Job overview
The Service Manager is responsible for providing operational management support to the Surgical Directorate, working closely with the Clinical Director, Clinical Leads, Nursing Leads and the General Manager to ensure services are delivered efficiently and to the highest clinical and performance standard ensuring compliance with NHS standards whilst achieving key operational, financial and quality objectives.
Main duties of the job
Lead service improvement projects, drive delivery of performance and quality targets, and work collaboratively with clinical colleagues to identify and implement sustainable solutions to operational challenges. In addition, they will provide effective and visible leadership and line management to the administration team, supporting a culture of continuous improvement and excellent patient experience
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Develop an annual business plan, in conjunction with the General Manager and stakeholders, to meet service needs and contribute to the annual business planning process of the Trust and in line with agreed corporate objectives and priorities.
Plan and manage the implementation of projects to modernise services and to improve facilities and working practices to meet organisational and service delivery plans.
Ensure strong financial service performance against plans through identification of problems at an early stage and the initiation of corrective action.
Ensure effective communication systems are in place right through the service and between and across other relevant services and hospital managers, where relationships are key to the delivery of safe and effective care to patients
Accountable to the Clinical Director and General Manager for the financial performance of key budgets delegated to you within surgical specialties, taking actions to limit spending when required.
Ensure that all those within the services with influence over expenditure have the knowledge/ ability and information required to understand the current financial climate and impact of Payment tariffs.
Ensure that the Trust Standing Financial Instructions are adhered to and that all staff have an understanding of these instruction.
Ensure that valuable resources, for example allocated theatre time, are used to maximum benefit by the service and to liaise proactively with departments such as Admissions, Theatres, Day Surgery and Anaesthetics to ensure that optimal list utilisation is achievable
Identify costs pressures, service development and cost improvement plans, develop business cases to meet requirements and present to Trust Executive Board, as required.
Person specification
Experience
Essential
- Significant NHS/ Healthcare operational management experience
- Experience of developing comprehensive business cases and supporting the successful implementation of approved initiatives
- Experience of successfully leading and implementing continuous improvement projects
- Experience of participating in clinical governance initiatives
Desirable
- Knowledge and awareness of issues affecting NHS acute hospitals
- Understanding of project management techniques
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to relevant Degree level or equivalent
- Post-graduate qualification in Health and/or Management, or able to demonstrate specialist knowledge within this field through practical experience
- Evidence of continuing education and development
Desirable
- Recognised Management qualification and or Masters level or equivalent experience
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for Service Manager Plastics, Burns & Trauma with Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust in East Grinstead, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £57,528 - £64,750 per annum. The contract type is Permanent: n/a. The application deadline is 22 Jul 2026.
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