Job summary
Are you passionate about improving care and outcomes for our patients, families and staff? Are you talented at managing complex improvement programmes with multiple stakeholders? Do you have a flair for presenting data in creative and engaging ways? Do you want to train others in improvement methods? Do you want to work in a supportive and dynamic team with the opportunity to learn new skills? If the answer to these questions is yes, then we have a fantastic opportunity for you to join our Quality Directorate as an Improvement Manager in the Improvement Team.
Main duties of the job
North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) is on an ambitious journey to embed a culture of improvement across our organisation. We're committed to delivering high quality, safe, and efficient care for our patients and communities and we need passionate leaders to help us achieve this vision. This is an exciting opportunity to join a team at the forefront of innovation, influencing change that truly makes a difference.
This role is pivotal in shaping the NWAS Improvement Approach, driving measurable improvements in outcomes, experience, and value. You'll work alongside system partners, clinicians, and senior leaders to tackle some of the most complex challenges in urgent and emergency care. In return, we'll support your professional development with access to improvement science training, leadership opportunities, and the chance to influence change at scale. If you're ready to make a lasting impact and grow your career in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Ability to travel between NWAS and hospital sites is also required. The role offers hybrid working of a work and home base. We are normally at an NWAS site 2 to 3 days a week which may be Bolton or another NWAS building.
About us
North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust provides 24 hour, 365 days a year accident and emergency services to those in need of emergency medical treatment and transport.
Our highly skilled staff provide life-saving care to patients in the community and take people to hospital or a place of care if needed.We also provide non-emergency patient transport services for those patients who require non-emergency transport to and from hospital and who are unable to travel unaided because of their medical condition or clinical need.
Alongside the other emergency services, we also work to ensure the safety of the public and treatment of patients in the event of a major incident.
We also deliver the NHS 111 service in the North West. NHS 111 replaced NHS Direct in 2013. This service was introduced to make it easier for people to access local NHS healthcare services in England. It provides non-emergency medical help fast, and is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please ensure you have read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this role.
The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a large number of applications are received.
Interviews will be held on Friday 13th February 2026 at Ladybridge Hall, Bolton.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Please ensure you have read the full Job Description and Person Specification before applying for this role.
The Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a large number of applications are received.
Interviews will be held on Friday 13th February 2026 at Ladybridge Hall, Bolton.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Educated to Master's degree level in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate significant equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong evidence of continuing personal & professional development including formal training in improvement methodology or equivalent.
- Knowledge of improvement and safety science developed through practical experience and/or post graduate training.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex, sensitive, or contentious information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and apply Statistical Process Control.
- Ability to produce clear technical reports and specifications.
- Proven leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, negotiation, influencing, and inclusive leadership.
- Competent user of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to challenge the status quo and articulate organisational change strategies effectively.
- Able to work as part of a team and/or under own initiative.
- Highly adaptable: able to work independently or collaboratively, under pressure, and to tight deadlines, with flexibility to respond to unscheduled tasks.
- Coaching and facilitation skills.
- Resilient and motivated, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and enthusiasm.
- Experience of line management responsibilities.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Expert knowledge and proven experience in Improvement and project management methodologies.
- Experience delivering complex improvement projects and large-scale transformation programmes, including budget and resource management.
- Experience in change management and influencing stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
- Awareness of multi-agency working requirements and experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
- Familiarity with current NHS initiatives, directions, and developments.
- Experience of identifying, interpreting and documenting new requirements.
- Appreciation of organisational and system-wide change.
- Experience identifying, interpreting, and documenting new requirements.
- Experience working in the NHS or Local Authority
Other
Essential
- Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations as required.
- Full valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle for work-related travel.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Working together - demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
- Being at our best - professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
- Making a difference - act with compassion, kindness and integrity towards everyone
Person Specification
Qualifications & Education
Essential
- Educated to Master's degree level in a relevant subject or be able to demonstrate significant equivalent relevant experience.
- Strong evidence of continuing personal & professional development including formal training in improvement methodology or equivalent.
- Knowledge of improvement and safety science developed through practical experience and/or post graduate training.
Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex, sensitive, or contentious information clearly to technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to interpret data and apply Statistical Process Control.
- Ability to produce clear technical reports and specifications.
- Proven leadership skills, including managing multidisciplinary teams, negotiation, influencing, and inclusive leadership.
- Competent user of IT systems and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to challenge the status quo and articulate organisational change strategies effectively.
- Able to work as part of a team and/or under own initiative.
- Highly adaptable: able to work independently or collaboratively, under pressure, and to tight deadlines, with flexibility to respond to unscheduled tasks.
- Coaching and facilitation skills.
- Resilient and motivated, demonstrating tact, diplomacy, and enthusiasm.
- Experience of line management responsibilities.
Knowledge & Experience
Essential
- Expert knowledge and proven experience in Improvement and project management methodologies.
- Experience delivering complex improvement projects and large-scale transformation programmes, including budget and resource management.
- Experience in change management and influencing stakeholders across organisational boundaries.
- Awareness of multi-agency working requirements and experience collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.
- Understanding of data protection and confidentiality.
- Familiarity with current NHS initiatives, directions, and developments.
- Experience of identifying, interpreting and documenting new requirements.
- Appreciation of organisational and system-wide change.
- Experience identifying, interpreting, and documenting new requirements.
- Experience working in the NHS or Local Authority
Other
Essential
- Flexibility to travel and work across multiple locations as required.
- Full valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle for work-related travel.
Values and Behaviours
Essential
- Working together - demonstrate collaborative and inclusive working and challenge behaviour that is not inclusive or acceptable
- Being at our best - professional and adaptable and takes pride in work
- Making a difference - act with compassion, kindness and integrity towards everyone
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.
