Assistant Director of Operations – BNSSG(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
Executive Overview
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Assistant Director of Operations to provide senior leadership across the BNSSG county area.
This pivotal role acts as the local operational lead and visible representative of the Trust, ensuring that services are delivered safely, efficiently, and in line with organisational priorities. The successful candidate will play a key part in driving performance, improving patient outcomes, and fostering a positive culture for staff.
About South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
SWASFT delivers urgent and emergency care services 24 hours a day, 365 days a year across the largest ambulance region in England, covering approximately 10,000 square miles and responding to thousands of incidents daily.
The Trust employs more than 6,000 staff and is supported by a large network of volunteers. Our current five-year strategy places continuous improvement in patient care, staff experience, and service innovation at the centre of everything we do.
We are committed to our core values of:
- One Team
- Compassion
- Innovation
- Purpose of the Role
The Assistant Director of Operations holds overall responsibility for the planning, delivery, and performance of operational services within their designated county.
The post holder will lead large multidisciplinary teams, manage complex service demands, and ensure that patients receive high-quality, responsive, and person-centred care.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
- Provide strategic and day-to-day operational leadership across the county
- Ensure services meet national performance standards and local priorities
- Oversee resource planning, workforce deployment, and service delivery
- Act as the senior role model and local representative of the Trust
Quality, Safety and Performance
- Embed a culture focused on patient safety, quality improvement, and clinical excellence
- Monitor performance indicators and implement improvement plans where required
- Support incident management, resilience planning, and business continuity arrangements
- Ensure services operate in line with national healthcare standards
Partnership & System Working
- Build strong relationships with Integrated Care System partners, commissioners, and local stakeholders
- Collaborate with acute, community, and primary care services to improve patient pathways
- Promote integrated working across organisational boundaries
Leadership & Culture
- Champion staff engagement, wellbeing, and development
- Promote the Trust’s values through visible and inclusive leadership
- Support organisational change and service transformation programmes
- Contribute to strategic planning and long-term service sustainability
Benefits and Working Environment
- Competitive NHS salary package
- Standard working week of 37.5 hours
- Annual leave starting at 27 days, rising with service
- NHS Pension Scheme
- Career progression and leadership development opportunities
- Salary sacrifice schemes, including cycle-to-work and car leasing
- Free parking at Trust sites
- Staff networks and wellbeing support
- Access to national employee discount programmes
Person Specification
Essential Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification with specialist training to Master’s level or equivalent experience
- Management or leadership qualification (or comparable senior leadership experience)
- Senior NHS leaders are expected to operate within national leadership and management standards.
- NHS Leadership Competency Framework
Desirable
- Registration with a relevant professional body (e.g., HCPC, NMC, or Allied Health Professional register)
- Training in incident cmand, emergency preparedness, or business continuity
- Professional registration requirements can be reviewed here:
- Health and Care Professions Council Registerom
Essential Experience
- Significant senior leadership experience within healthcare or ambulance services
- Proven track record managing large operational teams
- Experience delivering complex clinical or operational services
- Demonstrated ability to manage change and improve performance
Safeguarding and Pre-Employment Checks
- This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.
- Disclosure and Barring Service Guidance
- Overseas applicants may also be required to provide criminal record certificates from countries where they have lived.
- Criminal Record Checks for Overseas Applicants
Right to Work and Visa Sponsorship
This position meets the criteria for the UK Skilled Worker visa route, and applications from candidates requiring sponsorship are welcome.
Eligibility requirements, including sponsorship, salary thresholds, and documentation, are outlined by the UK Government.
Why Join SWASFT?
Joining SWASFT offers the opportunity to lead services that directly impact patient outcomes across a diverse and complex region. You will be supported with the resources, professional development, and strategic exposure needed to progress into more senior executive roles within the NHS.
If you are a values-driven leader with a passion for operational excellence and system collaboration, this role provides a platform to make a meaningful difference at scale.
