R oyal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust is seeking a strategic, compassionate and inspirational operational leader to take on the role of Strategic Head of Sexual Health and Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs) across the South West.
This is a senior operational management role, responsible for overseeing the delivery, development, and performance of system wide sexual health services and SARCs across multiple sites. This will include subcontracting responsibility with our partners in Primary Care, Police and the third sector.
You will work closely with clinical teams, safeguarding leads, commissioners, and external partners to ensure safe, effective, and trauma-informed care for all service users. Acting with diplomacy and tact you will be expected to champion and influence system thinking and system change and position RDUH as a trusted and respected system leader.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide operational leadership and strategic oversight of sexual health and SARC services across the region.
- Lead service transformation and improvement initiatives, ensuring alignment with NHS England and local council commissioning standards and local priorities.
- Ensure robust governance, safeguarding, and quality assurance processes are in place.
- Build and maintain strong partnerships with police, social care, voluntary sector, and public health teams.
- Manage budgets, contracts, and workforce planning to ensure sustainable and effective service delivery, whilst championing the services and ensuring corporate support and governance is in place.
- Support a culture of positive staff wellbeing, training, and development across multidisciplinary teams.
About You
- Significant experience in operational management within healthcare, population health and integrated care, or public sector services.
- Proven leadership in complex whole system environments.
- Strong understanding of service commissioning, performance management, and partnership working.
- Excellent skills in negotiation, communication, stakeholder engagement, and change management.
- Creative vision and solution focussed approach
- Experience working within SARCs, sexual health, or forensic healthcare settings.
- Postgraduate qualification in healthcare leadership, public health, or contracting.
Benefits
- NHS Pension Scheme – one of the most generous in the UK
- 27 days annual leave (rising to 33 with service), plus bank holidays
- Flexible working options and hybrid arrangements where applicable
- Car lease scheme and cycle-to-work scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme offering 24/7 support
- Access to leadership development programmes and CPD
- Exclusive NHS discounts across retail, travel, and leisure
Working Pattern: 37.5 hours per week
Interview Date: Thursday 16th and Friday 17th July 2026
For further information please contact: Emily Simpson, Executive and Specialist Lead on 07958931414 or emily.simpson21@nhs.net
As an inclusive employer, the Royal Devon values diversity and is committed to creating a culture of inclusivity where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential. We believe in fostering a sense of belonging and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities. We recognise the advantages of having a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
Preference will be given to staff with ‘Priority’ and 'At Risk' status including NHS At Risk staff throughout Devon.
The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust reserves the right to close vacancy when sufficient applications have been received.
Salary and Job Details
- Salary Band 8b: £66,582 - £77,368 per annum pro rata
- Frequency: Annual
- Vacancy Reference: 185-41843-13369
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Closing Date: 5 July, 2026
- Job Category: Administration
- Staff Group: Additional Clinical Services
- Location: Hembury House, Pynes Hill, Exeter , United Kingdom
