At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead clinical services and drive performance improvements in a dynamic healthcare environment.
- Company: Join the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, a leader in mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous pay, flexible working options, and extensive career development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a strong focus on staff wellbeing and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in patient care while advancing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Masters level education and senior management experience in healthcare are essential.
The predicted salary is between 88250 - 100355 £ per year.
The Deputy Director is responsible for supporting the delivery of all clinical services with direct line management responsibility for services within the directorate. They ensure strategic direction is focused on strong clinical, operational and financial outcomes.
The Deputy Director operates as part of the Operations Directorate Senior Management Team (SMT) which is responsible for facilitating the successful delivery of quality clinical services in the Operations Directorate by providing high-level clinical, operational and strategic leadership focused on strong clinical, operational and financial outcomes. The post holder will deputise for the Service Director as required.
Main duties of the job
- Leadership - Provide strong visible leadership across the Operations Directorate.
- Drive through the delivery of ambitious targets to continually improve performance within Operations Directorate.
- Service Development - In collaboration with the Head of Nursing & Quality and Associate Medical Director take lead responsibility for the implementation of improved patient care.
- Operational & Performance Management - To manage operational performance of the Operations Directorate ensuring delivery of high quality patient care.
- Financial Management - Work with the Finance Business Partner to provide demonstrable assurance that robust financial management systems and processes are in place.
- Meet annual financial targets including Trust (CIP), (QIPP) and any relevant partnership/alliance improvement programmes.
- Governance and Risk - Provide demonstrable assurance that patient safety is at the centre of Operations Directorate planning.
- Provide demonstrable assurance that the Directorate employs robust risk management.
- Human Resource Management - Develop and maintain robust staff development systems within Operations Directorate engendering a culture of openness, value and respect.
- Establish effective communication systems with all members of staff within the Directorate.
About us
We are committed to ensuring our staff get the most out of their benefits package and understand the importance of a healthy work life balance. There is an extensive range of excellent benefits for you and your family. We want you to feel like you are part of a close knit team at SLaM. It's important to us that you are valued and appreciated therefore have a comprehensive benefits package on offer.
Some of our amazing benefits are highlighted here:
- Generous pay, pensions and annual leave.
- Work life balance and supportive of a range of flexible working options.
- Career development, with plenty of opportunities to progress your career and support through a number of programmes such as mentoring, coaching, positive people management, collective leadership and other talent programmes.
- Car lease, with competitive deals to lease cars.
- Accommodation, with keyworker housing available on selected sites.
- NHS discounts, with discounts up to 10% from a variety of well-known retail brands through Health Service Discounts website.
Other benefits include:
- Counselling services
- Wellbeing events
- Long service awards
- Cycle to work scheme
- Season ticket loan
Details
- Date posted: 11 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Agenda for change
- Band: Band 8c
- Salary: £88,250 to £100,355 a year per annum inclusive of HCAS
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 334-NCL-8148106-MU
- Job locations: Ladywell Unit, University Hospital Lewisham and Various Sites, Lewisham High Street, London, SE13 6LW, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
- To deputise where appropriate for the Service Director at both internal and external meetings.
- To cover where appropriate for other members of the Operations Directorate SMT.
- There is an expectation that some contracted hours will be worked outside of normal office hours, where the demands of the service make this necessary and there may be a requirement to participate in the Directorate and Trust on-call rota.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- Essential: Evidence of ongoing professional development; Masters level education in a relevant subject or equivalent post-graduate experience.
- Desirable: Recognised Professional Qualification in Social Work (DipSW/CQSW), Mental Health Nursing (RMN), Psychology or any allied health/medical profession; Live Registration where necessary.
Knowledge/Skills
- Essential: Specialist knowledge relevant to the service, including evidence-based practice; Working knowledge of all relevant legislation associated with health and social care; Understanding of the role and function of other organisations providing services to people with mental ill-health; Understanding of the legislative and quality frameworks that govern provision of mental health and social care; Effective communications and interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and manage key relationships at all levels; Understanding of public sector management and NHS Mental Health services, Social and Primary Care services.
Experience
- Essential: Senior Management Experience in running a large number of multidisciplinary teams with significant clinical and business delivery targets; Experience of managing budgets and resources effectively; Experience of leading and managing change to deliver organisational goals; Experience of leading business planning processes and delivering targets within an agreed budget; Experience of working within the NHS or a related public sector organisation; Experience of individual and team Performance Management and Appraisals.
- Desirable: Experience of managing inpatient Crisis and Community services.
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.
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.
Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Deputy Director, Lewisham Directorate in London employer: National health service
The London Ambulance Service NHS Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises patient safety and service improvement. With a strong commitment to employee development, including leadership training and apprenticeship programmes, staff are empowered to grow their skills while contributing to the health of London. The Trust's inclusive culture and focus on quality management ensure that employees feel valued and supported in their vital roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Director, Lewisham Directorate in London
✨Join HR Networks
Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!
✨Make Your Presence Known
Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at National health service!
✨Leverage Your University Connections
If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.
✨Showcase Your HR Passion
Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at National health service.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Director, Lewisham Directorate in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at National health service. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to National health service and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at National health service. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.
Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to National health service's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.
How to prepare for a job interview at National health service
✨Brush Up on HR Best Practices
As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with National health service.
✨Know Your Recruitment Tools
Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!
✨Highlight Your People Skills
A full-time HR role at National health service will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.
✨Stay Current with HR Trends
Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact National health service and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.
