At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage Specialist Mental Health Services across Essex, Suffolk, Bedford, and Luton.
- Company: Join Essex Partnership University NHS Trust, a leader in mental health services.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS discounts, training opportunities, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while advancing your career in healthcare.
- Qualifications: Must have substantial NHS senior management experience and a Master's degree.
The predicted salary is between 130000 - 130000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity at Essex Partnership University Foundation NHS Trust. We are looking to recruit an individual who has substantial experience in the NHS at senior management level, effectively leading and managing large services within a complex organisation. Able to demonstrate success in performance managing services to meet performance targets both local and national.
Main duties of the job include:
- Ensuring robust strategic and operational management of all Specialist Mental Health Services in Essex, Suffolk, Bedford and Luton.
- Ensuring effective governance arrangements to deliver high quality, safe, effective and efficient services.
- Ensuring services achieve expected performance indicators within financial constraints.
- Overseeing the strategic development of modern services that meet the needs of those with a mental health need or a learning disability.
- Developing and managing a range of external relationships, partnerships and strategic alliances including with the county council and the East of England Provider Collaborative.
- Working as part of a Care Unit to provide Clinical & Professional leadership to drive excellence and deliver the Safety and Quality agenda.
About us: EPUT are looking for motivated staff who share our Trust values of Care, Learn and Empower. In return, EPUT can offer you a range of benefits and development including:
- Season Ticket Loans
- NHS discounts for staff
- Excellent Training facilities and opportunities
- Buying and Selling annual leave scheme
- The opportunity to work bank shifts and expand knowledge and experience in other areas
- Salary Sacrifice schemes including lease cars and Cycle to Work
- Day One Flexible Employer
The Trust supports and actively encourages flexible working for all employees. We offer many options and you are encouraged to ask the recruiting manager what is possible for this role.
If appointed, you will have the opportunity to apply for a flexible working request from the first day of your employment.
Join our Staff bank: Our EPUT NHS staff bank is an entity managed by the trust that hires clinical and non-clinical healthcare professionals to take on shifts at our trust hospitals and community settings. Here at EPUT we maintain our own bank of specialist staff to ensure that we are able to offer safe and effective care at all times.
All our permanent staff are automatically enrolled onto the staff bank; however, this does not mean you have to work any additional shifts, but the option is there for you if you wish. If you are joining our Trust in a fixed term role, please indicate on your New Starter Paperwork that you wish to join our staff bank.
Details:
- Date posted: 06 August 2026
- Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
- Salary: Depending on experience circa 130,000 per annum
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time
- Reference number: 364-B-01-A
Job responsibilities: Are you able to inspire and motivate others? Do you have a passion for transforming lives? We would love to hear from you.
Please see attached for JD and PS for more details of main responsibilities.
Person Specification:
- Education: Essential: Masters or equivalent level of experience; Desirable: RMN or equivalent professional qualification.
- Knowledge: Essential: Analytical skills; Corporate awareness and ability to operate successfully within a large organisational environment.
- Experience: Essential: Substantial experience in the NHS at senior management level, effectively leading and managing large services within a complex organisation; Demonstrable experience of effective strategic and operational management; Experience of managing inpatient services within the portfolio.
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.
UK Registration: Applicants must have current UK professional registration.
Director of Specialist Services in Wickford 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 Director of Specialist Services in Wickford
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We think you need these skills to ace Director of Specialist Services in Wickford
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