Are you an ambitious and inspiring operational leader ready to make a lasting impact on patient care? East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is seeking an exceptional Deputy Divisional Director of Operations to join our senior leadership team at a pivotal time of transformation and innovation.
We are currently recruiting across two areas:
Women’s and Children’s Services
Post 1: Women & Children's Division
Responsible for the operational delivery within both care groups in Division: Women's Health and Child Health Care Groups. The Division runs services in acute and community settings and requires strong operational leadership and co-ordination, effective workforce management in all specialist areas, a clear focus on productivity and patient flow. We have elective, cancer, non-elective services and community services. We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in the niche areas of Women and Children understanding the wider the Women and Children's landscape. However, we would welcome applications from anyone who has the relevant transferrable experience who is ready to take the senior operational lead for each area.
Diagnostics, Anaesthetics and Surgery (DAS) .
Post 2: Surgical and Diagnostic Services
Responsible for the leadership and delivery of core surgical pathways, including Radiology, Trauma & Orthopaedics, General Surgery, Vascular and Breast services.
The role has responsibility for a budget of £67.2m and is focused on driving performance across elective, cancer and urgent care pathways. This includes working closely with clinical teams to improve access, quality, and patient outcomes, while ensuring services are delivered efficiently and sustainably.
Post 3: Theatres, Anaesthetics and Critical Care
Responsible for the operational delivery of theatres, anaesthetics, critical care, pre-operative assessment and resuscitation services, with a budget of £53.7m.
Theatres operate across multiple sites, including Conquest Hospital, Sussex Surgical Centre and Bexhill (Ophthalmology), requiring strong cross-site coordination, effective workforce management, and a clear focus on productivity and patient flow.
We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in theatres and perioperative services.
Please clearly indicate within your application which division /post you are interested in.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of healthcare services across one of the largest integrated trusts in the South East. Working alongside senior clinical and executive leaders, you will drive operational excellence, lead complex service improvements, and play a key role in delivering outstanding care for our communities.
As a trusted senior lead, you will influence major decisions, champion innovation, and lead high-performing teams through change and improvement. Whether it’s improving patient flow, reducing waiting times, enhancing productivity, or transforming pathways of care, your leadership will directly contribute to better outcomes for thousands of patients every day.
Join us and help shape the next chapter of healthcare delivery in East Sussex.
Together, we can deliver excellence, inspire change, and improve lives.
The role will involve working closely with the Divisional Director of Operations. You will be working in a tri or quadrumvirate, leading the Care Groups in Division with the Clinical Director and Head of Nursing and Clinical Professions to oversee specific service improvement projects, as well as supporting the implementation of the Divisional strategy and day-to-day operational management of the division.
If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are passionate about delivering exceptional services, and are looking for a role that combines strategic influence with visible operational impact, we would love to hear from you.
A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.
In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.
There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.
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Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.
We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.
Please refer to the job description attached.
If you have any questions about this position please do not hesitate to contact us.
