Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Service Unit Manager

The closing date is 28 April 2026

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Service Managerto join our STACC Division (Surgery, Theatres, Anaesthetics and Critical Care) at Basildon Hospital, part of Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a portfolio of clinical specialties across General Surgery, Colorectal, Breast and Urology, ensuring the delivery of high-quality, patient-centred services.

In this pivotal role, you will oversee day-to-day operational performance, workforce planning, service improvement, and governance. You will work closely with clinical and operational leaders to ensure services remain safe, efficient, and aligned with Trust priorities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a dynamic leader who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about improving patient pathways and service performance.

Main duties of the job

As Service Manager, you will:

Lead the day-to-day operational delivery of General Surgery, Colorectal, Breast and Urology services.
Monitor performance, demand, capacity, and staffing levels, taking action to maintain safe and efficient services.
Support service improvement, pathway redesign, and delivery of business and development plans.
Oversee complaints, governance processes, and ensure learning is embedded across teams.
Manage budgets, resources, and contribute to financial planning and efficiency programmes.
Line manage administrative staff, supporting recruitment, performance, development, and workforce planning.
Communicate effectively with clinical and operational teams, producing clear reports and updates.

For a full list of duties, please refer to the Job description.

About us

Our ambition is to deliver excellent local and specialist services, to improve the health and well being of our patients, and provide a vibrant place for staff to develop, innovate and build careers.

We aim to make the most of our skills and experiences so we can become the best we can be. As one organisation we will recruit the finest and retain more specialist staff due to more employment opportunities across our Trust.

Date posted

15 April 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8a

Salary

£57,528 a year Per Annum Pro Rata for Part Time

Contract

Permanent

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

390-SUR-BA-8999

Job locations

Basildon Hospital

Nethermayne

Basildon

SS16 5NL

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full details about this role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Job description

Job responsibilities

For full details about this role, please see attached job description.

We look forward to your application.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to a degree level or equivalent
Masters or above equivalent

Desirable

Project Management Qualification

Experience

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of the duties imposed on the Trust by legislation, NHS policy and priorities and the requirements of corporate governance.
Experience of financial management, budget setting, monitoring and determining corrective action.

Desirable

Experience working within several sub Specialties.
Experience developing and implementing business and service development plans.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

Educated to a degree level or equivalent
Masters or above equivalent

Desirable

Project Management Qualification

Experience

Essential

Knowledge and understanding of the duties imposed on the Trust by legislation, NHS policy and priorities and the requirements of corporate governance.
Experience of financial management, budget setting, monitoring and determining corrective action.

Desirable

Experience working within several sub Specialties.
Experience developing and implementing business and service development plans.

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).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

Certificate of Sponsorship

Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Basildon Hospital

Nethermayne

Basildon

SS16 5NL

Employer's website

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

Employer details

Employer name

Mid and South Essex NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Basildon Hospital

Nethermayne

Basildon

SS16 5NL

Employer's website

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