Job summary
Operational Manager - Head and Neck
Department: Surgical Division
Band: 8a pro rata if part-time
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per weekall MKUH roles will be considered for flexible working
Are you currently in an operational role and looking for your next challenge? Team Surgery are looking for a driven, self-motivated individual with aspirations of achieving Associate Director status within the next 3- 5 years.You will be joining a high achieving, fast paced team, with a can-do attitude. You, in conjunction with the Clinical Director will manage the Head and Neck Clinical Support Unit (CSU) consisting of Ophthalmology, ENT, Oral Surgery and Orthodontics.You will be skilled with analytics along with delivering service developments to drive improvements in patient care and performance. Your interpersonal skills will need to be well developed, to ensure that collaborative and inclusive approaches are taken.
You will be expected to engage with key stakeholders both at CSU level and across the wider Division to improve performance and service delivery. Whilst identifying cost improvement plans and other transformational projects that delivering quality improvements and saving benefits. You will also be responsible for ensuring that the day-to-day operational elements are managed and reported effectively.
Interview date: Week commencing 23.11.2025
Main duties of the job
Administrative and Clerical staff feel supported with flexible working at MKUH, reporting 6.82 out of 10, and a 76% feel strongly about approaching their managers regarding flexible working."- NHS Survey, 2023We care We communicate We collaborate We contribute
The division of surgery is looking to recruit a driven, self-motivated individual who has aspirations of achieving divisional general manager status within the next 3- 5 years.
The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in service development together with illustrating the ability to lead and manage a team to maximum productivity. This successful candidate will need to demonstrate a number of interpersonal skills alongside having experience within human resources, finance, and staff management whilst also being able to develop and maintain an environment of trust, diversity, and inclusion within the division.The successful candidate will be responsible for the overall management of the Head & Neck departments at Milton Keynes University Hospital. The postholder will be required to lead, contribute and deliver on the development of clinical service interventions to achieve both Trust and national targets on a consistent basis.
Furthermore, the successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the quality, performance, CIP and budgetary targets set out by the Trust. Candidates must hold a level 7 qualification (MSc, MBA, MA or equivalent) and have a minimum of 2-years' experience within operational management.
About us
Milton Keynes University Hospital, in proud partnership with the University of Buckingham, is a University Teaching Hospital committed to advancing patient care through cutting-edge research and education. With a "Good" rating from the CQC and significant investment underway, this is an exciting time to join our team and grow your career.
As a medium sized general hospital, we provide a full range of general medical and surgical services, including a busy Emergency Department, Maternity, and Paediatrics. As the population of our city and surrounding areas continues to grow rapidly, we are expanding and enhancing our facilities to meet rising demand and improve access to care for all our communities.
We are also proud to offer a growing portfolio of specialist services. In January 2025 we opened our state-of-the-art Radiotherapy Centre, bringing advanced cancer treatment closer to home. Our services also include neonatology, specialist surgical care, and a wide range of diagnostics, supported by the new Community Diagnostic Centre at Whitehouse Health Centre.
Further investment is underway, including the construction of Oak Wards - a new ward block featuring two 24-bed wards - and the recently approved Women and Children's Centre, set to open by 2030.
Visit our website to explore the latest news and opportunities at MKUH - News - Milton Keynes University Hospital -
For further information about Milton Keynes please visit - Visit Milton Keynes
Job description
Job responsibilities
Managing Services Ensures efficient and effective delivery of services for the achievement of quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness and improved clinical outcomes. Supports the implementation of the CSU risk management and clinical governance policies and systems effectively, ensuring a proactive approach to reducing clinical risk, whilst maximizing clinical effectiveness within a safe and healthy environment.
Improving Services
Ensuring patient safety through assessing and managing the risk to patients associated with service developments, balancing economic considerations with the need for patient safety. Critically evaluating through being able to think analytically, conceptually and to identify where services can be improved working individually or as part of a team. Encouraging improvement and innovation by creating a climate of continuous service improvement.
Working with others
In partnership with clinical colleagues, supports the delivery of commissioned levels of service within allocated resources, to meet activity targets and to develop action plans to manage any variances. Build and maintains relationships through listening, supporting others, gaining trust and showing understanding. Encourages contribution by creating an environment where others have the opportunity to contribute.
Staff Management Manage timely and effective recruitment and retention of staff. Ensure appraisal is carried out for all staff and training needs are identified. Manage mandatory training and ensure that service records are kept up to date. Be responsible for managing absence rates within the staff group. Manage staff expectations particularly around changes to the service / Division which may impact their job security.
Business Planning and Management Lead on strategies / plans for the development of services as required in conjunction with the CSU Lead. Analysing and interpreting complex data in order to deliver well presented information. Regularly monitor demand and activity within area of responsibility. To plan, organise and arrange activities to link with the overall divisional strategy.
Financial Budgetary Management Work within clinical coding to ensure targets for clinical coding are met to maximise income in line with payment by results [PBR] ensuring clinicians are engaged in the process. Regular review and monitoring of budgets and investigating variances with a view to identify mitigating actions.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Managing Services Ensures efficient and effective delivery of services for the achievement of quality, efficiency, cost effectiveness and improved clinical outcomes. Supports the implementation of the CSU risk management and clinical governance policies and systems effectively, ensuring a proactive approach to reducing clinical risk, whilst maximizing clinical effectiveness within a safe and healthy environment.
Improving Services
Ensuring patient safety through assessing and managing the risk to patients associated with service developments, balancing economic considerations with the need for patient safety. Critically evaluating through being able to think analytically, conceptually and to identify where services can be improved working individually or as part of a team. Encouraging improvement and innovation by creating a climate of continuous service improvement.
Working with others
In partnership with clinical colleagues, supports the delivery of commissioned levels of service within allocated resources, to meet activity targets and to develop action plans to manage any variances. Build and maintains relationships through listening, supporting others, gaining trust and showing understanding. Encourages contribution by creating an environment where others have the opportunity to contribute.
Staff Management Manage timely and effective recruitment and retention of staff. Ensure appraisal is carried out for all staff and training needs are identified. Manage mandatory training and ensure that service records are kept up to date. Be responsible for managing absence rates within the staff group. Manage staff expectations particularly around changes to the service / Division which may impact their job security.
Business Planning and Management Lead on strategies / plans for the development of services as required in conjunction with the CSU Lead. Analysing and interpreting complex data in order to deliver well presented information. Regularly monitor demand and activity within area of responsibility. To plan, organise and arrange activities to link with the overall divisional strategy.
Financial Budgetary Management Work within clinical coding to ensure targets for clinical coding are met to maximise income in line with payment by results [PBR] ensuring clinicians are engaged in the process. Regular review and monitoring of budgets and investigating variances with a view to identify mitigating actions.
Please refer to the job description for further details.
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Master's degree or management knowledge acquired through training and experience equivalent to masters level
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Project management qualification e.g. PRINCE II
Experience
Essential
- Significant specialist experience in an operational management post in the NHS.
- Proven track record of meeting national targets.
- Knowledge and understanding of the duties imposed on the Trust by legislation, NHS policy and priorities and the requirement of corporate governance.
- A clear understanding of the modernisation agenda, the opportunities for redesigning services and the tools and techniques for achieving service change.
- Proven success in managing operational change, whilst maintaining high standards of quality.
- Significant experience of managing staff Demonstrate evidence of sound financial/staff management.
- NHS experience in a senior manager role with significant experience of dealing with complex issues
- Demonstrable experience of successfully managing projects Project management.
- Proven success in business planning and in the development and implementation of complex strategic plans
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to deal with wide range of data and information and take appropriate decisions from it.
- A proven ability to come up with flexible and creative solutions to difficult problems.
- Excellent collaborative working skills and able to build strong relationships with clinical leaders and professional staff groups
- Proven ability to influence and change those groups
- Proven ability of leading change through people.
- Excellent communication an interpersonal skills - ability to negotiate, influence in difficult and contentious situations
- A strong commitment to openness, honesty and inclusiveness.
- Working knowledge of MS Office for typing, amending and proof reading documents.
- Self-management/Personal integrity
- Ability to analyse complex problems and develop practical solutions
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to challenge and influence a range of internal and external stakeholders
Team Building and Collaborative Relationships
Essential
- Self-confident and uses this to lead, involve and challenge others as appropriate.
- Makes sustained effort in making a difference to how services are planned and delivered, overcoming obstacles and set backs.
- Displays a strong motivation and commitment to success.
- Ensures personal, professional behaviour and integrity at all times.
- Delegates appropriately setting clear and achievable targets and monitoring against required outcomes.
- Develops constructive relationships and networks within the organisation and outside.
- Ensures that the success of individuals and teams is recognised and valued.
- Able to use a range of management styles as appropriate.
- Experience of managing and developing others
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
- Promotes the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams.
- Builds and maintains sound relationships within teams and with colleagues in other areas including corporate departments.
- Supports teams to continually review services and seek improvements
Specific Requirements
Essential
- Service and Project Management
- Service and Quality Improvement
- Equality and Diversity
Desirable
Person Specification
Qualifications and Knowledge
Essential
- Master's degree or management knowledge acquired through training and experience equivalent to masters level
- Evidence of continuous professional development
- Project management qualification e.g. PRINCE II
Experience
Essential
- Significant specialist experience in an operational management post in the NHS.
- Proven track record of meeting national targets.
- Knowledge and understanding of the duties imposed on the Trust by legislation, NHS policy and priorities and the requirement of corporate governance.
- A clear understanding of the modernisation agenda, the opportunities for redesigning services and the tools and techniques for achieving service change.
- Proven success in managing operational change, whilst maintaining high standards of quality.
- Significant experience of managing staff Demonstrate evidence of sound financial/staff management.
- NHS experience in a senior manager role with significant experience of dealing with complex issues
- Demonstrable experience of successfully managing projects Project management.
- Proven success in business planning and in the development and implementation of complex strategic plans
Skills
Essential
- Proven ability to deal with wide range of data and information and take appropriate decisions from it.
- A proven ability to come up with flexible and creative solutions to difficult problems.
- Excellent collaborative working skills and able to build strong relationships with clinical leaders and professional staff groups
- Proven ability to influence and change those groups
- Proven ability of leading change through people.
- Excellent communication an interpersonal skills - ability to negotiate, influence in difficult and contentious situations
- A strong commitment to openness, honesty and inclusiveness.
- Working knowledge of MS Office for typing, amending and proof reading documents.
- Self-management/Personal integrity
- Ability to analyse complex problems and develop practical solutions
- Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to influence others
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
- Ability to challenge and influence a range of internal and external stakeholders
Team Building and Collaborative Relationships
Essential
- Self-confident and uses this to lead, involve and challenge others as appropriate.
- Makes sustained effort in making a difference to how services are planned and delivered, overcoming obstacles and set backs.
- Displays a strong motivation and commitment to success.
- Ensures personal, professional behaviour and integrity at all times.
- Delegates appropriately setting clear and achievable targets and monitoring against required outcomes.
- Develops constructive relationships and networks within the organisation and outside.
- Ensures that the success of individuals and teams is recognised and valued.
- Able to use a range of management styles as appropriate.
- Experience of managing and developing others
- Evidence of Continuous Professional Development
- Promotes the building of effective teams and collaboration between teams.
- Builds and maintains sound relationships within teams and with colleagues in other areas including corporate departments.
- Supports teams to continually review services and seek improvements
Specific Requirements
Essential
- Service and Project Management
- Service and Quality Improvement
- Equality and Diversity
Desirable
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.
