Associate Directorate Manager

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced manager to join the General Surgery Team as an Associate Directorate Manager at Mersey & West Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust. The post holder will be responsible for supporting the Directorate Manager and Deputy Directorate Manager in the delivery of performance for their specialties and support services. This includes liaising with Specialties, Departments, Staff, and Clinicians to manage capacity and demand, patient flow, and site issues, ensuring delivery of key performance indicators for the Division and specialties and services within it.

The management of an efficient and responsive clinical, administration, and support service across MWL sites and off-site when appropriate, providing professional advice and leadership, and taking responsibility for the performance of each department is essential. The post holder will participate in the development of corporate objectives, policies, and strategic plans, along with having budgetary responsibility. They will also contribute to the development of effective Clinical Governance, Risk Management, and Controls Assurance Systems, ensuring that procedures are embedded into the culture of all administration across both hospital sites.

Key Duties:

• Assist in the management and support the Directorate Manager or Deputy Directorate Manager across the Division.
• Encourage and motivate staff by allowing continual development through appropriate training and personal development.
• Assist in managing the complaints process, ensuring compliance with Trust targets.
• Develop policies and procedures for the department in line with national guidance and local requirements.
• Ensure all standards, policies, and procedures are implemented and maintained.
• Develop and be responsible for effective business standard operating procedures and processes.
• Work with Clinical staff and Directorate Managers to identify capacity and demand risk areas and discuss resolution.
• Lead the development, implementation, and maintenance of any administration IT Systems.
• Monitor activity and access targets, providing weekly updates/reports.
• Lead on ensuring targets are achieved and take forward agreed projects to improve service delivery and patient experience.
• Support capacity and business planning for the service group.
• Manage outpatient capacity and reallocation clinic capacity to relevant specialties and clinicians.
• Communicate complex and sensitive information to patients and relatives with empathy and reassurance.
• Develop and sustain good relationships and work closely with other directorates/departments.
• Be responsible for all records gathered or used as part of their work within the Trust.

Human Resources Responsibilities:

• Support the department’s full process of recruitment and selection of staff where appropriate.
• Act independently within Human Resources guidelines, ensuring compliance.
• Manage performance and behavioural issues accordingly when escalated by service leads.
• Adhere to and promote Trust policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Ensure all HR policies are communicated widely and implemented.

Teaching & Training Responsibilities:

• Manage the process and availability of training for all staff.
• Support and monitor that all new staff are compliant with Trust Local Induction programme.
• Develop, implement, and maintain a local training package for all levels of staff.
• Manage and support areas for change within the clinical and administration teams.

Line Management/Supervisory Responsibilities:

• Ensure effective communication within the department.
• Carry out weekly 121 meetings with clinical and administration service leads.
• Ensure management of staff is consistent with Trust’s HR Policies.
• Continuously review the managerial and organisational effectiveness of the department.

Financial Responsibilities:

• Contribute to the achievement of the Trust’s business and strategic goals.
• Support and manage the service budget within financial constraints.
• Identify forecasts, trends, and predictions within services.
• Manage service changes that impact and have financial implications.

Research & Audit:

• Support department and service quality assurance measures.
• Develop and implement research programmes and surveys.
• Liaise with other internal departments to ensure best practice is delivered.

Closing Date - 12th February 2025