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Job overview
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Cancer Delivery and Performance Lead to join our Cancer Services team on a fixed-term basis until 31 March 2027. This is a high-profile senior opportunity for an individual who can provide strategic leadership, support service transformation and help shape the future direction of cancer services across the Trust.
Working closely with senior clinical, nursing and operational colleagues, the postholder will play an important role in supporting the Trust’s wider cancer ambitions, strengthening collaborative working across teams and contributing to improvement at both Trust and system level. This post would suit a credible and influential leader with strong experience in cancer services, performance, improvement and partnership working, who is passionate about delivering high-quality care and sustainable service development.
Main duties of the job
The postholder will provide senior leadership for cancer delivery, performance and service improvement across the Trust. They will work closely with clinical, nursing and operational teams to improve cancer pathways, deliver performance standards, strengthen reporting and governance, and support the implementation of the Trust’s cancer strategy. The role also involves analysing complex data, leading improvement initiatives, representing the Trust in system forums and ensuring patients receive timely, high-quality care.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please see attached link to job description and personal specification for full details of this post.
Person specification
Communication quality
Essential
- clarity and structure
- ability to present complex information concisely
- professionalism of written examples
- evidence of report-writing or board-level communication
Programme and project management
Essential
- experience of formal programme or project management
- ability to manage competing priorities
- risk management and escalation
- delivery tracking, governance and benefits realisation
Leadership style and people skills
Essential
- credibility and presence
- resilience under pressure
- collaborative leadership style
- ability to support, challenge and motivate others
- judgement and professionalism
Relevant cancer services experience
Essential
- In cancer services, oncology, or related acute pathway management
- working with cancer waiting times standards
- understanding of MDT working, pathway coordination, diagnostics and treatment flows
Performance and operational delivery
Essential
- evidence to improve operational performance against targets
- manage recovery plans and action plans identify bottlenecks and implement solutions
- work across complex services to improve patient flow and timeliness
Data, analytics and reporting capability
Essential
- confidence in interpreting and challenging complex performance data
- ability to use data to influence decisions
- familiarity with reporting tools, dashboards and trend analysis
- understanding of data assurance and governance
Knowledge of national policy and governance
Essential
- NHS cancer standards and cancer waiting times guidance
- relevant NICE guidance
- governance, risk, assurance and policy implementation
- system working across Trust, ICB, alliance or regional structures
Strategic leadership and service improvement
Essential
- lead trust-wide or cross-organisational improvement programmes
- turn strategy into deliverable plans
- prioritise work in a high-pressure environment
- sustain change beyond the initial intervention
Stakeholder management and influencing skills
Essential
- senior clinicians
- nursing leaders
- operational managers
- corporate teams
- external system partners
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Cancer Delivery and Performance Lead with Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in Oxford, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £79,504 - £91,609 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 12 months (with a view to extend). The application deadline is 29 Jul 2026.
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