Job overview
An exciting Cancer Improvement Manager position is available within Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance (SSCA). This role has been created to make a direct, measurable difference to cancer outcomes for patients across our footprint. We are looking for experienced and driven applicants to lead local, targeted improvement work at NHS Trust sites across Surrey and Sussex.
The successful candidate will lead, help design and manage change, working effectively with colleagues, as well as local partners, and those who draw upon cancer services within Surrey & Sussex.
We are looking for candidates who:
- Have experience of managing large and complex projects
- Have strong leadership skills, with the ability to motivate and influence others
- Are organised, self-motivated and able to prioritise workload to meet competing deadlines
- Have strong analytical and problem-solving skills
Interviews are planned to take place in-person at Surrey Technology Centre in weeks commencing 22nd and 29th June. If you are unavailable during this period, please let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
Main duties of the job
This is a site-based role, working alongside operational and clinical teams at any one of the NHS providers across SSCA to drive improvements in cancer performance and outcomes. The post holder will be expected to be open and flexible, willing to work on-site at any SSCA secondary care trust. Whilst being a valued member of staff at SSCA, you will also act as an embedded member of your relevant team, building trusted relationships, diagnosing performance challenges and leading targeted cancer improvement projects within the organisation – with a focus on cancer waiting times performance and addressing unwarranted variation.
Working alongside clinical leads, cancer service managers and operational leads, you will diagnose root causes of underperformance; develop evidence-based improvement plans; and lead the end-to-end project delivery, using recognised improvement and project management methodologies.
You will be expected to develop strong working relationships with clinical, operational and multidisciplinary teams at your host trust, acting as the visible, credible link between the provider and SSCA. You will translate complex performance data into clear narratives and actionable plans, and will report regularly on progress to both trust and Cancer Alliance leadership.
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
Please refer to the full job description and person specification
This is a site-based role, with the post holder expected to work on-site at any SSCA secondary care trust as required
- Ashford and St Peter’s Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
- East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- Royal Surrey Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Queen Victoria Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
- Surrey and Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust
The Surrey and Sussex Cancer Alliance is a partnership that brings together leaders from NHS Trusts, integrated care systems and other health organisations across a population of approximately 3.6 million people. Our aim is to improve diagnosis, treatment and care outcomes for cancer patients, and to reduce unwarranted variation across our providers.
The post holder will also contribute to shared learning across the Alliance networks and support the development of sustainable improvement capability.
As part of its programme to transform cancer services, the Cancer Alliance works with partner Trusts to improve cancer pathways, patient experience and outcomes. This role supports the development and delivery of improvement initiatives across the Alliance, working closely with clinical and operational teams across provider organisations and the wider system.
The post-holder will co-create and deliver a portfolio of improvement projects with system and provider partners, with a strong focus on securing engagement and approval from senior clinical, executive and operational leaders to drive performance and service improvement across cancer pathways.
Operating at the intersection of programme management and delivery, the role will translate transformation strategy into practical change. This includes analysing data and intelligence such as Cancer Waiting Times (CWT) to identify opportunities to implement best practice pathways, reduce variation, and ensure timely, high-quality, and seamless patient care.
Additional information
When writing your supporting statement be sure to address how you meet all the criteria in the person specification drawing on any relevant experience, education or personal interests
Interviews are planned to take place in-person at Surrey Technology Centre in weeks commencing 22nd and 29th June. If you are unavailable during this period, please let us know and we may be able to schedule an alternative date to interview you.
We offer a diverse range of benefits to help and support you during your employment. More information can be found on our benefits page.
See attached job description for further information.
Person specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to Masters level or can demonstrate significant training and experience of working at an equivalent level
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Formal project management training qualification or equivalent level of experience
Desirable
- Formal service improvement training qualification
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Significant experience of project/ service improvement in a healthcare setting
- Comprehensive understanding of the principles of project management, for example prioritising, planning, adapting plans, resource planning
- Demonstrates an understanding of the current healthcare policy and guidance for the needs of people affected by cancer
- Has experience of influencing without direct authority, particularly in a challenging, complex and rapidly changing environment
- Experience of analysing and interpreting multiple, complex data sets and presenting to a wide range of audiences with authority and credibility
- Experience of developing and implementing policies, operational procedures, guidance to improve cancer care
- Knowledge and understanding of cancer pathways and performance
- Knowledge and understanding of a range of issues in cancer care / services
- Experience in demand and capacity management
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Applying for this NHS job
This advert is for SSCA Cancer Improvement Manager - Band 8a with Royal Surrey NHS Foundation Trust in Guildford, South East, England. It is listed as a Band 8 Manager and corporate role. The advertised salary is £59,798 - £67,020 per annum pro rata. The contract type is Fixed term: 24 months (n/a). The application deadline is 15 Jul 2026.
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