General Manager - Cardiology/Respiratory

Job overview

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic General Manager to provide strategic and operational leadership across multiple high-profile service lines, within the Cardiology and Respiratory Directorates.

Working in close partnership with Clinical Directors and the Deputy Head of Nursing, you will play a key role in ensuring safe, efficient, and high-quality service delivery.

The successful candidate will bring a proven track record in leading complex projects within an acute healthcare setting, along with exceptional attention to detail, resilience under pressure, and a commitment to continuous improvement. You will be responsible for day-to-day operational delivery, financial performance, and long-term planning to ensure business continuity and service resilience.

Main duties of the job

Key Responsibilities

• Provide operational leadership across designated service lines, ensuring the safe, effective, and efficient delivery of clinical services.
• Collaborate with clinical leads to develop and implement service strategies with clear goals and measurable outcomes.
• Lead robust financial and capacity planning to meet performance targets and support long-term sustainability.
• Ensure business continuity and maintain resilient service delivery frameworks.
• Drive service improvements, foster a culture of innovation, and uphold high standards of patient care and staff engagement.

Who We're Looking For

• Substantial experience at a senior operational level within an acute NHS setting.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to manage complex challenges and competing priorities.
• Demonstrated success in delivering large-scale change and service improvement.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

We are seeking an experienced and driven General Manager to provide strong leadership and operational oversight for key specialty areas within the Division. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Operations, you will be responsible for strategic planning, service delivery, financial performance, workforce leadership, and continuous improvement across your designated services.

As a senior member of the Directorate Management Team, you will work closely with clinical and corporate colleagues to ensure the highest standards of patient care, safety, and performance. You will also contribute to cross-organisational and system-wide transformation initiatives.

Main Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the operational and strategic development of designated specialties within the Division.
• Develop and deliver business plans aligned to Trust priorities and the Integrated Business Plan.
• Promote innovation and share best practices to improve service effectiveness and quality.
• Ensure Trust policies and service improvement initiatives are successfully implemented at directorate level.

Service Delivery & Transformation

• Oversee high-quality, patient-centred services that are safe, efficient, and evidence-based.
• Lead on service redesign and improvement programmes to enhance clinical outcomes, reduce waiting times, and increase operational efficiency.
• Interpret national and local guidance to anticipate service demands and develop strategic responses.

Performance & Financial Management

• Ensure services meet national standards, KPIs, and constitutional targets.
• Implement systems to monitor performance and develop solutions for underperformance.
• Manage budgets for specific service areas, support delivery of CIPs, and contribute to divisional financial planning.

Governance & Risk

• Embed a strong culture of clinical governance, patient safety, and risk management.
• Ensure services meet CQC and licensing standards and maintain robust systems to handle complaints and incidents.
• Support the development and implementation of the Division’s annual governance plan.

Workforce & Staff Development

• Lead on workforce planning to ensure the right staffing, skills, and training are in place.
• Support managers in delivering effective HR practices including appraisals, sickness absence, and staff engagement.
• Promote a culture of accountability, development, and continuous improvement.

Research, Education & Teaching

• Promote research, audit, and clinical education within service areas in alignment with Trust strategies.
• Ensure compliance with mandatory training and promote lifelong learning across teams.

Communication & Partnership Working

• Maintain effective two-way communication within services and with key stakeholders internally and externally (e.g., ICBs, local authorities, universities).
• Foster collaborative working relationships with clinical leaders, service users, and partner organisations.

Additional Responsibilities

• Participate in the Trust’s senior management on-call rota.
• Travel between hospital sites (e.g., Kettering and Northampton) as required.