Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational improvements in community health services and oversee key service transitions.
- Company: Join a dynamic organisation focused on enhancing community health and reducing waiting times.
- Benefits: Part-time role with flexible hours, impactful work, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of a recovery programme that values empathy and accountability in leadership.
- Qualifications: Proven senior operational leadership experience in healthcare and a strong understanding of community services.
- Other info: This is a 4-month interim position, requiring 3 days per week onsite in Surrey.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
We’re seeking an experienced and compassionate Interim Director of Operations to step into a pivotal leadership role for the next 4 months (minimum) during a period of both challenge and opportunity. Our client is embarking on a vital period of change and improvement. Following the recent transition of one of their large services contracts and wider organisational shifts, the focus is now firmly on strengthening and streamlining adult community services to reduce waiting times and enhance operational performance.
As Interim Operations Director, you will join the executive team at a critical juncture. With a recovery programme already in motion and promising early results, your role is to keep the momentum going - driving delivery, stabilising teams, and ensuring clarity and compassion in leadership.
Key areas of focus:
- Leading and embedding the recovery programme to reduce waiting times.
- Overseeing key community services (nursing, therapies, and integrated neighbourhood teams).
- Supporting the transition of the walk-in centre to an Urgent Treatment Centre (UTC).
- Addressing workforce challenges and boosting operational resilience.
- Enhancing collaboration across new and existing partnerships, including primary care.
- Providing board-level assurance on operational performance and delivery.
What You’ll Bring
We are looking for a seasoned operational leader who can quickly gain credibility with frontline teams, provide a steady hand through change, and lead with purpose, empathy, and accountability.
Essential:
- Proven experience in senior operational leadership in healthcare at board level.
- Strong understanding of community health services.
- Track record of delivering operational change and recovery programmes.
- Demonstrable success in reducing waiting times and improving service delivery.
- Confidence to engage with the Board and stakeholders, offering clear assurance.
- Ability to lead through uncertainty, with visible and compassionate leadership.
Desirable:
- Background in nursing or clinical services (advantageous but not essential).
Location: Surrey - onsite
Contract type: Interim - 4 months (3 days per week)
Start Date: ASAP
IR35: Inside
Rate: Band 9
Interim Director of Operations employer: Practicus
Contact Detail:
Practicus Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Director of Operations
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the healthcare sector, especially those who have experience in community health services. Attend relevant conferences or local meetups to connect with potential colleagues and gain insights into the current challenges and opportunities in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in operational leadership within healthcare. This will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying updated and your ability to lead effectively through change.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully led recovery programmes or reduced waiting times. Having these stories ready will showcase your capability and give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the organisation thoroughly, including their recent changes and the context of the role. Understanding their mission and values will allow you to tailor your approach and demonstrate how you can contribute to their goals during this transitional period.
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Director of Operations
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your senior operational leadership experience in healthcare, particularly any roles where you've successfully led recovery programmes or reduced waiting times. Use specific examples to demonstrate your impact.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your understanding of the challenges faced by community health services and how your leadership style aligns with the need for compassion and clarity during periods of change. Mention your track record in similar roles.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise skills that are essential for the role, such as stakeholder engagement, operational resilience, and collaboration across partnerships. Provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in past positions.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, thoroughly proofread your documents to ensure there are no errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is crucial for a leadership role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Practicus
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles in senior operational leadership, particularly in healthcare. Highlight specific examples where you successfully led teams through change and delivered results, especially in reducing waiting times.
✨Demonstrate Empathy and Compassion
Given the focus on compassionate leadership, share instances where you've effectively supported your team during challenging times. This will show that you understand the importance of emotional intelligence in leadership.
✨Understand the Recovery Programme
Familiarise yourself with recovery programmes in community health services. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain momentum in such initiatives and what strategies you would employ to enhance operational performance.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in engaging with boards and stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've offered clear assurance on operational performance and how you plan to foster collaboration across partnerships.
