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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 reducing waiting times.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, contributing to meaningful change in healthcare.
- Why this job: Be part of a critical recovery programme and make a real impact in community health.
- Qualifications: Proven senior leadership experience in healthcare and a strong understanding of community services required.
- Other info: This is an interim position 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.
What You’ll Bring
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.
Desirable:
- 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 workshops to meet potential contacts who can provide insights or even refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the organisation thoroughly, focusing on their recent changes and recovery programmes. Understanding their current 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 specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led operational changes or recovery programmes. Highlighting measurable outcomes, such as reduced waiting times, will showcase your capability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your leadership style during any interactions with the hiring team. Show empathy and clarity in your communication, as these qualities are essential for the Interim Director of Operations role, especially during periods of change.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Interim Director of Operations. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially focusing on operational leadership in healthcare and community health services.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in senior operational leadership roles, particularly in healthcare. Emphasise your track record in delivering operational change and improving service delivery, as well as any experience with recovery programmes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the challenges and opportunities within community health services. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you can lead with empathy and accountability during periods of change.
Highlight Key Achievements: In both your CV and cover letter, make sure to include quantifiable achievements related to reducing waiting times and enhancing operational performance. This will help illustrate your capability to drive results in a similar role.
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 results, especially in reducing waiting times.
✨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 emphasis on empathy and accountability, prepare to share instances where you have led with compassion. Discuss how you engage with frontline teams and support them during periods of uncertainty.
✨Prepare for Board-Level Engagement
Since the role involves providing assurance to the Board, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate operational performance and delivery effectively to stakeholders.
