Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Manager

Job description

Job responsibilities

The SNCC spans the entire South East of England, bringing together the Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks across:

Thames Valley & Wessex (TVW) Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS)

Across these localities, we deliver seven core functions critical to high-quality, equitable care:Service Delivery Resources Workforce Quality Collaboration Transformation Population Health

Our work is underpinned by strong partnerships with commissioners, ICBs and providers to ensure system-wide improvement.

About the Role

Reporting to the Head of Strategic Network, you will be responsible for leading and managing the Neonatal ODN across TVW and KSS. This is a pivotal leadership role at an exciting point of transformation.

In 2025/26, the ODNs have come together under the new SNCC umbrella, resulting in redesigned structures, strengthened governance and refreshed funding arrangements. This transition brings opportunities to modernise how we work, enhance cross-regional collaboration and embed agile ways of operating across both the core network team and wider stakeholders.

As the ODN Manager, you will: Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Neonatal ODN Oversee delivery of key workplans aligned to all seven core network functions Lead system-wide engagement with providers, commissioners, clinical leaders and families Manage governance, assurance and performance frameworks across the network Support new ways of working, enabling teams to operate more flexibly and effectively Champion quality improvement, equity, safety and workforce development across neonatal services Ensure the network is positioned for future sustainability, innovation and national priorities

About YouWe are looking for a dynamic, influential and compassionate leader with: Significant experience in operational delivery networks, commissioning, or system-level healthcare leadership Deep understanding of neonatal services or critical care pathways (highly desirable) Proven ability to lead complex programmes, manage stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable impact Strong governance, analytical and strategic planning skills A collaborative approach with the ability to inspire teams through change and transformation

Why Join Us? Lead one of the most established and respected Neonatal ODNs in England Influence service delivery and outcomes for babies and families across the South East Contribute to shaping a brand-new strategic framework for critical care Become part of an ambitious, supportive and forward-thinking regional team

If you are excited by the opportunity to lead at scale, support major transformation and champion excellence in neonatal critical care, we encourage you to apply

Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.

Main Role SummaryThe ODN manager will have day to day operational responsibility for delivering network activities and support/line manager staff employed by the neonatal network.

a) Facilitate discussions to define and improve current processes, advising on best practices and value-based improvements within Strategic Networks.

b) Document and oversee the implementation of agreed processes, supporting specific specialties with mutual aid as needed.

c) Communicate highly complex project information to internal and external stakeholders in various formats, including verbal, written, and numerical.

d) Engage constructively with stakeholders on contentious issues, promoting matrix working within the network and collaborative efforts across organizations

e) The post holder will have a high degree of autonomy and will be expected to manage a demanding workload to deliver sustainable service improvement and will deputise for the Head of Strategic Networks

Due to the nature of the role and ability to attend network meetings in a timeline manner, ability to drive and have access to own transport is essential. Travel expenses are claimable.

Person Specification

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

• First degree or equivalent
• Evidence of post-qualification study/professional development to Masters level (post grad certificate/MBA/MSc) or equivalent general management experience.
• Leadership training
• Management training
• Experience of working in NHS
• Experience of working competently in an acute healthcare in a clinical care group or equivalent setting in a senior operational delivery/management position.
• Demonstrable knowledge of National and Local NHS; including national service frameworks
• Evidence of advanced leadership qualities
• Evidence of presenting complex information to internal and external groups in an understandable way.
• Report writing skills and experience.
• Ability to analyse and interpret complex data, to facilitate operational delivery decisions to support key performance targets.
• Experience of successful delegated budget management and evidence of achieving financial and finite resource targets

Desirable

• Membership of professional body
• A breadth of clinical experience across the specialist area
• Project management experience
• Evidence of successful leadership, management and engagement of clinical teams to introduce change

Skills and competencies

Essential

• Communication
• Critical Thinking
• Emotional intelligence
• General IT skills
• Influencing
• Interpersonal skills
• Negotiation skills
• Leadership
• Organisational skills
• Problem solving
• Resource management
• Teamwork
• Time management

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

University Hospital Southampton NHS Trust

Address

Southampton General Hospital

Tremona Road

Southampton

SO16 6YD

Employer's website

https://www.uhs.nhs.uk/home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)