Job summary
Are you an inspiring leader ready to make a real impact on women's health services? We're looking for a passionate and experienced Senior Operational Manager to lead the operational delivery of our Gynaecology department within the Children, Young People and Families Directorate at Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.
In this high-impact role, you'll work closely with clinical and managerial leaders to drive performance, shape strategy, and ensure that our services are safe, efficient, and focused on exceptional patient care. You'll take ownership of non-clinical service delivery, workforce planning, and financial performance--playing a key role in turning strategic goals into everyday excellence.
This is more than a management job--it's a chance to lead change, inspire teams, and make a real difference in a service that touches thousands of lives. We're looking for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment, values collaboration, and brings a proactive, people-focused approach to leadership.
If you're ready to take the next step in your NHS career and want to help shape the future of women's healthcare in Somerset, we want to hear from you.
Main duties of the job
- Provide strategic operational leadership for the Gynaecology specialty.
- Monitor and improve departmental performance, including RTT, diagnostic targets, and outpatient KPIs.
- Lead on financial planning and accountability, including budget control and cost improvement plans.
- Manage and develop the administrative workforce, ensuring robust training, appraisals, and recruitment.
- Collaborate with the triumvirate (Service Manager, Matron, Clinical Leads) to meet service and governance standards.
- Ensure effective utilisation of physical and human resources.
- Drive service development initiatives and support patient experience improvements.
- Oversee risk management, governance, complaints, and compliance with Trust-wide policies.
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
- Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
- NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
- Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
- A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential
Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Operational Performance & Planning
- Responsible for monitoring and reporting on service KPIs in collaboration with clinicians.
- Ensure robust day-to-day operations by working in unison with the triumvirate and MDTs.
- Contribute to annual service planning and strategic alignment of clinical services.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Ensure governance structures are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Act on incidents, patient feedback, and complaints, facilitating learning and service enhancement.
- Lead patient experience initiatives, ensuring responses to feedback are timely and compassionate.
Finance & Resource Management
- Act as budget holder for the Gynaecology service (authorisation limit up to 5,000).
- Responsible for financial forecasting, cost control, and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Ensure adherence to Trust financial procedures and lead on financial planning.
Workforce & Leadership
- Line manage administrative team leaders, overseeing appraisals, 1:1s, and training compliance.
- Support strategic workforce planning and engagement initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and equipment are in place to maintain high-quality service.
Data, Reporting & Administration
- Responsible for accurate data reporting and presentation to clinical teams.
- Ensure safe administrative practices and compliance with Trust information standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in Trust-wide projects and on-call management rota.
- Comply with the NHS Managers' Code of Conduct and uphold the Trust's values and leadership behaviours.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Operational Performance & Planning
- Responsible for monitoring and reporting on service KPIs in collaboration with clinicians.
- Ensure robust day-to-day operations by working in unison with the triumvirate and MDTs.
- Contribute to annual service planning and strategic alignment of clinical services.
Governance, Risk, and Compliance
- Ensure governance structures are in place and regularly reviewed.
- Act on incidents, patient feedback, and complaints, facilitating learning and service enhancement.
- Lead patient experience initiatives, ensuring responses to feedback are timely and compassionate.
Finance & Resource Management
- Act as budget holder for the Gynaecology service (authorisation limit up to 5,000).
- Responsible for financial forecasting, cost control, and implementing cost-saving measures.
- Ensure adherence to Trust financial procedures and lead on financial planning.
Workforce & Leadership
- Line manage administrative team leaders, overseeing appraisals, 1:1s, and training compliance.
- Support strategic workforce planning and engagement initiatives.
- Ensure appropriate staffing and equipment are in place to maintain high-quality service.
Data, Reporting & Administration
- Responsible for accurate data reporting and presentation to clinical teams.
- Ensure safe administrative practices and compliance with Trust information standards.
Additional Responsibilities
- Participate in Trust-wide projects and on-call management rota.
- Comply with the NHS Managers' Code of Conduct and uphold the Trust's values and leadership behaviours.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to 'A' Level or equivalent.Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Management qualification.Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2) or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- Proven operational/clinical service management at middle management level, including staff, finance, and change management.Experience producing information, monitoring performance, and identifying service improvement opportunities.Experience analysing performance data and highlighting variances.
Desirable
- Project management experience.Experience developing or advising senior staff.Leading change programmes.Experience in the NHS, particularly in an acute hospital setting.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Strong communication (written and verbal) skills.Ability to travel independently as required.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Educated to 'A' Level or equivalent.Educated to degree level or equivalent experience.Evidence of continuing professional development.
Desirable
- Management qualification.Project management qualification (e.g. PRINCE2) or equivalent experience.
Experience
Essential
- Proven operational/clinical service management at middle management level, including staff, finance, and change management.Experience producing information, monitoring performance, and identifying service improvement opportunities.Experience analysing performance data and highlighting variances.
Desirable
- Project management experience.Experience developing or advising senior staff.Leading change programmes.Experience in the NHS, particularly in an acute hospital setting.
Additional Criteria
Essential
- Strong communication (written and verbal) skills.Ability to travel independently as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
