NHS Business Services Authority

Optimisation Advisor

The closing date is 24 September 2025

Job summary

Do you enjoy solving problems, supporting change, and working with people to make things better?Are you looking for a role where you can grow your skills, make a difference, and be part of something meaningful?We're looking for a motivated and collaborative Optimisation Advisor to join our Workforce Services Directorate, on our Electronic Staff Record (ESR) workstream. We are working alongside the ESR Central team to support NHS Organisations get the most out of ESR, helping them utilise the system's functionality more effectively and to ensure accurate data to drive business decisions. You'll work with Optimisation Leads to help deliver projects that unlock the full benefits of ESR. You'll meet with external stakeholders, build strong working relationships, and help remove any barriers to progress. Your role will support the wider project team in achieving successful outcomes. This includes working with complex data, completing key project tasks, and guiding Optimisation Administrators to carry out updates in ESR where needed.This position is currently hybrid working, with a main base of Newcastle, Fleetwood or Wakefield.What do we offer?

o 27 days leave (increasing with length of service) plus 8 bank holidayso Flexible working (we are happy to discuss options such as compressed hours)o Hybrid working model (we are currently working largely remotely)o Career developmento Active wellbeing and inclusion networkso Excellent pensiono NHS Car lease scheme

Main duties of the job

As an Optimisation Advisor, you'll support the delivery of change projects across NHS workforce services. You'll work closely with the Optimisation Lead and other stakeholders to help services transition smoothly and successfully.

Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Supporting multiple optimisation projects and reporting progress.
  • Building strong relationships with internal teams and external partners.
  • Leading specific activities within change plans and identifying improvements.
  • Managing and supporting team members.
  • Preparing guidance documents and reports to support change.
  • Promoting the benefits of NHSBSA systems and services.
  • You'll also contribute to wider organisational activities and be responsible for your own development.

For a more detailed breakdown of the role and responsibilities please take a look at the job description attached to the advert. We welcome conversations about this opportunity, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you want to find out more.

About us

Here at the NHS Business Services Authority (NHSBSA), what we do matters.We manage the NHS Pension scheme, process prescription payments and much more. Our services are used by NHS organisations, contractors and the public: we're proud to be part of something meaningful, that touches millions of lives.We design our services around customer needs and place people at the heart of our organisation. That's why when you join us, you'll be empowered and supported to help your career grow.As one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, we're connected to our values: Collaborative, Adventurous, Reliable and Energetic. We care about our people, our purpose, and your progress.We strive to offer a fantastic colleague experience, where every colleague is heard, supported and respected. Wellbeing, diversity and inclusion is at the centre of this, and you can join our Lived Experience Networks who help us bring our authentic selves to work.We're committed to being a flexible employer and we try to offer a working pattern that suits you where possible, through hybrid working, flexible hours and more.Alongside a competitive salary with pay progression, we offer a people-centric benefits package, connecting you to the rewards and benefits you value most!Ready to join us in delivering business service excellence to the NHS, helping people live longer, healthier lives? Apply today and see where the NHSBSA can take you.We are people connected to care.

Details

Date posted

10 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

914-BSA7425996

Job locations

Newcastle, Wakefield and Fleetwood

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY


Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for

1. Provide support, and report to the Optimisation Lead.

2. Support in multiple optimisation projects to ensure successful adoption of change for both NHSBSA and organisations using WSD services and systems.

3. Build excellent working relationships internally and externally, with system and service suppliers, customers and a wide range of stakeholders.

4. Adopt a forward-thinking approach by continuously reviewing the effectiveness of the optimisation activities to identify improvements.

5. Ensure active engagement from Optimisation Administrators, providing clear direction, updates and actions to enable a positive change experience.

6. Support the implementation of business change, highlighting risks, issues and actions in line with required standards across a number of concurrent projects and diverse stakeholder groups.

7. Use high-functioning communication skills to encourage a collaborative customer focused approach.

8. Line manage direct reports and oversee the effective implementation of policies relating to appraisal, absence management, disciplinary, grievance, performance monitoring and personal development plans.

9. Prepare user guidance documents, briefings and process mapping to support the implementation of improvements and process change, ensuring that the benefits of the change activities are identified, measured and owned.

10. Create highlight reports for the Operational Management Team that outline progress, identify problems and propose solutions. Ensure lessons learned are integrated into future activities by conducting evaluations and assessing results.

11. Collaborate with WSD project teams including internal and external members, acting as a subject matter expert. Promote the benefits of WSD systems across the NHS and beyond throughout optimisation activities.

12. Where appropriate collaborate with stakeholders within the wider Workforce Services Directorate and other NHSBSA services to ensure successful delivery of optimisation projects.

13. Participate in broader organisational activities where own recognised strengths may be utilised.

14. Be accountable for your own personal development requirements to be fully equipped to meet current and future management and organisational needs.

Job description

Job responsibilities

In this role, you are accountable for

1. Provide support, and report to the Optimisation Lead.

2. Support in multiple optimisation projects to ensure successful adoption of change for both NHSBSA and organisations using WSD services and systems.

3. Build excellent working relationships internally and externally, with system and service suppliers, customers and a wide range of stakeholders.

4. Adopt a forward-thinking approach by continuously reviewing the effectiveness of the optimisation activities to identify improvements.

5. Ensure active engagement from Optimisation Administrators, providing clear direction, updates and actions to enable a positive change experience.

6. Support the implementation of business change, highlighting risks, issues and actions in line with required standards across a number of concurrent projects and diverse stakeholder groups.

7. Use high-functioning communication skills to encourage a collaborative customer focused approach.

8. Line manage direct reports and oversee the effective implementation of policies relating to appraisal, absence management, disciplinary, grievance, performance monitoring and personal development plans.

9. Prepare user guidance documents, briefings and process mapping to support the implementation of improvements and process change, ensuring that the benefits of the change activities are identified, measured and owned.

10. Create highlight reports for the Operational Management Team that outline progress, identify problems and propose solutions. Ensure lessons learned are integrated into future activities by conducting evaluations and assessing results.

11. Collaborate with WSD project teams including internal and external members, acting as a subject matter expert. Promote the benefits of WSD systems across the NHS and beyond throughout optimisation activities.

12. Where appropriate collaborate with stakeholders within the wider Workforce Services Directorate and other NHSBSA services to ensure successful delivery of optimisation projects.

13. Participate in broader organisational activities where own recognised strengths may be utilised.

14. Be accountable for your own personal development requirements to be fully equipped to meet current and future management and organisational needs.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree level in change management or similar discipline or relevant experience in a middle management role.

Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Experience and knowledge of managing change and transition requirements for both internal and client/customer in a fast paced environment.
  • Able to work on own initiative, taking decisions and actions in line with the aims of the organisation.
  • Able to demonstrate effective leadership and motivational skills.
  • Encourage innovation in others.
  • Identify and influence different approaches to working practices.
  • Demonstrate a range of effective communication and presentation skills including drafting reports
  • Focus on customer service and continuous Improvement
  • Change management techniques
  • IT skills for full use of management information
  • Drive and manage significant change to agreed quality standards
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Innovative and forward thinking

Desirable

  • Understanding of the DPA, FOI & GDPR
  • NHS Recruitment/HR Knowledge
  • Ability to work effectively across locations, Comfortable working away from home on occasion with nationwide travelling
  • Comfortable working away from home on occasion with nationwide travelling.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of implementing new systems and processes on a large scale to a diverse range of stakeholders
  • Business Process Improvement experience
  • Experience in effective problem solving, using analytical skills, creativity and logical thinking to reach a solution

Desirable

  • Wide experience and understanding of the NHS
  • Experience of stakeholder management
  • Experience of transformational change management bringing about sustained service and performance improvement
Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

  • Degree level in change management or similar discipline or relevant experience in a middle management role.

Personal Qualities, Knowledge and Skills

Essential

  • Experience and knowledge of managing change and transition requirements for both internal and client/customer in a fast paced environment.
  • Able to work on own initiative, taking decisions and actions in line with the aims of the organisation.
  • Able to demonstrate effective leadership and motivational skills.
  • Encourage innovation in others.
  • Identify and influence different approaches to working practices.
  • Demonstrate a range of effective communication and presentation skills including drafting reports
  • Focus on customer service and continuous Improvement
  • Change management techniques
  • IT skills for full use of management information
  • Drive and manage significant change to agreed quality standards
  • Excellent time management skills
  • Innovative and forward thinking

Desirable

  • Understanding of the DPA, FOI & GDPR
  • NHS Recruitment/HR Knowledge
  • Ability to work effectively across locations, Comfortable working away from home on occasion with nationwide travelling
  • Comfortable working away from home on occasion with nationwide travelling.

Experience

Essential

  • Experience of implementing new systems and processes on a large scale to a diverse range of stakeholders
  • Business Process Improvement experience
  • Experience in effective problem solving, using analytical skills, creativity and logical thinking to reach a solution

Desirable

  • Wide experience and understanding of the NHS
  • Experience of stakeholder management
  • Experience of transformational change management bringing about sustained service and performance improvement

Employer details

Employer name

NHS Business Services Authority

Address

Newcastle, Wakefield and Fleetwood

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY


Employer's website

https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer details

Employer name

NHS Business Services Authority

Address

Newcastle, Wakefield and Fleetwood

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY


Employer's website

https://careers.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)


Employer contact details

For questions about the job, contact:

Optimisation Advisor

Robert Parsons

robert.parsons@nhsbsa.nhs.uk

Details

Date posted

10 September 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 5

Salary

£31,049 to £37,796 a year

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

914-BSA7425996

Job locations

Newcastle, Wakefield and Fleetwood

Goldcrest Way, Newburn Riverside

Newcastle upon Tyne

NE15 8NY


Supporting documents

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