At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and innovate in healthcare services, ensuring high-quality patient care and operational excellence.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking NHS organisation with a focus on staff wellbeing and innovative care models.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, professional development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Exciting developments in local healthcare facilities and a commitment to continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while leading dynamic teams in a growing healthcare setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior operational roles within healthcare and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
We are seeking an ambitious, collaborative and experienced operational leader to join the Senior Leadership Team within our Surgical Division, providing leadership across a diverse portfolio of services including Audiology, Head & Neck (ENT, Oral Surgery, Ophthalmology and Orthodontics) and Urology.
As General Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across your portfolio, working in partnership with Clinical Directors, Lead Nurses, Matrons and multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective and high‑quality services.
You will be accountable for the operational, performance and financial management of your specialties, ensuring that divisional priorities are translated into clear plans, measurable outcomes and sustained delivery.
A key focus of this role will be providing leadership and oversight of elective recovery and RTT improvement across the portfolio.
You will work collaboratively with specialty teams to ensure robust recovery plans are developed, delivered and regularly reviewed, with clear trajectories, governance arrangements and accountability for delivery.
Using data and operational insight, you will oversee performance, identify risks and opportunities, provide constructive support and challenge, and ensure services remain focused on delivering sustainable improvements in access, productivity and patient outcomes.
Alongside elective recovery, you will oversee programmes focused on service redesign, productivity and financial sustainability, ensuring operational priorities remain aligned with the division's longer‑term strategic ambitions.
This role requires someone who can balance strategic thinking with operational leadership, establish clear expectations, foster a culture of accountability and continuous improvement, and build strong relationships that enable teams to deliver ambitious objectives.
You will be confident leading through influence, using data to inform decision‑making and creating an environment where improvement is owned collectively and delivery is consistently achieved.
Success in this role will be measured not only by improved operational performance, but by your ability to build high‑performing teams, strengthen clinical partnerships and deliver sustainable improvements that enhance patient care, improve staff experience and leave services in a stronger position for the future.
Responsibilities
- Provide strategic and operational leadership across the portfolio, working closely with Clinical Directors, Lead Nurses, Matrons and multidisciplinary teams.
- Lead the development of service improvement and business plans aligned with divisional goals.
- Introduce innovative management strategies to optimise efficiency across services.
- Collaborate with community, social care and academic partners to support broader healthcare objectives.
- Track and report performance against national and local targets, driving continuous improvement.
- Ensure that departments within your portfolio meet key service and quality standards.
- Lead weekly PTL meetings and support escalations to ensure smooth operations.
- Oversee budgets, ensuring financial targets are met and income is optimised.
- Contribute to cost improvement initiatives and business case development for service reconfigurations.
- Ensure the workforce is effectively planned and resourced with the right skills, recruiting, appraising and developing staff.
- Lead, motivate and develop teams to support continuous performance improvement.
- Regularly engage with clinical teams, staff and senior management to ensure transparency and align objectives.
- Address sensitive issues, manage complaints and ensure effective communication throughout the team.
- Assess and describe the impact of key NHS national and local changes on services.
- Maintain knowledge of governance arrangements and standards in the NHS and the wider health and social care economy.
Qualifications and Experience
- Proven experience in a senior operational or managerial role within healthcare.
- Strong understanding of financial management, performance targets and budget oversight.
- Ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders at all levels.
- Excellent communication skills and experience working in multidisciplinary teams.
- Education to degree level or equivalent qualification.
- Studying for or plans to study a management qualification.
- Operational management experience in an acute NHS organisation.
- Evidence of continuing professional development, including regular attendance on internal and external study programmes.
- Higher professional or management degree (master's level) or equivalent knowledge acquired by experience.
- Project Management or quality improvement qualification.
- Good experience of managing several complex NHS services, preferably within the acute sector.
- Demonstrable senior management experience with responsibility for operational delivery, clinical quality, people management, budget responsibility and successful delivery of performance targets within strict financial controls.
- Experience of using numerical analysis in problem solving.
- Experience of budgetary management and business planning, including preparation of business cases.
- Understanding of principles of budgetary management.
- Experience of managing elective waiting times (RTT, PTL, diagnostic, etc.).
- Experience working or managing within medical or surgical specialty services.
- Experience leading capital development or service development projects.
- Understanding of medical staffing and rota issues.
- Knowledge and/or experience of working closely with integrated care partners and integrated services.
- Additional Information
With a new hospital planned for Watford, ongoing updates to theatres at St Albans City Hospital and plans for a neighbourhood healthcare centre in Hemel Hempstead, this is an exciting time to join us.
We are building on the success of our award‑winning virtual hospital and re‑imagining models of care, working closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.
Staff wellbeing and development are a priority, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.
Our vision is excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive.
We offer a variety of flexible working options.
For more information about flexible working, visit https://www. westhertshospitals. nhs. uk/flexibleworking
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General Manager - Head, Neck & Urology in Watford employer: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for aspiring nephrologists. With a focus on professional development, extensive training, and opportunities for research and teaching, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community. The work culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land General Manager - Head, Neck & Urology in Watford
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
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Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
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Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
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We think you need these skills to ace General Manager - Head, Neck & Urology in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Cardiff and Vale University Health Board’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
