Job Description
About the Role
The Assistant Director of Operations is a senior leadership position with responsibility for shaping and delivering ambulance services across the BNSSG county area. Acting as the local senior representative of SWASFT, you will be the visible leader for staff, partners, and stakeholders, setting the standard for compassionate, high-performing, patient-centred care.
This is a demanding and rewarding role for an experienced operational leader who thrives in complexity, inspires teams, and delivers results in a fast-paced emergency and urgent care environment.
You will be accountable for operational performance, workforce leadership, service improvement, and the consistent delivery of the Trust’s values of One Team, Compassion and Innovation.
What You’ll Be Responsible For
As Assistant Director of Operations, you will:
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across your county area
- Ensure safe, effective, and timely care for patients across emergency and urgent services
- Lead and support senior operational teams to achieve performance and quality targets
- Oversee operational planning, delivery, and resilience arrangements
- Act as the senior local ambassador for SWASFT, building strong partnerships with system stakeholders
- Embed continuous quality improvement and learning across services
- Champion staff wellbeing, engagement, and development
- Ensure effective governance, risk management, and compliance
- Contribute to Trust-wide objectives and long-term strategic priorities
About SWASFT
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust delivers 24/7 emergency and urgent care across the largest ambulance service footprint in England, covering over 10,000 square miles and responding to around 2,650 incidents every day.
We employ more than 6,000 staff and are supported by over 575 volunteers, serving a diverse and vibrant region. Our five-year strategy places continuous improvement in patient care, workforce experience, and innovation at its heart.
If you are driven by purpose, motivated by impact, and aligned with our values, you will find SWASFT a place where leadership truly matters.
What We Offer
- Competitive NHS senior leadership salary
- 27 days annual leave, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years (plus bank holidays)
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Pay enhancements for out-of-hours and additional duties
- Career progression and leadership development opportunities
- Car leasing and cycle-to-work schemes
- Free parking at Trust sites
- Staff networks and wellbeing support
- Access to national discount schemes
Person Specification
Essential
- Degree-level professional qualification with advanced leadership or management training (Master’s level or equivalent experience)
- Significant senior leadership experience within healthcare or emergency services
- Proven track record of delivering complex operational and clinical services
- Strong strategic, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills
- Experience leading large, multidisciplinary teams in high-pressure environments
Desirable
- HCPC-registered Paramedic, or NMC-registered Nurse/AHP
- Experience in incident management and business continuity planning
- Background in ambulance or urgent and emergency care services
Safeguarding & Disclosure
This role is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Right to Work & Visa Sponsorship
This post meets the criteria for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship under current Home Office guidance. Applicants requiring sponsorship are welcome to apply and will be considered equally.
Useful External Information
For further official guidance, please refer to:
Employer Details
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
Bristol
BS5 0DA
