Deputy Divisional Director of Operations for Specialist Division

Job Description

About the Role

We are offering an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and motivated leader to join University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx) as Deputy Divisional Director of Operations (DDO) for the Specialist Division.

Reporting to the Divisional Director of Operations, you will play a pivotal role in managing and improving operational performance, service delivery, and governance across the Division. Working collaboratively with clinical, operational, and corporate teams, you will ensure that quality standards, performance metrics, financial targets, and national healthcare objectives are consistently achieved.

This role provides a strong platform for career progression, offering support and mentorship to help you develop toward a Divisional Director of Operations position.

Key Responsibilities

As Deputy and in the absence of the Divisional Director of Operations, you will:

Lead all aspects of performance management and operational service delivery within the Division.

Make operational and financial decisions, including urgent short-term budgetary actions.

Support Trust-wide operational management, including liaison with external agencies when required.

Represent the Division and Trust at internal and external meetings (e.g. Strategic Deployment Reviews, executive committees, and workforce or efficiency boards).

Chair key meetings on behalf of the DDO.

Lead on strategic development and service transformation in partnership with the DDO and Chief of Service.

Hold delegated budgetary responsibility for the Division during the DDO’s absence.

Working in conjunction with the DDO, you will also:

Ensure alignment between the Trust’s strategic objectives and divisional operations.

Translate strategic priorities into effective business, financial, and workforce plans.

Foster collaborative working relationships across the Integrated Care System (ICS) and local health networks.

Oversee specified directorates within the Division, ensuring effective leadership and governance.

Communicate complex information clearly to staff, senior leaders, and external stakeholders.

Lead service improvement and transformation projects from design to implementation.

Ensure divisional policies, guidelines, and procedures are current, compliant, and aligned with NHS and legislative requirements.

About You

We are seeking an experienced NHS operational leader with proven success in managing large, complex healthcare services.

Essential experience and attributes include:

Significant operational management experience within the NHS or a similar large healthcare organisation.

Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire diverse teams.

Experience in strategic planning, performance improvement, and service transformation.

Excellent financial management and budget control capabilities.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience presenting to executive-level audiences.

Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results under pressure with professionalism and resilience.

You should demonstrate a leadership style that reflects UHSx’s values of compassion, teamwork, respect, communication, professionalism, and inclusion.

About University Hospitals Sussex (UHSx)

At UHSx, diversity is our strength. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and supported to reach their potential. As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and a Veteran Aware Trust, we actively promote equality and inclusion through a range of Staff Networks and buddy schemes to support new colleagues.

We treat our staff and patients with compassion and empathy, recognising that caring for others begins with caring for ourselves. Our comprehensive Wellbeing Programme and flexible working arrangements are designed to help you achieve a healthy work–life balance.

As a university trust and leader in healthcare research and education, we are committed to supporting your growth and professional development from day one and throughout your career.

Visa Sponsorship Information

This position is eligible for sponsorship under the UKVI Skilled Worker Visa route, provided that applicants meet all required criteria.

Skilled Worker Visa – GOV.UK

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