Job summary
Internal MPFT Applicants only
2 x WTE Operational Managers (Band 8a)
Full time, 37.5 hours per week - permanent
Only open for existing Band 7 staff (or above) with the relevant Community MH experience
An opportunity has arisen to recruit 2 x WTE Band 8a Operational Managers based in South Staffordshire Adult Mental Health Services. 1 post will have responsibility for Complex Emotional Needs. 1 post will have responsibility for Access and Primary Care Mental Health.
Both successful applicants will have a flexible approach as Operational Leaders across the Mental Health Portfolio within the Care Group.
Applicants should currently be working as a Band 7 or above, within South Staffs Mental Health Services at MPFT, and have a high level of experience in community mental health care provision. These specialist posts require the applicants to have a detailed understanding of the business of mental health services and be committed to delivering at a senior management and leadership level.
Main duties of the job
- Lead services in line with MPFT trust values and Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent Care Group objectives, providing operational leadership across designated community mental health services, ensuring safe, effective, and high-quality delivery of care.
- Lead on day-to-day service performance, including waiting times, and caseload management, in line with local and national targets, overseeing staffing, rota management, and resource allocation, ensuring services are appropriately staffed and resilient.
- Take responsibility for service planning, transformation, and change management, supporting delivery of strategic priorities with a culture of service user involvement, co-production and continuous improvement.
- Prepare and present clinical and non-clinical reports and presentations utilising verbal, written and electronic communication skills.
- Lead on quality, governance, and risk management, ensuring compliance with NHS standards, policies, and regulatory requirements.
About us
Come and work with us at our award-winning NHS Trust, leading the way for trying new and better ways of working to help improve life for our local communities.
We have around 9,000 staff who provide physical and mental healthcare, support for people with learning disabilities, and adult social care across Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, Shropshire, and Telford & Wrekin. We also run regional and national services, including help for new parents (perinatal care), eating disorders, forensic services, sexual health, and support for people in prison with mental health, drug, or alcohol problems.
We offer great career development for both clinical and non-clinical roles, with ongoing training and support to help you learn and grow.
We are 'United in our Uniqueness' and committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome and can be themselves, no matter their background or identity. We want our staff to feel supported and valued, and we aim to build a team that reflects the communities we serve. Together, we can make sure every voice is heard, and every difference is respected.
Please note, we may be required to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications
Please be aware that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in completing application forms will be monitored to ensure fairness and transparency. If you have used AI you must state this in your application.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities (Access and Primary Care role):
- Provide operational leadership ensuring people are directed to the right care at the right time through effective clinical triage, risk management, and signposting.
- Work closely with primary care networks (PCNs), GP practices, and primary care mental health roles to strengthen pathways and integration.
- Lead on transformation and redesign of access models, aligning with national priorities for community mental health and integrated care.
Key Responsibilities (Complex Emotional Needs role)
Provide operational leadership for services supporting people with complex emotional needs, ensuring delivery of compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centred care.
Support the development of specialist and enhanced offers for people with high-intensity needs, including those who frequently present in crisis or across multiple services.
Lead on reducing health inequalities and improving engagement for individuals who may struggle to access or sustain involvement with services
Please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details on this opportunity.
If you would like to find out more about this post please contact Angela Upton, Head of Operations angela.upton@mpft.nhs.uk or in Angie's absence please contact one of our service leads; Shelley Evans - shelley.evans@mpft.nhs.uk or Ian Saberton - ian.saberton@mpft.nhs.uk
Job description
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities (Access and Primary Care role):
- Provide operational leadership ensuring people are directed to the right care at the right time through effective clinical triage, risk management, and signposting.
- Work closely with primary care networks (PCNs), GP practices, and primary care mental health roles to strengthen pathways and integration.
- Lead on transformation and redesign of access models, aligning with national priorities for community mental health and integrated care.
Key Responsibilities (Complex Emotional Needs role)
Provide operational leadership for services supporting people with complex emotional needs, ensuring delivery of compassionate, trauma-informed, and person-centred care.
Support the development of specialist and enhanced offers for people with high-intensity needs, including those who frequently present in crisis or across multiple services.
Lead on reducing health inequalities and improving engagement for individuals who may struggle to access or sustain involvement with services
Please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification for further details on this opportunity.
If you would like to find out more about this post please contact Angela Upton, Head of Operations angela.upton@mpft.nhs.uk or in Angie's absence please contact one of our service leads; Shelley Evans - shelley.evans@mpft.nhs.uk or Ian Saberton - ian.saberton@mpft.nhs.uk
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Existing Band 7 leader within MPFT South Staffordshire Mental Health Services
- Experience in operational and/or project management role in the NHS.
- Significant senior leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience of leading service developments.
- Experience of managing significant budgets to financial balance
- Experience of services/projects and/or delivering clinical services
- Experience of delivering service changes and developments.
Desirable
- In-depth knowledge of local commissioning and provider context including health, social care and education.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Ability to manage teams of staff and allocate resources to meet objectives and deadlines.
- Knowledge and understanding of community services.
- Knowledge and understanding of current and proposed initiatives impacting on health services.
Qualifications
Essential
- First level professional qualification e.g. registered nurse, social worker, AHP or management.
- Masters level qualification or equivalent experience in relevant clinical, professional or managerial role.
- Evidence of ongoing continued professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in management and/or leadership.
- Project Management qualification
- NHS Leadership academy qualification
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
- Existing Band 7 leader within MPFT South Staffordshire Mental Health Services
- Experience in operational and/or project management role in the NHS.
- Significant senior leadership experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams
- Experience of leading service developments.
- Experience of managing significant budgets to financial balance
- Experience of services/projects and/or delivering clinical services
- Experience of delivering service changes and developments.
Desirable
- In-depth knowledge of local commissioning and provider context including health, social care and education.
Skills, Knowledge & Abilities
Essential
- Ability to manage teams of staff and allocate resources to meet objectives and deadlines.
- Knowledge and understanding of community services.
- Knowledge and understanding of current and proposed initiatives impacting on health services.
Qualifications
Essential
- First level professional qualification e.g. registered nurse, social worker, AHP or management.
- Masters level qualification or equivalent experience in relevant clinical, professional or managerial role.
- Evidence of ongoing continued professional development
Desirable
- Postgraduate qualification in management and/or leadership.
- Project Management qualification
- NHS Leadership academy qualification
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
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.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
