SSCA Cancer Improvement Manager - Band 8a

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 2 and 3 in 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 2 and 3 in 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.