Associate service manager (Temporary) in Leatherhead, Surrey

Job summaryWe are seeking an experienced and dynamicAssociate Director of Neurodevelopmental Services to provide senior operational leadership, oversight and accountability for the Trust's neurodevelopmental services. The postholder will be an experienced senior operational leader with extensive experience of managing and providing senior oversight of neurodevelopmental services and a demonstrable track record of leading large-scale operational improvement within ND services. We are looking for an ambitious, forward-thinking leader who is passionate about delivering outstanding, patient-centred care and who will establish strong operational grip across ND pathways, ensuring that demand, capacity, workforce, waiting lists, caseloads, productivity, quality, finance and performance are understood and actively managed. A key priority will be to improve access and reduce waiting times through sustainable improvements in operational delivery rather than reliance on short-term waiting-list initiatives. Main duties of the jobWorking closely with clinical leaders, divisional leadership, corporate teams and system partners, the postholder will identify and address unwarranted variation, remove operational barriers, ensure resources are deployed effectively and establish clear standards, accountability and performance expectations across ND services. The Associate Director will report to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and provide clear assurance on delivery, risks and recovery to the Chief Operating Officer and relevant Trust governance arrangements. Candidates who are shortlisted will be invited to undertake a: Virtual Assessment : 12th October 2026Interviews will take place on: Friday 23rd October 2026Please ensure you are available on these dates. About usSurrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is the leading provider of mental health, learning disability, neurodevelopmental and drug and alcohol services in Surrey and North East Hampshire. We support people of all ages and are passionate about providing high quality care that is delivered at the right time as close to home as possible to help people recover and stay well. We are one of the top 10 mental Health, Learning Disability and Community Trust to work for nationwide. Our Trust is an inclusive and supportive employer that offers a wide range of staff networks, flexible working, free parking and excellent health and wellbeing support. We also provide a wide range of opportunities to help staff develop and progress. Our historic market towns and bustling districts are enveloped in wonderful countryside, and our excellent road and rail networks bring the rest of the country within easy reach. For international travel, both Gatwick and Heathrow airports are nearby. Regrettably, due to UK Home Office requirements we cannot offer sponsorship for all our job roles. Full-time EssentialProfessional Registration (NMC/HCPC/Social Worker)Educated to a Master's Degree Level or equivalent qualification. A management qualification (DMS) or equivalent. DesirableEvidence of recent continuous professional development at a senior level to include leadership development. A post graduate health qualification or equivalent EssentialExtensive senior operational management experience within neurodevelopmental services, with significant responsibility for operational oversight and delivery of ND services, including autism and/or ADHD assessment and treatment pathways. Proven experience of personally leading large-scale operational transformation and recovery across ND services, achieving significant and sustained improvements in access, waiting list performance, service productivity, capacity, quality and clinical outcomes. Comprehensive knowledge of ND pathways and a strong understanding of the operational, workforce and demand challenges affecting autism and ADHD assessment, diagnostic and intervention servicesDemonstrable experience of translating demand and capacity analysis into workforce requirements, productivity expectations and operational delivery plans. Significant experience of directly managing senior operational managers and multidisciplinary operational services across multiple teams, pathways and/or geographical locations and establishing clear performance accountability. Significant financial management experience and responsibility for managing substantial budgets and resources. Demonstrable experience of using performance intelligence and data to identify problems, develop solutions and provide senior-level assurance. Experience of providing assurance and presenting complex performance information to Executive and senior governance forums. EssentialHighly developed analytical skills and ability to translate complex performance information into clear operational action. Highly developed influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills. EssentialProfessional Registration (NMC/HCPC/Social Worker)Educated to a Master's Degree Level or equivalent qualification. A management qualification (DMS) or equivalent. DesirableEvidence of recent continuous professional development at a senior level to include leadership development. A post graduate health qualification or equivalent EssentialExtensive senior operational management experience within neurodevelopmental services, with significant responsibility for operational oversight and delivery of ND services, including autism and/or ADHD assessment and treatment pathways. Proven experience of personally leading large-scale operational transformation and recovery across ND services, achieving significant and sustained improvements in access, waiting list performance, service productivity, capacity, quality and clinical outcomes. Comprehensive knowledge of ND pathways and a strong understanding of the operational, workforce and demand challenges affecting autism and ADHD assessment, diagnostic and intervention servicesDemonstrable experience of translating demand and capacity analysis into workforce requirements, productivity expectations and operational delivery plans. Significant experience of directly managing senior operational managers and multidisciplinary operational services across multiple teams, pathways and/or geographical locations and establishing clear performance accountability. Significant financial management experience and responsibility for managing substantial budgets and resources. Demonstrable experience of using performance intelligence and data to identify problems, develop solutions and provide senior-level assurance. Experience of providing assurance and presenting complex performance information to Executive and senior governance forums. EssentialHighly developed analytical skills and ability to translate complex performance information into clear operational action. Highly developed influencing, negotiation and relationship-management skills. Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. NHS Careers website (opens in a new window). Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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. NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).Employer detailsEmployer nameSurrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustAddress18 Mole Business ParkRandalls RoadLeatherheadKT22 7ADUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSurrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation TrustAddress18 Mole Business ParkRandalls RoadLeatherheadKT22 7ADUnited KingdomEmployer's website