Neighbourhood Service Operational Manager

Transformationunitgm; Kettering; Hybrid; GBP 47,000 - GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A principal healthcare organization in Kettering is seeking a Neighbourhood Service Operational Manager to lead initiatives in primary care transformation. The role involves directing the Same Day Access Service, acting as the main point of contact with stakeholders, and ensuring high-quality patient care. Ideal candidates will have project management experience, excellent communication skills, and the ability to foster relationships across various healthcare partners. This full-time role offers a Band 7 salary and flexible working options.

Benefits

Flexible working patterns

Access to learning and development opportunities

NHS Pension Scheme

Qualifications

• Experience working in general practice with knowledge of GP systems, processes, and procedures.
• Significant experience using programme management techniques to drive change.
• Ability to interpret and present complex data to inform decision-making.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Same Day Access Service, supporting high-quality care.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the service.
• Drive transformation and improvement activity in alignment with the programme.

Skills

Project or programme management expertise (e.g., PRINCE2 or equivalent experience)

Experience in general practice or primary care operations

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

High-level organisational and problem-solving skills

Education

Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or equivalent experience

Formal Quality Improvement (QI) training

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Job description

Overview

Neighbourhood Service Operational Manager – NHS AfC: Band 7

Location: Wellingborough Neighbourhood, New Models of Care Programme. Band 7 | £47,810 – £54,710 | Permanent | 37.5 hours | Flexible working considered.

Work at the heart of neighbourhood transformation in Wellingborough and help shape a pioneering approach to Same Day Access and integrated primary care.

We are looking for an experienced and highly motivated Neighbourhood Service Operational Manager to lead our Same Day Access Service and support the wider New Models of Care Programme across the Wellingborough and District neighbourhood. This is an opportunity to influence system‑wide change and make a meaningful impact on patient access, workforce sustainability, and neighbourhood‑level integration.

Main duties of the job

About the role

You will work within our neighbourhood practices and hub/spoke sites to:

• Lead the Same Day Access Service, supporting high‑quality care for patients with minor ailments and acute presentations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the service across all partner practices and system stakeholders.
• Drive transformation and improvement activity in alignment with the ICB New Models of Care Programme.
• Build strong relationships across general practice, PCN staff, NHS providers, local councils, public health teams, and VCSE partners.
• Coordinate the delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the neighbourhood service model.
• Support staff working in the neighbourhood service model to ensure high-quality patient care, manage projects and coordinate clinical planning to ensure optimum patient care.
• Provide expert programme leadership: data‑driven planning, service redesign, performance monitoring and reporting.
• Lead on budget oversight in partnership with the Single Nominated Organisation.

This is your opportunity to champion change, inspire colleagues, and embed innovative ways of working that improve patient experience and support our workforce.

Working for our organisation

NHFT is an NHS Community and Mental Health Foundation Trust, providing physical, mental health and specialty services in hospital settings and in the community. We provide over 200 services across the county, and we work with partners to ensure compassionate, person‑centred care for all.

NHFT promotes a culture of learning to improve care and safety. We have achieved an outstanding rating by encouraging opportunity, innovation, development and growth across our workforce.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Neighbourhood Service Operational Manager

Wellingborough Neighbourhood • New Models of Care Programme

Work at the heart of neighbourhood transformation in Wellingborough and help shape a pioneering approach to Same Day Access and integrated primary care.

About the role

You will work within our neighbourhood practices and hub/spoke sites to:

• Lead the Same Day Access Service, supporting high‑quality care for patients with minor ailments and acute presentations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for the service across all partner practices and system stakeholders.
• Drive transformation and improvement activity in alignment with the ICB New Models of Care Programme.
• Build strong relationships across general practice, PCN staff, NHS providers, local councils, public health teams, and VCSE partners.
• Coordinate the delivery, evaluation, and continuous improvement of the neighbourhood service model.
• Support staff working in the neighbourhood service model to ensure high‑quality patient care, manage projects and coordinate clinical planning to ensure optimum patient care.
• Provide expert programme leadership: data‑driven planning, service redesign, performance monitoring and reporting.
• Lead on budget oversight in partnership with the Single Nominated Organisation.

This is your opportunity to champion change, inspire colleagues, and embed innovative ways of working that improve patient experience and support our workforce.

What you’ll bring

• Project or programme management expertise (e.g., PRINCE2 or equivalent experience)
• Experience in general practice, primary care operations, or delivering change programmes in a patient‑facing environment
• Ability to interpret and present complex data to inform decision‑making
• Strong communication, influencing and stakeholder‑engagement skills
• Proven ability to lead teams and build trusted relationships across diverse partners
• High‑level organisational, problem‑solving and IT skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

What we offer

• Band 7 salary: £47,810 – £54,710
• Flexible working patterns
• A supportive, collaborative, and innovative neighbourhood team
• Opportunities to influence strategic change and service development
• Access to NHFT’s full range of learning, development, wellbeing and staff support offers
• NHS Pension Scheme

About NHFT

At NHFT, our mission is making a difference for you, with you. We are proud to be rated Outstanding by the CQC and committed to being an employer of choice with an inclusive, supportive culture. We work across Northamptonshire delivering high‑quality care in hospitals, community settings, schools and GP practices.

How to apply

If you’re passionate about transforming general practice and neighbourhood‑level care, we’d love to hear from you.

Interview dates: 11th and 12th March 2026

For an informal discussion, contact: Cydnie Hunter 0798 8042250

Person specification

Knowledge, Experience & Skills

• Experience working in general practice with knowledge of GP systems, processes and procedures OR experience in delivering change/improvement programmes in a patient/customer‑facing environment.
• Significant experience using programme management and improvement techniques to drive change.
• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and compliance with Trust policies.
• Ability to travel independently across Northamptonshire.
• Experience leading vaccination programmes or large‑scale clinical coordination.
• Experience in system‑level partnership working (PCN/ICS/ICB).

Qualifications

• Project management qualification such as PRINCE2 OR equivalent experience.
• Formal Quality Improvement (QI) training

By submitting an application you authorize the transfer of your data. Some standard notices about ESR IAT and verification are not included here to keep the focus on the role itself.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

All posts are subject to home office immigration rules and may require sponsorship where applicable. For more information regarding eligibility, please visit the government website.

NHFT supports flexible working and will consider requests from day one. Please discuss your needs with the recruiting manager.

Applicants who have a disability and meet the essential criteria will be considered under the Guaranteed Interview Scheme. If you require a reasonable adjustment at any stage of the recruitment process please inform the recruitment services team.

All posts engaged in a regulated activity will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check and a DBS re-check on a three yearly basis. DBS Update Service information is provided as a general guide and is subject to Trust policy. DBS charges, if applicable, will be handled according to policy.

Please note that all new starters to the trust are subject to a probationary period.

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