Assistant Service Manager - Ophthalmology

Job overview

Are you ready to take on a fast-paced, people-focused leadership role that makes a real difference to patient care? We’re seeking a proactive and driven Assistant Service Manager to play a key part in ensuring the smooth delivery of high-quality, efficient healthcare services within our division.  This is a part-time position working 15 hours per week.

In this role, you’ll be at the heart of operational excellence—coordinating Patient Tracking List (PTL) meetings, analysing performance data, managing clinic capacity, and driving compliance with key NHS access targets. You’ll work closely with Consultants, Service Managers, and multidisciplinary teams to streamline patient pathways and improve service outcomes. With oversight of budgets, rotas, and staff performance, you’ll ensure that resources are effectively managed and teams are motivated, supported, and performing at their best.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who thrives on challenge, collaboration, and continuous improvement. You’ll be empowered to lead change, contribute to strategic planning, and shape the way our services evolve—using data, innovation, and people leadership to deliver exceptional patient experiences.

In return, you’ll join a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that values growth, teamwork, and professional development. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and make every day count, we’d love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

As our Assistant Service Manager, you’ll play a central role in driving the smooth, efficient, and effective delivery of patient services. You’ll coordinate Patient Tracking List (PTL) meetings, monitor performance data, and take action to prevent breaches in two-week and 18-week targets. You’ll manage clinic capacity, support service improvement projects, and ensure compliance with Trust policies and national standards. You’ll also lead and develop a team of Clinical Office Coordinators, ensuring high performance, engagement, and professional growth.

You’ll analyse data, identify trends, and work with senior managers and clinicians to deliver solutions that enhance patient flow and experience. Strong communication, leadership, and organisational skills are essential, as you’ll need to prioritise competing demands, manage budgets, and make decisions confidently in a fast-paced environment.

We’re looking for someone who is proactive, detail-oriented, and resilient—someone who can lead with integrity, inspire others, and drive continuous improvement. You’ll need excellent IT skills, an analytical mindset, and a collaborative approach to working with multidisciplinary teams. If you thrive on responsibility, teamwork, and making a tangible impact on patient care, this role is for you.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Assistant Service Manager will ensure the efficient day-to-day management of services, supporting the delivery of safe, effective, and timely patient care. Key duties include coordinating and leading Patient Tracking List (PTL) meetings, monitoring performance data, and implementing actions to meet RTT, cancer, and two-week targets. You’ll manage clinic capacity, escalate risks, and ensure adherence to the Trust’s Patient Access Policy.

You’ll oversee financial and workforce resources, ensuring efficient use of budgets, monitoring bank and locum spend, and supporting business planning and service development. Line managing Clinical Office Coordinators and administrative staff, you’ll provide regular supervision, performance reviews, and professional development opportunities.

You’ll work closely with Service Managers, Consultants, Matrons, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver performance targets and service improvements. Collaboration with the Appointment Centre, medical staffing teams, and divisional leadership will be key to maintaining smooth operations. Acting as a trusted representative of the Service Manager, you’ll provide leadership, manage projects, respond to incidents, and support continuous improvement across the division.