National Head of Ambulance Operations

National Head of Ambulance Operations

Hybrid – With an expectation to travel to London Headquarters (once a week)

Full Time/Permanent

Closing Date: 4th January 2026

Our offer to you

• Competitive salary and pension scheme
• 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) – increasing to 38 days over 5 years
• Cycle to work scheme, Electric Vehicle Scheme
• Health and Wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Discounts – Blue Light and NHS Discounts, mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping

About Us

St John Ambulance works at the heart of communities, supporting and enabling them to access and receive physical and mental health first aid. We provide effective community response and outreach services, and empower people with vital clinical skills and confidence through our volunteers and community programmes. We also run a social enterprise network that delivers first aid training and medical consumables to businesses and consumers. With a new strategy and a review of our current structures, we are recruiting a new National Head of Ambulance Operations to take our services to the next level and build our services.

Job Summary

As National Head of Ambulance Operations, you will be the CQC registered manager on behalf of the organisation, providing strategic leadership and driving the delivery of sustainable, cost‑effective ambulance services nationwide. You will lead our key critical care and transport services, shape the future of St John Ambulance, develop new offerings, expand into emerging and existing markets, and ensure balanced growth. At the same time, you will lead and support your team to deliver patient‑centred, high‑quality services every day and be recognised for outstanding provision, seen as a trusted provider to our commissioners and partners.

About You

We are looking for a senior leader with a Master’s level education (or equivalent experience), safeguarding competence and a strong record of ongoing professional development (ideally a registered HCP). You bring proven experience in regulated healthcare environments, leading large teams and commercial operations of £10‑15m+, and driving major change programmes. Strategic vision, risk management, and the ability to inspire stakeholders are essential, alongside a compassionate, emotionally intelligent leadership style and excellent influencing skills.

About the Role

• Design, implement, and evaluate the organisation’s strategy for Ambulance Operations services and monitor and report performance regularly to Directorate and Network Leadership Teams
• Work with and for the team to ensure staff and volunteers have the support, tools and environment to thrive
• Forge and maintain relationships with the wider Health & Social Care Sector and regulatory sector senior leaders to drive opportunities and engagement for and with St John Ambulance
• Ensure all aspects of ambulance service delivery are discharged by leaders, providing subject‑matter expert advice to relevant directors and the Executive, other directorates and the organisation
• Support direct reports to plan, commission, and deliver new services through effective tendering, design, implementation, and review stages
• Be responsible for budget oversight, management, and reporting and ensure cost‑effective delivery of services
• Provide strategic oversight and assurances on operational performance in all stations and contracts within the area of responsibility, including patient experience, clinical standards, income, cost control, health and safety, and delivering against agreed Key Performance Indicators
• Support direct reports to maintain their registrations as Registered Manager(s) with the Care Quality Commission and ensure delivery of all regulated activity services is in line with CQC under the Health & Social Care Act 2008 (Regulated Activities) Regulations 2014

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

St John Ambulance are committed to increasing the diversity of our team and making sure we best reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. At St John, everyone is valued and supported to thrive. We have several networks including Multi Culture, Disability and Accessibility, Pride, Family and Carers, and Women’s groups. We do not tolerate any form of discrimination and engender a sense of belonging for all, by creating an environment of mutual respect, valuing unique differences and demonstrating authentic allyship. We believe passionately in equality, diversity and inclusion.

St John Ambulance is committed to safeguarding and promotes safe recruitment practice. Therefore, all successful applicants will undergo pre‑employment checks, including DBS Clearance, as part of the onboarding process, if applicable to the nature of the role.

Please note: St John does not accept speculative CVs and will only review CVs sent in application for an advertised vacancy.