Job summary
North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a multi-award winning, innovative and collaborative NHS pathology network serving multiple NHS Trusts and private providers.
We are seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across our network for a 6-month interim appointment.
As a key member of the NWLP Executive Team, you will:
- Drive delivery of ambitious performance and service improvement targets.
- Lead the implementation of NWLP's strategy and integrated business plan.
- Ensure high-quality patient care, clinical governance and financial sustainability.
- Maintain strong partnerships across NHS organisations, integrated care systems and external stakeholders.
- Champion innovation, research and continuous improvement in pathology services.
We are looking for:
- Significant senior leadership experience in healthcare operations, ideally within pathology or acute services.
- Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and delivering large-scale change.
- Strong leadership, influencing and communication skills to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
- Ability to manage complex budgets and performance frameworks.
- Commitment to NWLP vision and values: Patient-Focused, Collaborative, Expert and Caring.
This is a unique opportunity to lead the operational pathology services in one of the UK's most dynamic pathology networks.
Main duties of the job
- The Director of Operations will be responsible for interpreting and delivering overall health service policy and strategy, leading and managing operational services across all of North West London Pathology (NWLP), enabling the pathology network to continue to be recognised as a leader in clinical laboratory diagnostics, and a recognised centre of clinical service, teaching and research excellence.
- The post holder will be responsible for providing high-level operational and strategic business planning and leadership to ensure that NWLP provides high quality service to its customers and owners and achieves its performance objectives.
- Be accountable for the operational performance and strategic development of the Directorates within the Division. This will include accountability for the delivery of high quality patient care, clinical governance, patient safety, clinical quality, and delivery offinancial targets.
- Have joint responsibility with the other NWLP Directors for driving forward corporate and cross-cutting programmes of work and service direction.
- Have an external focus to facilitate greater working across the integrated healthcare system e.g. with our owner trusts, NWL ICB and NHSE; representing NWLP at a very senior level within the NHS, community and partner organisations, working closely with them to institute integrated working in the best interests of patient care.
- Ensure that the necessary corporate governance arrangements are in place across NWLP.
About us
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
NWLP Induction
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
For 2025/26, see below the start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.
Monday 2 February 2026Monday 2 March 2026Monday 13 April 2026Monday 11 May 2026Monday 1 June 2026Monday 6 July 2026Monday 3 August 2026Monday 7 September 2026Monday 5 October 2026Monday 2 November 2026Monday 7 December 2026
Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Job description
Job responsibilities
The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.
For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.
Person Specification
Education/ qualifications
Essential
- First degree or equivalent
- Evidence of specialist knowledge of Pathology Scientific disciplines (MSc level or equivalent)
- Extensive knowledge of the NHS in the acute sector with up-to-date knowledge of medical/surgical services
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience within the Healthcare sector at very senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control for a group of complex medical/surgical specialties
- Demonstrable success in delivering large scale change and performance with and through management and clinical teams
- Track record of financial delivery including EBITDA target ratio, efficiency savings, income and expenditure targets
- Extensive experience of writing complex business cases and policies
- Extensive experience of managing and deciding on complex employment issues
- Experience of delivering large scale clinical service management at a senior level in a complex hospital environment.
- Well-developed IT skills to manage and report on complex performance management information
Leadership Competencies
Essential
- Change management - encourages innovation whilst minimising disruption in line with organisational objectives
- Financial Acumen - aligns operational decisions with financial sustainability
- People Leadership - Inspires, motivates and delegates effectively. Developing talent through coaching and mentorship
- Operational excellence - focused on process improvement, efficiency and quality
Person Specification
Education/ qualifications
Essential
- First degree or equivalent
- Evidence of specialist knowledge of Pathology Scientific disciplines (MSc level or equivalent)
- Extensive knowledge of the NHS in the acute sector with up-to-date knowledge of medical/surgical services
- Evidence of CPD
Desirable
- HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist
Experience
Essential
- Significant experience within the Healthcare sector at very senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control for a group of complex medical/surgical specialties
- Demonstrable success in delivering large scale change and performance with and through management and clinical teams
- Track record of financial delivery including EBITDA target ratio, efficiency savings, income and expenditure targets
- Extensive experience of writing complex business cases and policies
- Extensive experience of managing and deciding on complex employment issues
- Experience of delivering large scale clinical service management at a senior level in a complex hospital environment.
- Well-developed IT skills to manage and report on complex performance management information
Leadership Competencies
Essential
- Change management - encourages innovation whilst minimising disruption in line with organisational objectives
- Financial Acumen - aligns operational decisions with financial sustainability
- People Leadership - Inspires, motivates and delegates effectively. Developing talent through coaching and mentorship
- Operational excellence - focused on process improvement, efficiency and quality
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.
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
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.
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).
