Assistant Service Manager

Job overview

he Assistant Service Manager (ASM) supports the operational management and delivery of services within the Anaesthetic and Theatre care group, ensuring effective and efficient specialty operations. Key responsibilities include assisting the Service Manager with budget coordination, performance objectives, and contract management. The ASM fosters strong relationships with colleagues across directorates and external bodies, collaborating with departments such as Nursing, HR, Finance, and Clinical Governance. The role involves line management of various administrative and support staff and deputizing for the Service Manager when necessary, as well as providing cross-cover for other ASM roles within the Directorate.

Main duties of the job

The main duties of this role include managing day-to-day operations within Main Theatres, DSU, and Pre-op Willows on behalf of the Service Manager (SM). This involves overseeing administrative functions such as, patient admissions, and discharges via the Cerner system,. The role includes distributing staff rotas, chairing the daily POA huddle meeting. It also involves supporting the SM in data collection, analysis, policy development, and updating Theatre Schedules. Additionally, the role provides leadership and management of administrative staff, overseeing recruitment, training, appraisals, and development within the Theatres & Anaesthetics department.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Support the day-to-day running of theatres, anaesthetics, DSU and pre-op services.
• Resolve daily operational issues on behalf of the Service Manager when required.
• Ensure theatre schedules, rotas, and clinic administration are accurate and up to date.
• Coordinate extra theatre lists and ensure appropriate staffing is arranged.
• Chair daily theatre huddles when needed.
• Collect, check, and report performance data and KPIs.
• Support audits, data quality, and system updates (e.g. Cerner).
• Line manage administrative and clerical staff within Theatres & Anaesthetics.
• Recruit, induct, appraise, and develop admin staff.
• Manage sickness, absence, annual leave, and disciplinary issues.
• Ensure staff complete mandatory and relevant training.
• Maintain accurate records on Trust systems (Healthroster, Trac).