South Central Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust

Executive Director of Operations  

Location: HQ is Bicester with travel expected across the patch

Time: Full time with some level of hybrid/flexible working possible

Salary: Competitive

The Executive Director of Operations will provide operational and board leadership in the delivery of high-quality, patient-focused services, specifically the Trust's 999 and 111 services. This role ensures that patients and their families have a positive experience when accessing and receiving care from the Trust, prioritising patient experience in all strategic development and improvement initiatives.

As a full member of the Trust Board, the Executive Director of Operations will take collective responsibility for the quality, operational and financial performance of the Trust. As well as working closely with other senior colleagues (Executive and Non-Executive) to ensure integrated board operations, particularly in aligning future spending and investment with strategic plans and converting those aims into operational activities.

The Executive Director of Operations will also be responsible for:

• Delivering performance, financial, and contractual requirements of the Trust's operational services.
• Re-shaping the operations function to improve productivity, efficiency, quality and value for money.
• Acting as a core partner in delivering the Trust's "Fit for the Future" programme.
• Playing a key role in the annual business planning and cost improvement programmes cycle.
• Overseeing Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response, including Business Continuity planning.

The successful candidate will have significant operational leadership experience within the NHS or another safety-critical industry. Experience with Urgent and Emergency Care pathway operations and construction. Knowledge of the ambulance service's current and potential future roles within the healthcare system. They will also show a proven ability to lead dispersed and multi-faceted services across a large geographical area. Experience in modernising and improving patient services is key with a focus on using data and performance metrics to meet operational requirements.

The Executive Director of Operations will be a strategic thinker and a compassionate leader who understands the challenges of operating as part of an Executive team responsible for a complex organisation. Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential to effectively engage with colleagues within the organisation and with external health service and blue light partners.

This role is highly pressurised. The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to work under pressure while maintaining the highest professional standards and a high degree of personal integrity. The Executive Director of Operations will demonstrate a clear understanding of, and alignment to, our values: Professionalism, Teamwork, Caring and Innovation.

For more information, please Click on Apply.

For a confidential discussion please contact:

Julia St Clare, Senior Consultant

E: julia.stclare@gatenbysanderson.com 

T: +44 (0) 7807 631 564

Melanie Shearer, Partner

E: melanie.shearer@gatenbysanderson.com

T: +44 (0) 7785 616 548

Closing date: Monday 24^th February 2025