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- Tasks: Lead operational improvements in community health services and oversee key service transitions.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on enhancing community health and patient care.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, impactful work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a vital recovery programme and lead with empathy during a transformative period.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in healthcare and a strong understanding of community services required.
- Other info: This is a temporary role for 4 months, working 3 days a week in Surrey.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re seeking an experienced and compassionate Interim Director of Operations to step into a pivotal leadership role for the next 4 months (minimum) during a period of both challenge and opportunity. Our client is embarking on a vital period of change and improvement. Following the recent transition of one of their large services contracts and wider organisational shifts, the focus is now firmly on strengthening and streamlining adult community services to reduce waiting times and enhance operational performance.
As Interim Operations Director, you will join the executive team at a critical juncture. With a recovery programme already in motion and promising early results, your role is to keep the momentum going - driving delivery, stabilising teams, and ensuring clarity and compassion in leadership.
Key areas of focus:- Leading and embedding the recovery programme to reduce waiting times.
- Overseeing key community services (nursing, therapies, and integrated neighbourhood teams).
- Supporting the transition of the walk-in centre to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
- Addressing workforce challenges and boosting operational resilience.
- Enhancing collaboration across new and existing partnerships, including primary care.
- Providing board-level assurance on operational performance and delivery.
We are looking for a seasoned operational leader who can quickly gain credibility with frontline teams, provide a steady hand through change, and lead with purpose, empathy, and accountability.
Essential:- Proven experience in senior operational leadership in healthcare at board level.
- Strong understanding of community health services.
- Track record of delivering operational change and recovery programmes.
- Demonstrable success in reducing waiting times and improving service delivery.
- Confidence to engage with the Board and stakeholders, offering clear assurance.
- Ability to lead through uncertainty, with visible and compassionate leadership.
- Background in nursing or clinical services (advantageous but not essential).
Location: Surrey - onsite
Contract type: Interim - 4 months (3 days per week)
Start Date: ASAP
IR35: Inside
Rate: Band 9
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare sector, especially those who have experience in community health services. Attend relevant conferences or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the current challenges and opportunities in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation thoroughly, focusing on their recent changes and recovery programmes. Understanding their specific goals and challenges will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your experience aligns with their needs during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in reducing waiting times and improving service delivery. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your leadership style and how you've effectively managed teams through periods of change.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels. Practice articulating how you would provide board-level assurance on operational performance, as this will be crucial in demonstrating your fit for the role during any discussions.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior operational leadership experience in healthcare, particularly any roles where you've successfully led recovery programmes or reduced waiting times. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the challenges faced by community health services and how your leadership style aligns with the need for compassion and clarity during periods of change. Mention your track record in similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are essential for the role, such as stakeholder engagement, operational resilience, and collaboration across partnerships. Provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in past positions.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents to eliminate any errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in senior operational leadership, particularly in healthcare. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams through change and delivered measurable results.
✨Demonstrate Understanding of Community Health Services
Familiarise yourself with the current challenges and opportunities within community health services. Be ready to articulate how your experience aligns with the needs of the organisation and how you can contribute to their recovery programme.
✨Emphasise Compassionate Leadership
Given the focus on empathy and accountability, share instances where you have led with compassion during difficult times. Discuss how you engage with frontline teams and ensure clarity in communication.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Engagement
Since the role involves providing assurance to the Board, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you would address operational performance and delivery in a way that instils confidence in stakeholders.
