Podiatry Operational Lead

Job overview

Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Podiatry Operational Lead to provide clinical and operational leadership for our recently integrated Community Podiatry and Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) Podiatry Service supporting communities across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.

This is a key leadership role, responsible for ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality podiatry services. You will be accountable for service delivery, workforce development, governance, and performance. Working closely with the Heads of Service and Professional Leads, you will support transformation programmes, drive service improvement, and ensure excellent patient experience.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is a qualified and experienced podiatrist with strong leadership and management skills.
• Has a proven track record in service delivery, workforce development, and clinical governance.
• Is confident managing complex situations and leading change.
• Can work collaboratively across professional boundaries and with external stakeholders.
• Is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centred care.

The post will be split across two sites - Brighton General Hospital and Moulsecoomb Health Centre, however there will be a requirement to travel across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex. Therefore, a full driving license and access to a suitable vehicle is a key requirement for this role.

Main duties of the job

• Provide operational and clinical leadership for the recently integrated Community Podiatry and Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) Podiatry Service supporting communities across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.
• Ensure effective governance and safe clinical practice for all staff within the service.
• Lead service delivery, manage daily operations, and monitor demand and capacity.
• Line manage staff in accordance with SCFT policies, including recruitment, performance, and absence management.
• Deliver workforce development initiatives, including competency frameworks and skill-sharing across professions.
• Manage a delegated budget and contribute to annual business planning.
• Support the implementation of Trust transformation programmes and the SCFT Clinical Strategy.
• Provide specialist clinical advice for complex cases and maintain a personal caseload.
• Lead on audit and contribute to research to inform service development.
• Represent the service at senior management meetings, leadership forums, and transformation events.

You will work collaboratively with:

• Heads of Service, Professional Leads, and multidisciplinary teams.
• Internal departments including HR, Finance, and Governance.
• External partners across the local health economy, including acute trusts and community services.
• Patients and carers, ensuring person-centred care and effective communication.

Ready to lead and shape podiatry services in Brighton & Hove & East Sussex? Apply now and make a difference in your community.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

• Provide operational and clinical leadership for the recently integrated Community Podiatry and Diabetes Care For You (DCFY) Podiatry Service supporting communities across Brighton & Hove and East Sussex.
• Ensure effective governance and safe clinical practice across the service.
• Be accountable for the direct delivery of patient care within a defined clinical area.
• Work with Professional Leads to ensure staff are clinically competent and services are effective, safe, and patient-centred.
• Lead service delivery and manage daily operations, including monitoring demand and capacity.
• Line manage staff in accordance with SCFT policies, including recruitment, absence management, and performance.
• Manage a delegated budget and contribute to annual business planning.
• Support the implementation of Trust transformation programmes and the SCFT Clinical Strategy.
• Promote interdisciplinary working and skill-sharing across professions and bandings.
• Implement and monitor competency frameworks to support workforce development.
• Provide specialist clinical advice for complex cases and maintain a personal caseload.
• Lead on audit and contribute to research to inform service development.
• Represent the service at senior management meetings, leadership forums, and transformation events.
• Ensure effective communication systems are in place across the team.
• Manage complaints and incidents in line with Trust policy, ensuring learning is shared.
• Support podiatry student placements and supervise clinical staff involved in training.
• Provide performance data to inform service planning, workforce development, and KPI delivery.
• Act as a professional role model and uphold Trust values at all times.