Unit General Manager - Private Patient Service

Job summaryThe postholder is responsible for the strategic leadership, operational delivery and commercial development of Private Patient Services across the Trust.The role is accountable for maximising private patient income, ensuring regulatory compliance, and delivering high-quality, patient-centred services, while supporting the Trust's wider financial sustainability objectives.The postholder will operate as a senior leader, advising Executive colleagues and leading complex commercial negotiations, service transformation, and external partnerships to grow and optimise the Trust's private healthcare portfolio.** Pay banding subject to NHS Job Evaluation **Main duties of the jobAs we continue to develop our private patient services, we are looking for an experienced and commercially focused senior leader to help shape, grow and strengthen this important area of the Trust's work, supporting both patient choice and the wider financial sustainability of the organisation.The Unit General Manager for Private Patient Services will provide strategic leadership, operational oversight and commercial development across the Trust's private healthcare portfolio. Working closely with clinical teams, consultants, Executive colleagues, private medical insurers and external partners, the postholder will lead service growth, improve pathways, develop new commercial opportunities and ensure services are delivered safely, efficiently and in line with regulatory requirements. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and influential leader with strong commercial acumen, stakeholder management skills and a commitment to excellent patient care.About usThe Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic NHS Trust (RJAH)is one of the leading orthopaedic hospitals in the country, with some of the highest levels of staff and patient satisfaction, as well as a strong reputation for research and innovation.In the National Staff Survey, 69% of our staff would recommend the Trust as a place to work and 91% would recommend the hospital to a friend or relative for treatment.Joining RJAH is more than just a job - we want our people to have the best opportunities to thrive in their role.We have a range of fantastic staff benefits on offer to everyone who joins RJAH and you'll have access to outstanding professional development opportunities and state-of-the-art facilities.RJAH has strong links with a range of universities including Staffordshire, Keele, Glyndwr, Chester and Birmingham.The hospital is located on a site outside Oswestry in Oswestry, just off the A5. The nearest train station is in Gobowen, approximately two miles from the hospital. The station is part of the Chester to Birmingham line.We are based in North Shropshire, close to the border with North and Mid Wales. It is one of the most attractive parts of the country, with a rich historic culture and excellent transport links. It offers outstanding opportunities for anyone who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle or is looking to raise a family.DetailsDate posted10 September 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 8bSalary 66,582 to 77,368 a year Per Annum ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time Reference number224-PA20260803851Job locationsThe Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFTGobowenOswestrySY10 7AGUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe provision of professional and specialist support to the clinical users of the private patient service demonstrating a high level oforganisationalability and leadershipTo develop and manage relationships externally with purchasers of healthcare and key influencers, such as private medical insurers, private GPs and other referrers, to understand market requirements and to develop the RJAH private care revenue in line with targets.To develop and manage relationships with consultants internally on behalf ofRJAHtorepatriate external private work of established consultants, togrow the volume and revenue of our businessDevelop and delivery the Trusts private patient strategy across all services e.g. surgical, diagnostics, therapiesAccountable for the delivery of the Trusts private patient income targets and activity plans along with related expenditure budgets.Provide strategic advice to Executive and Board-level committeesLead long-term income growth planning, including scenario modelling and market analysis Lead on ensuring Trust wide governance is in place for private patient services; developing an expert knowledge of indemnity, risk and private practicing privileges.To understand the practical constraints and issues for consultants working atRJAHand lead on resolving any issues and encourage growth of privatepractices atthe RJAH, in particular the smooth facilitation of theatre session availability.Engage and coach staff and consultants to ensure a patient focused delivery of services.To lead alongside Finance and the Commercial Director in negotiations with the Private Medical Insurers tosecure the best tariffs and terms of business for the Trust, and to negotiate favourable termsfor any specific agreements outside the usual contracts, for instance network arrangements,preferred provider agreements etc.To seek new commercial opportunities with new and existing partners, developing innovative services, businessmodelsand ways of working to secureadditionalprivate income streams.Tolead and manage the service areas whilst developing and sustaining effective working relationships with the unit teams, consultant medicalstaff,allotherinternal and external stakeholders to ensure that RJAH privatehealthcare business is represented appropriately and itsobjectivesare achieved.To develop a network of external stakeholders, including but not limited to Private Medical Insurers, private GPs, referral agents, medical consultants and other private hospital providers, who are influential indeterminingwhere patients access private careTo manage internal and external communications, working with the Head of Communications, using sound judgment to ensure that all communicationsrepresentthe values and business interests ofRJAHAccountable for the leadership, performance and development of the Private Patient Services workforce, including direct and indirect line management of multidisciplinary teamsWork closely with the Communication Manager to develop a portfolio of marketing products and information consistent with RJAH branding,valuesand commercial objectiveTo manage relationships with consultants,ensuring that their views and requirements are understood, acted upon appropriately and that they areengagedand motivated to carry our private work.To continually question and challenge the statusquolooking for new and innovative ways to improve service delivery to make the most effective use of resources and ensure services are patient focused.To model a collaborative and influencing style of working, negotiating with others to achieve the best outcomesTomaintaina detailed working knowledge of competition law surrounding private healthcare including but not limited to the Bribery Act and guidance from the Competition and Markets AuthorityTo develop a robust understanding of the information and reporting systems in the Trust and to continuously develop and improve business and activity reports for the COO summarising performance and highlighting risks and issues Job description Job responsibilitiesThe provision of professional and specialist support to the clinical users of the private patient service demonstrating a high level oforganisationalability and leadershipTo develop and manage relationships externally with purchasers of healthcare and key influencers, such as private medical insurers, private GPs and other referrers, to understand market requirements and to develop the RJAH private care revenue in line with targets.To develop and manage relationships with consultants internally on behalf ofRJAHtorepatriate external private work of established consultants, togrow the volume and revenue of our businessDevelop and delivery the Trusts private patient strategy across all services e.g. surgical, diagnostics, therapiesAccountable for the delivery of the Trusts private patient income targets and activity plans along with related expenditure budgets.Provide strategic advice to Executive and Board-level committeesLead long-term income growth planning, including scenario modelling and market analysis Lead on ensuring Trust wide governance is in place for private patient services; developing an expert knowledge of indemnity, risk and private practicing privileges.To understand the practical constraints and issues for consultants working atRJAHand lead on resolving any issues and encourage growth of privatepractices atthe RJAH, in particular the smooth facilitation of theatre session availability.Engage and coach staff and consultants to ensure a patient focused delivery of services.To lead alongside Finance and the Commercial Director in negotiations with the Private Medical Insurers tosecure the best tariffs and terms of business for the Trust, and to negotiate favourable termsfor any specific agreements outside the usual contracts, for instance network arrangements,preferred provider agreements etc.To seek new commercial opportunities with new and existing partners, developing innovative services, businessmodelsand ways of working to secureadditionalprivate income streams.Tolead and manage the service areas whilst developing and sustaining effective working relationships with the unit teams, consultant medicalstaff,allotherinternal and external stakeholders to ensure that RJAH privatehealthcare business is represented appropriately and itsobjectivesare achieved.To develop a network of external stakeholders, including but not limited to Private Medical Insurers, private GPs, referral agents, medical consultants and other private hospital providers, who are influential indeterminingwhere patients access private careTo manage internal and external communications, working with the Head of Communications, using sound judgment to ensure that all communicationsrepresentthe values and business interests ofRJAHAccountable for the leadership, performance and development of the Private Patient Services workforce, including direct and indirect line management of multidisciplinary teamsWork closely with the Communication Manager to develop a portfolio of marketing products and information consistent with RJAH branding,valuesand commercial objectiveTo manage relationships with consultants,ensuring that their views and requirements are understood, acted upon appropriately and that they areengagedand motivated to carry our private work.To continually question and challenge the statusquolooking for new and innovative ways to improve service delivery to make the most effective use of resources and ensure services are patient focused.To model a collaborative and influencing style of working, negotiating with others to achieve the best outcomesTomaintaina detailed working knowledge of competition law surrounding private healthcare including but not limited to the Bribery Act and guidance from the Competition and Markets AuthorityTo develop a robust understanding of the information and reporting systems in the Trust and to continuously develop and improve business and activity reports for the COO summarising performance and highlighting risks and issuesPerson Specification Qualifications/Training EssentialEducated to degree level in a related subjectPostgraduate qualification OR equivalent experience at senior levelLeadership or management qualificationEvidence of senior leadership development (e.g. NHS leadership programmes)DesirableMaster level qualification or equivalent in a related field Experience EssentialExtensive senior leadership experience in private healthcare / commercial NHS servicesExperience working at an senior operational level demonstrating track record successEvidence of extensive experience in service development and change managementEvidence of working in a business or commercial environmentStaff managementExtensive influencing and negotiating experience with internal and external stakeholdersProject managementExperience of performance managementDesirableEvidence of influencing a wide range of senior stakeholdersEvidence of managing complex contracts e.g. private insurersBusiness case developmentStrategy development Skills and Competencies EssentialProven change and project management skillsStrategic thinking and system leadershipAdvanced communication and effective interpersonal skillsAdvanced commercial acumenAbility to influence Executive and Board decision-makingFinancial literacy (P&L / income modelling)Advanced negotiation and stakeholder engagement skillsHighly organised with excellent attention to detail.Highly analytical and numerate with ability to present a logical argument using data and informationConfident communication skills, including presenting complex information.Self-motivated, flexible and driven. Knowledge (including specialist or technical knowledge required) EssentialProficient in Microsoft applications, including performance dashboards, reports and analytical tools.Experience managing and developing teams with proven improvements in capability and performance.NHS private patient regulatory frameworkCompetition law / CMA guidanceHealthcare market dynamicsKnowledge of acute hospitals and healthcare deliveryDesirableKnowledge of private healthcare insurance market Personal Qualities & Trust Values EssentialTo exemplify the Trust Values: Professional - apply high professional standards to your role Excellence - ensure the care we deliver has great outcomes for patients Respect - for patients and each other Friendly - patients, colleagues, public are always put at ease and made welcome Inclusive - we have a safe and respectful environment Caring - put the patient first and be considerate of their needs Person Specification Qualifications/Training EssentialEducated to degree level in a related subjectPostgraduate qualification OR equivalent experience at senior levelLeadership or management qualificationEvidence of senior leadership development (e.g. NHS leadership programmes)DesirableMaster level qualification or equivalent in a related field Experience EssentialExtensive senior leadership experience in private healthcare / commercial NHS servicesExperience working at an senior operational level demonstrating track record successEvidence of extensive experience in service development and change managementEvidence of working in a business or commercial environmentStaff managementExtensive influencing and negotiating experience with internal and external stakeholdersProject managementExperience of performance managementDesirableEvidence of influencing a wide range of senior stakeholdersEvidence of managing complex contracts e.g. private insurersBusiness case developmentStrategy development Skills and Competencies EssentialProven change and project management skillsStrategic thinking and system leadershipAdvanced communication and effective interpersonal skillsAdvanced commercial acumenAbility to influence Executive and Board decision-makingFinancial literacy (P&L / income modelling)Advanced negotiation and stakeholder engagement skillsHighly organised with excellent attention to detail.Highly analytical and numerate with ability to present a logical argument using data and informationConfident communication skills, including presenting complex information.Self-motivated, flexible and driven. Knowledge (including specialist or technical knowledge required) EssentialProficient in Microsoft applications, including performance dashboards, reports and analytical tools.Experience managing and developing teams with proven improvements in capability and performance.NHS private patient regulatory frameworkCompetition law / CMA guidanceHealthcare market dynamicsKnowledge of acute hospitals and healthcare deliveryDesirableKnowledge of private healthcare insurance market Personal Qualities & Trust Values EssentialTo exemplify the Trust Values: Professional - apply high professional standards to your role Excellence - ensure the care we deliver has great outcomes for patients Respect - for patients and each other Friendly - patients, colleagues, public are always put at ease and made welcome Inclusive - we have a safe and respectful environment Caring - put the patient first and be considerate of their needsDisclosure 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameRobert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation TrustAddressThe Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFTGobowenOswestrySY10 7AGUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameRobert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation TrustAddressThe Robert Jones and Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital NHSFTGobowenOswestrySY10 7AGUnited KingdomEmployer's website