnostic and Specialties Division. Candidates must possess a Master's degree, with strong abilities in leadership, change management, and project management to drive improvements in patient care across multiple hospitals. This position offers a competitive salary and the chance to make a significant impact on service delivery.

Benefits

Flexible working opportunities

Comprehensive benefits package

Valuable experience in healthcare

Qualifications

• Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent.
• Detail knowledge of NHS Improvement and compliance frameworks.
• Evidence of continuing professional development.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operational delivery in the Division.
• Coordinate all clinical and supporting services.
• Responsible for performance against agreed targets.
• Chair programmes to improve service delivery.
• Prepare performance reports for the Trust Board.

Skills

Leadership

Change management

Project management

Performance improvement

Communication

Education

Master's degree or equivalent

Job description

Divisional Director of Operations- Diagnostic and Specialties, Band 8d

The closing date is 26 January 2026

We are seeking an enthusiastic & forward-thinking leader to help deliver qualitative, high performing services across our established Diagnostic and Specialist Services.

The division offers a rewarding environment, encompassing a diverse range of portfolios and services. This is an opportunity to shape and influence meaningful improvements in patient care and service delivery. Our leadership team is collaborative and passionate about innovation, with strong support from our Executive Team, who actively champion the Division's vision and priorities.

As a senior leader, play a pivotal role in coordinating and prioritising the effective, efficient and safe delivery of clinical services, ensuring high standards of quality, patient access and operational performance.

Working alongside the Chief of Service and the Chief Operating Officer to provide clear strategic leadership within an effective accountability framework. Contribute to delivering the annual Operational Plan, achieving national, constitutional and local performance standards and ensuring financial sustainability, including opportunities for income growth and service development.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an inspiring leader who is passionate about making a difference to patient outcomes and staff experience. In the 2025 HSJ analysis of NHS Trust performance, our Trust was ranked 17th nationally, highlighting our ongoing commitment to continuous improvement.

Main duties of the job

• Responsible to the Chief of Service for operational delivery in the Division
• Co-ordinate the delivery of all clinical and supporting services
• Responsible for performance in the Division against agreed operational, access and financial targets
• Responsible for the delivery of approved service developments and authorised capital schemes and act as Senior Responsible Officer for projects and programmes
• Chair programmes of work which will lead to improvements in service delivery
• Operate an effective and transparent performance management framework
• Work with the Professional Leads, Clinical Leads, Matrons and General Managers to ensure the safety and effectiveness of clinical services
• Ensure the Service Lines and Specialties remain within financial budgets
• Promote a culture of innovation and to ensure the success of service redesign improvement projects
• Oversee the management and implementation of corporate and management policies and procedures
• Prepare regular performance and exception reports for the Trust Board
• Ensure change programmes and initiatives are managed effectively
• Take responsibility for the delivery of the Trust's performance standards
• Ensure robust demand and capacity plans are in place to deliver the potential demands of emergency activity and planned activity
• Support the development of a Winter plan, Demand and Capacity and Digital Innovation

About us

With a team of over 9,000 employees, we're proud to be the largest employer in Gloucestershire and rank among the top 10 largest Trusts in the South West. By joining our Trust, you will benefit from an excellent package that includes exclusive benefits, flexible working opportunities and the chance to gain valuable experience in one of our innovative hospitals.

The Diagnostic and Specialties Division is one of four divisions, leading and managing core operational clinical services through a divisional structure. We provide a comprehensive range of services, covering both planned and unplanned care, from emergency care to planned treatments. Our division boasts an excellent array of services, headed by the most talented professionals in the field.

With a variety of opportunities, the Diagnostic and Specialties Division Division offers a wide range of services situated at Gloucester Royal Hospital and Cheltenham General Hospital and is an ideal place for a clinical leader looking to expand their experience in clinical and operational leadership.

We champion an improvement approach that supports ongoing changes and development of our services. You will work closely with an excellent divisional leadership team and their deputies. As well as working with commissioners, system partners and NHSI to optimise delivery and improve patient pathways whilst ensuring stability (and growth) of funding streams/income for the Trust.

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached job description and person specification for full details)

Please note, the planned interview date will be Friday 6th February

Person Specification

Qualifications

• Educated to Master's degree level or equivalent
• Evidence of continuing professional development
• Detailed knowledge of NHS Improvement and other compliance and performance frameworks, safety, financial procedures and statutory regulations

Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrable understanding of the structure and framework of the NHS and how the Trust delivers care within this
• Substantial change management capability with proven and measurable results, based and promoting positive culture and organisational values
• Track record of successful organisation wide project management, including as Senior Responsible Office (SRO)/Sponsor or programme management delivery of formal change initiatives
• Ability to use quantitative and qualitative information to stimulate performance improvement and provide assurance on data integrity
• Ability to set out a clear direction, inspire others and assume command
• Ability to grasp critical issues and distil them into clear and manageable priorities, weighing both the costs and benefits
• Understanding of the different environments in which the Trust operates and ability to assess opportunities for innovation, revenue generation, partnership and enhanced care
• Ability to interpret and communicate the Trust vision to all stakeholders, develop prioritised objectives and monitor a coherent delivery plan
• Ability to contribute to effective board working and organisation, monitor compliance with risk management, legal, ethical, clinical, social and environmental requirements

Experience

• Evidence of formal management development
• Proven previous experience of working at as a Divisional Director or very senior Operational manager, or extensive leadership experience in an equally diverse and complex organisation
• Demonstrable knowledge of the NHS financial regime and probity, and considerable proven experience of budgetary management
• Proven track record of tactical management and delivery at a senior level in a large, complex, service-focused organisation, including staff management, change management, performance management, and service improvement
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the concepts and practices of integrated service planning in complex organisations, analysing, synthesising and using complex data as the basis for strategic and tactical decisions, and scenario planning
• Experience of consultation, negotiation and influencing different stakeholders
• Experience of building personal and professional credibility with clinical and operational senior managers, other Directors, staff, and the public
• Experience of substantial operational management responsibility, built on extensive knowledge and understanding of financial, management and clinical issues associated with a large Acute Trust
• Experience working with Diagnostic and Specialist Services
• Demonstrable experience of senior transformational and organisational change

Attributes

• Highly developed leadership, negotiation and influencing skills with the ability to motivate and engage individuals.
• Ability to think laterally and creatively to develop innovative plans and identify new business opportunities, commercial acumen
• Ability to providing coaching and mentoring at the appropriate levels, encouraging and promoting a culture of openness, honesty and clarity

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

Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Trustwide

Salary

£91,342 to £105,337 a year (pa pro rata if part-time)

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

318-26-T0011

Job locations

Trustwide