Operational Manager

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen to appoint an operational manager in medicine until 31st March 2027. You will work with the medicine care group team, supporting the operational management with key duties to include;-

• Operationally co-ordinate a range of clinical services within a strong governance framework
• Responsible for service delivery with accountability for agreed financial and performance targets
• Develop links with other health and social care staff to ensure that services are continuous, efficient, effective and fit for purpose.
• Responsible for the development, implementation and monitoring of continuous improvement activity
• Promote and develop a culture of a learning organisation and continuous development

Ensure that quality standards are met, maintaining a consistently high standard of patient/client care and ensuring the patient is at the centre of all initiatives

Be a role model, demonstrating strong leadership behaviours and competencies to drive operational quality improvement

Deputise for the General Manager as required.

Main duties of the job

About us

If you are being interviewed you must accept an interview slot in the system to continue, even if you have arranged with the manager.

You must be able to produce ALL certificates stated essential in the person specification or you will not be able to complete pre-employment checks.

We provide hospital services from two acute sites - Darlington Memorial Hospital and University Hospital of North Durham. We have a centre for planned care in Bishop Auckland and provide care from community hospitals in Chester-le-Street, Shotley Bridge, Barnard Castle, Sedgefield and Weardale as well as over 80 other community based settings and providing care in patients' homes.

We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) candidates as BAME and disabled people are currently under-represented.

Full Job Descriptions can be found in the adverts supporting documents.

Over reliance on AI-generated content is discouraged and may diminish the applicant's chances of success.

For the most up-to-date information on visa requirements and eligibility, please check online to determine whether you can apply.

From April 9th 2025 - Healthcare assistants - You must have been employed for a minimum of two years of as a HCA Band 3 within the NHS for the Trust to consider sponsorship (we will only consider sponsorship if you meet this criteria and have a current visa expiring within 3 months).

Details

• Date posted: 19 August 2026
• Pay scheme: Agenda for change
• Band: Band 7
• Salary: £49,387 to £56,515 a year
• Contract: Fixed term
• Duration: 6 months
• Working pattern: Full-time
• Reference number: C9439-2627-1104
• Job locations: University Hospital Of North Durham, North Road, DURHAM, DH1 5TW, United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

Responsibility for the operational delivery of services

Responsible for the effective operational management of services in line the care group and Trusts annual plan and broader strategies

Implementation of appropriate and relevant actions identified through the interpretation of national policy and guidelines to ensure continuous improvement and quality service delivery

Key point of contact for the relationship management with sectors including primary and secondary care, local authority and other relevant parties

Provide leadership, line management, and a coordinating role for the provision of expert advice across a diverse range of services;

Line management of staff including:

o Appraisal, training and professional development

o Absence management in accordance with Trust policy

o Recruitment and selection of staff

o Grievances and disciplinary issues

o Performance management issues

o Allocation of work

o Authorising expenses.

Responsible for the budget management, including monitoring, control and reporting requirements in line with organisation policies and procedures.

Responsible for ensuring that patients receive timely care compliant with the NHS constitution standards.

To embrace and promote a culture of learning and continuous improvement, promoting the improvement matters vision of the Trust

To lead and promote County Durham and Darlingtons NHS Foundation Trust vision, strategic direction, values and behaviours

Responsible for the effective and efficient operational management using robust governance arrangements

Regularly produce, analyse, interpret and communicate statistical reports on such areas as performance against KPIs, linking with the Planning and Performance Managers.

Responsible for the development and implementation of policies and procedures.

To develop and implement local strategies to ensure the successful delivery of high quality, value for money services in line with the Trust strategic vision.

Responsible for ensuring compliance with and achievement of key performance indicators and service specifications / requirements and escalating as appropriate

To provide leadership that fosters an empowered culture for front line staff within the service

Responsible for ensuring implementation and monitoring of robust integrated governance arrangements and information governance and data security within the service

Analysis of information on a regular basis against KPIs, identify areas for development and ensure implementation of improvement plans

To ensure systems, processes and training is in place and applied for all staff with regard to safeguarding

Responsible for investigating complaints, serious untoward incidents and breaches of discipline, and where necessary recommending a suitable course of action

Responsible for ensuring the highest standards of record keeping are maintained

Responsible for ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and statutory requirements including but not limited to Health and Safety, Fire Regulations, Equality Act provisions, etc.

Responsible for ensuring all staff from within the service participate and develop in the implementation of clinical governance arrangements

Responsible for implementation of the County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust appraisal processes including supervision and Personal Development Plan and core essential and role specific training.

As a band 7 manager in CDDFT you will be required to be an inspirational leader and great line manager. This includes:

Promote the Trusts core values of care, quality, respect, leadership and achievement by adherence to the behavioural competencies as detailed on the Trusts website/intranet site

Put delivery of high quality services at the forefront of what you do

Ensure that excellence in communication and engagement of staff, service users and stakeholders is at the centre of everything you do. Critical to this is effective communications with the front line, listening and communicating messages to and from the front line to the General Manager, Care Group and Trust leadership.

Challenge the status quo and lead on the development of workforce plans that are cognisant of future developments, new ways of working and new technologies.

Establish excellent working relationships with clinicians at all levels and across the organisation to enable transformation and delivery on all areas of performance

Lead on the delivery of all aspects of performance including quality of services, patient experience, access, finance, governance, HR and organisational development.

Lead and support transformation and integration of services using lean methodologies across pathways and services

Lead on and be proactive in ensuring that the health and wellbeing agenda is considered in the development of and evident in delivery of services

Demonstrate a can do approach to problem solving and delivery of services.

Ensure that robust governance is embedded in your area of responsibility.

Consistently demonstrate behaviours that are consistent with your role as a Band 7 manager.

• Any other duties commensurate with the band and role.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).