East Cheshire NHS Trust

Assistant Operational Support Manager

The closing date is 24 February 2026

Job summary

*Previous applicants need not apply*

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join a well-established Directorate Operational Management Team, where you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality day-to-day services and achievement of performance standards.

As Assistant Operational Support Manager, you will work closely with operational teams to support the delivery of a diverse range of operational plans. The role will involve contributing to service delivery, supporting data collection and analysis.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a proven ability to work collaboratively and engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, alongside strong operational knowledge and experience of working in a busy operational environment. While previous experience in all areas is not essential, applicants should have knowledge and understanding of key operational functions, including RTT pathway management, diagnostics, outpatient clinic management, national cancer targets and rota management.

You will be highly motivated, with a clear understanding of the current challenges facing NHS operational services, and confident in building strong working relationships to influence service improvement and support positive change.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual looking to develop their operational management experience while making a meaningful contribution to high-quality, patient-focused NHS services.

Hours per week: 37.5

Main duties of the job

  1. Plan, organise and monitor the services of the directorate/specialties by working on their own initiative to monitor the workload and flow of activity; ensuring the smooth running of the service by prioritising work flows and implementation of new initiatives, in conjunction with the senior team.
  2. Provide high quality project, service administrative support including information & analysis.
  3. Maintain the efficiency of the service by ensuring that plans are in place for adequate cover including arrangements for planned and unplanned absence, and that comprehensive, up to date plans are in place to ensure that a consistent standard of service is maintained.
  4. Monitor, proactively manage and escalate, with the support of the service manager(s), where appropriate issues regarding performance against relevant NHS standards and patient expectations.
  5. To assist in the performance management and capacity planning.

We welcome applications from Graduate visa holders; it is important to note that you must have a minimum of 6 months before this expires at the start of your employment for training and operational reasons.

Non-UK or Irish applicants should check their visa and this role's eligibility for sponsorship before applying. For further information please visit Visas and immigration - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Please be advised we are unable to provide Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship to non-UK residents.

About us

We are committed to providing the best quality integrated care to our patients. To achieve this aim we need highly motivated staff who are united by common values and behaviours.

We believe our workforce is our greatest asset and we actively support our staff to develop their capabilities to the full, with a variety of learning and development opportunities.

Whether you are just starting out in your career or are looking to use your skills and experience in a new role, East Cheshire NHS Trust is the right employer for you. We look forward to you joining us so that we can bring out your best.

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

209-A-26-7798323

Job locations

Macclesfield District

General Hospital

Victoria Road, Macclesfield

SK10 3BL


Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job youre applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please read the attached Applicant Pack prior to completing your application form to find out more information.

Please download a copy of the Job Description and Person Specification located under the Supporting documents heading to read more about the advertised role.

As part of making your application we encourage you to review the Trusts Careers webpage Careers :: East Cheshire NHS Trust for more information about working for East Cheshire NHS Trust.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome all applications irrespective of age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, race or religion. The Trust is a Disability Confident Leader and as such, applicants with disabilities will be offered an interview providing they meet the minimum criteria for the post (outlined in the Person Specification).

We understand that some applicants may choose to use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to assist in preparing their application. While this is not discouraged, it is essential to personalise this information, particularly your supporting information section as these tools cannot fully grasp the context or requirements of the job youre applying for. We kindly remind candidates that all submissions must be truthful and accurately reflect your own experiences and suitability for this role. Personal integrity and authenticity are central to our recruitment process and being a member of East Cheshire NHS Trust.

Applicants are advised to apply early as we reserve the right to close the advert prior to the advertised closing date should we receive a large number of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 1st Degree / appropriate management qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience
  • Supervisory / people management experience
  • Current professional and NHS Issues Importance of equality, diversity and rights
  • Sound knowledge of confidentiality in accordance with Data Protection Act and national / local guideline

Desirable

  • Management / leadership qualification / course

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to write detailed and accurate reports
  • Effective customer service skills
  • Ability to understand and manage health records / waiting lists and computer system
  • Ability to prioritise own work across the Division, liaising with other staff & teams
  • Ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Decision making autonomy
  • Demonstrate good organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to motivate and develop people
  • Proactively manage change

Experience

Essential

  • Supervisory / people management experience

Other role requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • 1st Degree / appropriate management qualification or equivalent knowledge and experience
  • Supervisory / people management experience
  • Current professional and NHS Issues Importance of equality, diversity and rights
  • Sound knowledge of confidentiality in accordance with Data Protection Act and national / local guideline

Desirable

  • Management / leadership qualification / course

Knowledge & Skills

Essential

  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, ability to write detailed and accurate reports
  • Effective customer service skills
  • Ability to understand and manage health records / waiting lists and computer system
  • Ability to prioritise own work across the Division, liaising with other staff & teams
  • Ability to identify problems and develop creative solutions
  • Good interpersonal skills
  • Decision making autonomy
  • Demonstrate good organisational and time management skills
  • Ability to motivate and develop people
  • Proactively manage change

Experience

Essential

  • Supervisory / people management experience

Other role requirements

Essential

  • Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification for further details

Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire NHS Trust

Address

Macclesfield District

General Hospital

Victoria Road, Macclesfield

SK10 3BL


Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

East Cheshire NHS Trust

Address

Macclesfield District

General Hospital

Victoria Road, Macclesfield

SK10 3BL


Employer's website

https://www.eastcheshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Operational Manager - Medicine

Nicola Stephenson

nicola.stephenson17@nhs.net

01625663029

Details

Date posted

10 February 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year per annum

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

209-A-26-7798323

Job locations

Macclesfield District

General Hospital

Victoria Road, Macclesfield

SK10 3BL


Supporting documents

Privacy notice

East Cheshire NHS Trust's privacy notice (opens in a new tab)