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- Tasks: Lead surgical operations and improve elective recovery during a critical period.
- Company: NHS organisation focused on enhancing surgical services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hands-on leadership role, and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care and operational efficiency.
- Qualifications: Senior operational leadership experience in Acute NHS organisations required.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional growth in a dynamic healthcare environment.
The predicted salary is between 105385 - 121271 £ per year.
An NHS organisation is seeking an experienced Interim Director of Operations for Surgery to lead elective recovery and stabilise core operational performance during a critical period. The successful interim will take ownership of elective delivery, address RTT and waiting list pressures, improve theatre utilisation, and strengthen governance and financial oversight across surgical services. This role requires strong, hands‑on operational leadership.
Essential Experience
- Senior operational leadership experience within Acute NHS organisations at Divisional or Director level
- Strong Surgery and Theatres background, with clear understanding of surgical operations and elective pathways
- Demonstrable experience of elective recovery, including RTT performance, waiting list management, and backlog reduction
- In‑depth knowledge of theatre utilisation, scheduling, and capacity optimisation
- Proven track record of leading turnaround and recovery programmes in pressurised environments
- Strong understanding of financial delivery, efficiency, and cost improvement programmes
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the elective recovery delivery plan, driving improvements in RTT performance, waiting lists, and theatre utilisation
- Lead surgical recovery in partnership with Executive colleagues
- Deliver Cost Improvement Programme (CIP)
- Review, redesign, and embed robust governance and financial management structures, including decision‑making forums, spending controls, and clear approval processes
- Establish effective operational and financial oversight where governance arrangements are currently under‑developed
- Provide visible, hands‑on operational leadership, motivating, engaging, and developing next‑level managers
How to Apply
If you would like to apply for this position, please submit an up‑to‑date copy of your CV demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria, along with your availability, desired rate, and contact details. Due to the level of interest typically received for senior interim roles, we will only be able to contact candidates who closely meet the required criteria to discuss the opportunity further.
Interim Director of Operations for Surgery employer: GatenbySanderson
Contact Detail:
GatenbySanderson Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Operations for Surgery
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the NHS and let them know you're on the lookout for an Interim Director of Operations role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of elective recovery and RTT performance. Be ready to share specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your hands-on leadership skills and how you've tackled similar challenges.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on roles that align with your expertise in surgical operations. Use our website to find positions that match your skills, and tailor your approach to highlight your experience in theatre utilisation and financial oversight.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention any key points from the conversation that you found particularly engaging.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Operations for Surgery
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your senior operational leadership experience, especially in Acute NHS organisations. We want to see how your background aligns with the role's requirements, so don’t hold back on showcasing your surgical operations expertise!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your work with elective recovery, RTT performance, and waiting list management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to lead turnaround programmes in pressurised environments.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we’re sifting through a lot of applications, so clarity is key!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at GatenbySanderson
✨Know Your NHS Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on the latest NHS policies and operational frameworks, especially those related to surgery and elective recovery. Understanding the current challenges in RTT performance and waiting list management will show that you're not just familiar with the role but also genuinely invested in improving surgical services.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
Prepare to discuss your hands-on leadership approach. Think of specific examples where you've motivated teams or turned around operations in a pressurised environment. This is your chance to demonstrate how you can engage and develop next-level managers while driving improvements in theatre utilisation.
✨Be Ready for Financial Discussions
Since financial oversight is key in this role, be prepared to talk about your experience with Cost Improvement Programmes (CIPs) and how you've managed budgets effectively. Bring examples of how you've implemented efficiency measures and improved financial delivery in previous roles.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions that show your interest in the organisation's future. Inquire about their current strategies for elective recovery and how they envision the role of the Interim Director of Operations contributing to these goals. This will highlight your proactive mindset and commitment to the position.