At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and improve pathology services with a focus on performance and operational excellence.
- Company: Join North West London Pathology, a pioneering diagnostic service provider.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, and wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a green initiative aiming for Net Zero by 2045.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by driving transformative change.
- Qualifications: Senior management experience in NHS pathology and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58349 - 71315 £ per year.
We are seeking an exceptional Associate Director of Performance and Service to join our NWLP team and continue to shape the future of pathology services. Driven by visionary leadership, strategic investment and transformative initiatives, NWLP has grown into one of the UK's most forward-thinking diagnostic service providers. We are recognised as pioneers in England for establishing one of the first fully integrated NHS pathology networks.
The Associate Director of Performance and Service is a senior leadership post within the Portfolio and Strategic Delivery division, reporting directly to and deputising for the Director of Portfolio and Strategic Delivery. The postholder provides expert leadership across all of North West London Pathology services focusing on Performance and Improvement capability, with a particular focus on operational service improvement, business case development and assurance, benefits realisation and the embedding of a sustainable continuous improvement culture across NWLP.
The postholder brings deep, hands-on operational experience of pathology services, enabling them to provide credible challenge, expert guidance and practical leadership to service redesign and improvement activity. They act as a key stakeholder in performance intelligence, strategic investment decisions and the delivery of sustained operational improvement, ensuring that all improvement activity is proportionate, evidence-based and aligned to NWLP's strategic objectives.
Main duties of the job:
- Provide expert operational and strategic leadership of the Performance and Improvement capability area within the Portfolio and Strategic Delivery division and across all areas of NWLP.
- Lead and quality-assure the development, challenge and approval of business cases across the NWLP investment pipeline, ensuring proposals are evidence-based, aligned to strategy and supported by robust benefit definition and realisation planning.
- Lead complex, cross-divisional improvement programmes aligned to NWLP's strategic priorities, working alongside clinical and operational leads.
- Be responsible for the development and ongoing maturity of structured Continuous Improvement capability across NWLP operational teams.
- Develop and maintain a robust organisational wide performance framework that enables effective planning, monitoring, diagnosis and proactive intervention across all services.
About us:
Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.
Environmental sustainability:
Climate change and poor air quality is a health emergency that harms people's health and wellbeing and widens health inequalities. The Trust is also committed to reducing its impact on the environment by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2045. All our employees have a role to play, and we have an active green network that supports staff to act in ways that ensures that our services are efficient, sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment.
NWLP Induction:
The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.
Details:
- Date posted: 03 November 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8d
- Salary: £103,102 to £117,560 a year pa inclusive
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 290-NWLP-472
- Job locations: Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RF, United Kingdom
Person Specification:
Education and Qualifications:
- Essential: First Degree or equivalent
- Postgraduate qualification or equivalent level of skill/experience of working at a senior level in operational and strategic service development; involving demonstrable critical and strategic thinking relevant to pathology and/or relevant NHS clinical services.
- Evidence of relevant continuous professional development
- Desirable: Other leadership management Qualification (e.g ILM, CMI, MBA), Continuous improvement qualification
Knowledge and Experience:
- Essential: Experience in a NHS director / senior management position in a complex pathology operational environment implementing change and redesign across organisational boundaries and sectors.
- Experienced people champion with the ability to readily identify and develop talent, promote and advocate for professional development where appropriate and manage personal and professional wellbeing through setting and maintaining direction, clear requirements and performance standards, building and maintaining a culture of diversity and inclusion and continuous learning and improvement.
- Proven ability to deliver sustainable transformational change rather than just undertaking incremental change.
- Financial acumen including experience of managing significant budgets with effective budget management and control, coupled with a detailed understanding of cost improvement methodology.
- Desirable: Experience of operating in a partnership/joint role across NHS organisational boundaries. Knowledge and understanding of pathology services delivery, development, redesign, and best practice. Broad knowledge of clinical diagnostics current landscape, regulatory context and future trends.
Skills / Abilities:
- Essential: Effective and adaptable influencing and negotiation skills with senior stakeholders on difficult, detailed, complex and controversial issues.
- Strength of character to constructively challenge Executive Sponsors where areas are not delivering against key milestones and project deadlines.
- Credibility with senior stakeholders within function, Trust and with third parties, with the ability to influence and build positive and productive relationships at all levels.
- Managing conflict, displaying high levels of emotional intelligence, and remaining calm and resilient under pressure.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check:
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship:
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.
Employer details:
Employer name: North West London Pathology
Address: Charing Cross Hospital, London, W6 8RF, United Kingdom
Associate Director of Performance and Service employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
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We think you need these skills to ace Associate Director of Performance and Service
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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 National Health Service. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
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✨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.
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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.
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