At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead transformative projects in digital health and enhance patient care through innovative technologies.
- Company: Join Oakdale, a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to clinical excellence and digital innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, flexible working, and exclusive discounts on health services.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be a catalyst for change in healthcare, shaping the future of patient services with cutting-edge tech.
- Qualifications: Degree in Digital Health or related field; experience in project management and digital transformation.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid. Base location at Harrogate Cardale with infrequent regional travel to Leeds, Harrogate and Halifax offices and other national areas.
Salary: £55,000
Reporting to: Chief Operating Officer
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
About The Role
The Transformation Partner is a strategic leadership post operating at the intersection of digital innovation, clinical excellence, and service design, enabling Oakdale to become a ‘Brand that Leads’. This role drives the end‑to‑end lifecycle of transformation projects, from horizon scanning and proof-of-concept to full deployment and scaling. The primary focus will be leading the operational transformation of Oakdale's assessment and therapy services. You will ensure accessible, efficient, and person-centred pathways aligned with NHS and Local Authority plans, introducing cutting‑edge technologies (including AI tools), managing clinical systems deployment, and expanding initiatives that support public‑and private‑funded healthcare.
About You
As an experienced and forward‑thinking professional you will join Oakdale ready to lead the transformation of our services across people, process and technology domains, ensuring we deliver accessible, efficient, and person‑centred care. You’ll be inspired by leading our work in horizon scanning, scoping, testing, and operationalising new and emerging technologies and methodologies that have the potential to transform patient care, operational delivery, and staff experience. You’ll be ready to act as a catalyst for evidence‑informed innovation by bridging front‑line insight, clinical priorities, and external innovation. This is a pivotal role at the intersection of clinical delivery, digital strategy, and service improvement. The successful candidate will lead on the design, implementation, and optimisation of digital tools, platforms, and process workflows that enhance clinical outcomes through faster access, better experience, data‑led insights, and diversified services for growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Digital strategy and transformation pipeline: Lead the identification, due diligence, and structured assessment of emerging technologies across digital health, AI, and healthcare innovation. Establish and maintain an organisational innovation pipeline, creating transparent prioritisation frameworks to move projects from ideation to board‑level business cases. Support the design and execution of a roadmap for our services, keeping it closely aligned with NHS England priorities (e.g., interoperability, digital‑first care, data‑driven planning). Identify opportunities to introduce specific digital tools to optimise triage, screening, waiting list management, assessment and follow‑up care models.
- End‑to‑end project delivery and service implementation: Act as the end‑to‑end project manager for the deployment of digital platforms, online assessment tools, clinical systems, and booking software. Coordinate day‑to‑day implementation workstreams, tracking milestones, mitigating deployment risks, and ensuring financial and scoping targets are met. Manage multi‑stakeholder delivery networks, bridging frontline clinical needs with operational and digital teams, external vendors, and academic or commercial partners. Support and expand Right to Choose development, ensuring systems, processes, and digital access are optimised to manage referrals and track long‑term outcomes.
- User‑Centred Design & Stakeholder Engagement: Engage clinicians, administrators, service users, and families to co‑design digital pathways that are fundamentally inclusive and highly accessible. Act as an organisational catalyst for change, driving training and change management frameworks for staff adopting new digital platforms or workflows. Foster continuous innovation capabilities within the staff ecosystem through direct mentoring and engagement initiatives.
- Clinical Governance, Information Governance & Compliance: Supported by the Governance Team, advise and support staff at all levels on Information Governance best practice across transformation initiatives, ensuring all pilots, data structures, and integrations strictly adhere to GDPR, cyber security, and DCB clinical risk frameworks. Ensure all technical and operational deployments comply fully with NHS cyber security, Care Quality Commission (CQC) and information management standards.
Person Specification
Essential Criteria
- Leadership skills: Values‑led leadership to coordinate and deliver the transformation portfolio with stakeholders across clinical and non‑clinical teams, translating complex technical/digital information into clear language for non‑specialist stakeholders, and an interest to contribute to senior leadership and strategy development.
- Education and experience: Degree‑level qualification (or equivalent experience) in Digital Health, Health Informatics, IT, Project/Programme Management, or Business Administration.
- Project and change management: Proven track record of leading digital innovation or complex service transformation projects within a healthcare, NHS, or client‑facing environments.
- Methodologies: Strong experience utilising user‑centred design, rapid iteration, or co‑production approaches under uncertain environments, designing and developing teams to meet service requirements, and the ability to influence clinicians and teams to achieve these outputs.
- Governance Knowledge: Working knowledge of clinical systems, digital accessibility, data protection legislation, and NHS digital strategies.
- Organisational skills: A genuine passion for helping people improve their lives with strong organisational skills to manage competing priorities.
Desirable Criteria
- Senior‑level experience to build relationships with commissioners and key stakeholders both internally and externally.
- Recognised project management certification (e.g. Agile, PRINCE2).
- Direct experience in mental health or neurodevelopmental service structures (Autism, ADHD and psychological therapies).
- Familiarity with clinical safety standards (DCB 0129/DCB 0160) and the NICE evidence standards framework.
- Experience in defining operational processes, writing procedures, business cases and proposals with excellent written and verbal presentation skills; working collaboratively to support the delivery of a high‑quality clinical service.
Why Join Oakdale
- 33 days’ annual leave (including bank holidays), increasing with service
- Flexible and agile working from day one
- SimplyHealth: 24/7 GP access, counselling, physiotherapy, and more
- Exclusive, heavily discounted rates for you and your family on private ADHD and autism neurodevelopmental assessments, through our own expert service.
- Fully funded flu vaccines
- Employee Wellbeing Initiative with trained mental health champions
- Smart Pension & Rewards: plan for your future with discounts and cashback
- Enhanced Occupational Sick Pay
- Cycle to Work & Technology Salary Sacrifice schemes
- Employee discount scheme
- Protected CPD days, annual away days, and high‑quality training
- Professional registration fees covered (where applicable)
- Opportunities to influence service improvement and innovation
- Laptop, monitor, keyboard, and any additional equipment you need to do your best work
- Discounts apply to dependents living within the same household.
Apply now and help us keep Oakdale moving forward. We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close early. Oakdale is proud to be a registered Disability Confident Committed Employer.
Transformation Partner in Harrogate employer: Oakdale Group
Oakdale is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a generous 33 days of annual leave, flexible working arrangements, and comprehensive health benefits. Located in the vibrant town of Harrogate, employees enjoy a supportive work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities to lead transformative projects that enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in healthcare.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Transformation Partner in Harrogate
✨Get Involved with Local Health Initiatives
Join local community health events or volunteer for organisations like public health agencies. This not only builds your experience but also helps you network with industry professionals who might know of openings at places like Oakdale Group.
✨Tap into Professional Associations
Check out associations like the Institute of Healthcare Management. They often have job boards, networking events, and conferences that are perfect for connecting with potential employers in health sciences administration.
✨Stay Updated with Industry Trends
Follow health policy news and trends—being knowledgeable about the current landscape will not only help you in interviews but also make you stand out as a candidate. You can discuss recent developments and their implications when chatting with folks at Oakdale Group.
✨Apply Through Our Website for Better Visibility
When you find roles that excite you, especially at places like Oakdale Group, don’t forget to apply through our website. This can sometimes give you an edge by showing the employer you’re savvy and committed to finding the right fit.
We think you need these skills to ace Transformation Partner in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at Oakdale Group.
Showcase Your Administrative Skills:Administrative skills are key in this field, so don’t hold back! Make sure your CV reflects your proficiency in things like scheduling, data management, and compliance with health regulations. Mention specific software you’ve used, such as patient management systems, as this will demonstrate your hands-on abilities and readiness for the role at Oakdale Group.
Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to Oakdale Group. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
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 Oakdale Group. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakdale Group
✨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.
✨Know Your Regulations
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.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research Oakdale Group’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
