Senior Ambulance Operations Manager

Spark Medical is a rapidly developing organisation with a clear ethos of delivering high-quality provision. We have been providing ambulance services, event medical cover and accredited pre-hospital care, clinical education and workplace first aid training since 2016. As a highly regarded, clinically led organisation, we’re a patient-focused, driven company with a dedicated leadership team that maintains high standards for patient care. Our vision, where every second counts and every patient matters, is part of our mission to deliver the right patient care, in the right place through a skilled and committed team in partnership with our NHS.

An exciting opportunity has arisen within the Spark Medical Senior Leadership Team to oversee the delivery of our varied portfolio of operational services along with the strategic development of our services. This role is seeking an enthusiastic individual with a strong passion to work in a fast-paced independent medical company.

The successful individual will be expected to plan, co-ordinate, oversee and lead the management of agreed activity levels and manage a team of clinical and operational staff to ensure maximum operational requirements are achieved and produce an enjoyable workplace for our teams to operate in, creating a climate and culture which enables our people to realise their potential within a supportive, safe, continuous improvement and learning environment conducive to positive levels of health and well-being.

Hours of work will be on a shift basis, working in conjunction with the Head of Ambulance Operations, to ensure that there is cover for the start and end times of the shifts from base. If this aligns with your values, then we’d love to hear from you.

Under the direction of the Head of Ambulance Operations (HOAO) and the Director of Governance and Compliance, the post holder will be accountable and responsible for service delivery ensuring high levels of patient care and patient safety, as well as high-quality day-to-day management of Spark Medical Ltd including fleet, estates, and equipment. The post holder will provide leadership to the Assistant Ambulance Operations Manager (AAOM) and refer/escalate issues to the Head of Ambulance Operations (HOAO) or other relevant managers.

Embodying an active and caring style of management, the successful candidate will be at ease when setting direction and holding to account, while also acting as a motivational coach who can inspire their teams to push boundaries and strive for excellence. The individual will have the ability to assemble, interpret and present data and other information clearly and persuasively to inform and support service delivery and decision making.

This position requires the post holder to have senior leadership experience in the management of operations, staff, and fleet. This role is non-clinical, but a basic knowledge of ambulance operations would be desirable, though not essential, and must meet Spark Medical Ltd safe recruitment procedures.

The Senior Ambulance Operations Manager (SAOM) will be required to liaise with and work collaboratively with other team members, including interacting with managers from different areas within the company and assisting with the planning and delivery of staff training, supervising new employees, and tracking and measuring staff performance. Additionally, the post holder will be responsible for Health and Safety and Quality of Ambulance Operations Delivery, and will be required to participate in the on-call ambulance operations rota.

This role will be based at Spark Medical’s Head Office, and travel will be required to support effective delivery of the role. This is an exciting time to join an established organisation and great team with ongoing ambitious plans and growth aspirations. We are looking for someone with aspirations to far exceed expectations, grow with our organisation, and bring fresh and exciting ways of working to drive the very best quality and efficiency levels.

To ensure effective, efficient, and consistent service delivery of all activity within the service including Frontline, Urgent Care, PES, Mental Health and Patient Transport Services. Provide leadership to a dedicated team of Assistant Operations Managers (AAOM), Mentors and Operational Team Leaders (OTLs). Liaise with the Director of Service Support for vehicle servicing, MOT, and maintenance issues. Ensure all vehicles are stocked in accordance with contract and company specifications. Work with the Head of Ambulance Operations to maintain operational stock and equipment and ensure adequate stock replenishment systems are in place.

Actively participate in undertaking operational audits, disseminating findings, and leading the implementation of changes to protocol and/or procedure. Complete compliance audits on systems and processes across the company. Oversee driving standards and be responsible for driving review meetings and investigations. Take an active role in the induction process for new staff, ensuring a robust and fit-for-purpose programme is in place. Lead and manage processes to ensure operational requirements are embedded in practice and assist with appraisals of all team members.

Oversee records of vehicle repair and maintenance, and maintain cleaning and deep clean records in accordance with policy and CQC requirements. Assist in operational investigations when required, reporting to the Director of Governance & Contracts and Head of People and Culture. Conduct routine medication audits as requested by the Director of Governance & Contracts for stock levels (non-controlled). Provide support to the Operational team when requested. Oversee clinical supervision for all staff grades.

Work to the values of Spark Medical Ltd and display high standards of integrity and professionalism towards patients, clients, and colleagues. Continuously develop and update own knowledge and skills within the job role and contribute to setting own work objectives. Demonstrate excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with all stakeholders. Plan and organise own workload within tight timescales and set and work to agreed objectives. Attend regular meetings throughout the year as required. Act in the best interest of the business and undertake incident investigations when required. Join the Spark Medical Ltd Senior Leadership Team.

Report to the Managing Director, Director of Governance & Contracts, and Head of Ambulance Operations to provide monthly delivery reports and implement a clear strategic plan for ongoing service delivery with a focus on high quality and best possible patient care. Ensure that the interior of all vehicles is maintained to a high standard of cleanliness, in line with the company IPC policy.