At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve mental health services, ensuring high-quality care for communities.
- Company: Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, dedicated to compassionate mental health care.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, NHS pension, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health while leading innovative service improvements.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in mental health, strong financial and governance expertise required.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and community wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you passionate about shaping the future of mental health care and making a difference to people’s lives? We are seeking an experienced and motivated Divisional Operations Director to lead our Community and Inpatient Mental Health Services. Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will provide strategic leadership, ensure high-quality, safe and person-centred services and develop them in line with our Trust’s Strategy and Annual Plan. You will drive service improvement, support innovation and lead the delivery of key performance, workforce, financial and governance priorities.
Working collaboratively with the Senior Leadership Team, clinical leaders and partners across the NHS, Local Authorities, Integrated Care Systems, NHS England, the Care Quality Commission and the voluntary sector, you will shape services that are responsive to the needs of our communities. You will champion staff wellbeing, patient and carer involvement, and foster a culture of learning, quality improvement and inclusion. This is a pivotal role for an inspiring leader who can balance compassion with accountability, and who is committed to delivering excellence in care, experience and outcomes. Join us in shaping the future of mental health.
Responsibilities
- Ensure clinical services are effectively managed, delivered and maintained.
- Drive financial and quality performance of services.
- Develop operational resources, capabilities and services.
- Lead on operational & strategic improvement plans & projects.
- Contribute to corporate strategy, decision making and Trust development.
- Provide visible leadership that delivers for patients and families, recognising the different needs across geographical areas.
- Ensure that adult services for mental health are delivered to meet the needs of local people through patient and public involvement strategies.
- Establish and develop highly effective working relationships with external stakeholders, including third sector partners, other NHS organisations, commissioners and local authorities to assist with the achievement of Trust goals and inter-agency collaboration and effectiveness.
- Member of Trust Senior Management team.
Our values at Berkshire Healthcare
- Caring for and about you is our top priority.
- Committed to providing good quality, safe services.
- Working Together with you to develop innovative solutions.
Benefits
- Flexible working options to support work-life balance.
- 27 days’ annual leave rising with service + opportunity to buy and sell.
- Generous NHS pension scheme.
- Excellent learning and career development opportunities.
- ‘Cycle to Work’ and car leasing scheme including electric vehicles.
- Access to a range of wellbeing tools and services.
- Discounts at hundreds of popular retailers and restaurants.
- Staff networks for race, diversity, disabilities, the environment and armed forces community to support equality.
- Generous maternity, paternity, adoption and special leave.
- Free parking across Trust sites.
Must haves for this role
- Confident, resilient and motivated leader with a passion for improving mental health services.
- Proven track record of delivering organisational change at Director level.
- Strong expertise in finance, HR, governance and service management within complex organisations.
- Skilled in workforce planning, staff development and performance management.
- Acts with integrity, fairness, and compassion, upholding NHS values.
- Excellent communication, problem-solving and analytical skills.
- Master’s level qualification (or equivalent) with ongoing professional development.
- In-depth knowledge of NHS regulations, CQC and healthcare governance.
- Commercially aware and politically astute.
- Flexible, IT-proficient and able to travel across Trust sites.
We strongly encourage you to review how you meet the criteria in the person specification and write about this point-by-point in your supporting statement for the best chance of being shortlisted. We’re committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Our commitment to inclusion is reflected in our accreditations: Race Equality Matters Silver Trailblazer, Neurodiversity in Business Corporate Member, Disability Confident Leader, Carer Confident Level 2 and the Armed Forces Covenant Gold Award. Reasonable adjustments will be provided to candidates as needed. We welcome a conversation about flexibility and any other questions you may have. Please don’t hesitate to contact: Theresa Wyles, Theresa.wyles@berkshire.nhs.uk who’ll be delighted to help.
We have identified that this is a role where we have underrepresentation of ethnically diverse colleagues. As part of our commitment to inclusion and Unity Against Racism we offer guaranteed interviews to candidates who meet the essential criteria and identify as: Asian or Asian British, Black or Black British, Mixed and ‘Other’ Ethnic Groups. Please note, we may close this role earlier than the advertised closing date, so please submit your application as soon as possible. This advert closes on Thursday 20 Nov 2025.
Divisional Operations Director in Mental Health Services | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Bracknell employer: Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Contact Detail:
Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Divisional Operations Director in Mental Health Services | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Bracknell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health sector, especially those connected to Berkshire Healthcare. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by knowing your stuff! Research the Trust’s values and recent initiatives in mental health services. Show us how your experience aligns with their goals and how you can contribute to their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend or mentor to do mock interviews with you. This will help you articulate your thoughts clearly and boost your confidence when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows professionalism and keeps you on their radar as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Divisional Operations Director in Mental Health Services | Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust in Bracknell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Divisional Operations Director. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see your leadership style! Share specific examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past, especially in mental health services. This will help us understand how you can drive service improvement and foster a culture of inclusion.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your supporting statement, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Make sure to address each 'must have' in the person specification directly.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest trends and challenges in mental health services. Brush up on NHS regulations, CQC standards, and the specific needs of the communities you'll be serving. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your expertise and passion during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your leadership approach and how it aligns with the Trust’s values. Think of examples where you've successfully led teams through change or improved service delivery. Highlight your ability to balance compassion with accountability, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Be ready to talk about your experience working with various stakeholders, including local authorities and third sector partners. Share specific instances where you’ve fostered collaboration and built effective relationships, as this will show your capability to drive inter-agency effectiveness.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. Ask about the Trust’s strategic goals or how they measure success in mental health services. This not only shows your interest but also gives you a chance to assess if the role aligns with your values and career aspirations.