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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic planning and performance management to optimise resources and monitor efficiency.
- Company: Join the South Western Ambulance Service, a vital part of emergency care in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days holiday, career progression, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a dynamic role.
- Qualifications: Degree and significant experience in planning and performance roles required.
- Other info: Based in vibrant Exeter with excellent transport links and a thriving community.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Overview
This is a new role focused on leading the organisation\’s strategic planning and performance management functions. The postholder is responsible for developing and implementing frameworks that ensure the Trust achieves its strategic aims through effective planning, performance monitoring, and resource optimisation. The closing date is 07 October 2025.
Note: the job description is current indicative Band 8d subject to job evaluation review.
Main duties of the job
- Lead and manage the Planning Team, escalating issues to the Executive Director as needed.
- Monitor organisational performance and efficiency.
- Coordinate Trust-wide planning and performance activities across ROC, Workforce, Fleet, and Estates.
- Attend Board and Committee meetings as required.
- Develop team capability and ensure alignment with Trust goals.
- Promote equality, diversity, and respectful workplace culture.
About us
Working for us is an experience like no other. We provide emergency and urgent care, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, operating across the largest ambulance region in England and responding to an average of 2,650 incidents every day.
We remain committed to ensuring that we provide the best possible care for all our patients, which is reflected in our new five-year strategy which has continually improving patient care at its very core.
The role is based in Exeter, one of the most vibrant, attractive and historically interesting cities in England, with excellent transport links and a great mix of independent shops, cafes and bars.
If you embody our values of one team, compassionate and innovative and are looking to make a real difference to peoples\’ lives, then we would love to hear from you.
In return we will equip you with the skills and resources you need to thrive in your role.
You will have opportunities to progress to roles across the Trust and enjoy continuous professional development.
Benefits
- A standard working week of 37.5 hours
- Holiday entitlements of 27 days per year, plus general and public holidays, rising to 29 days after 5 years and 33 days after 10 years
- Pay enhancements for out of hours, shift and overtime working
- Career and salary progression
- Car leasing scheme
- Free parking across Trust sites
- Staff networks
- Wide range of discounts from various organisations across the UK
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see the attached job description and person specification.
Person Specification
Education and Qualifications
- Degree
- Evidence of appropriate continuing professional development
Experience
- Significant experience of planning and performance roles
- Experience of the private/commercial sector
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust
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Assistant Director of Planning and Performance employer: SWAST
Contact Detail:
SWAST Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Director of Planning and Performance
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at the Trust on LinkedIn or through professional groups. A friendly chat can give you insider info and might just get your foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the Trust’s recent projects and strategic goals. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand how you can contribute to our mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with you. Focus on articulating your experience in planning and performance management clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Director of Planning and Performance
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role of Assistant Director of Planning and Performance. We want to see how you can lead and manage effectively, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Skills: This role is all about strategic planning and performance management, so be sure to emphasise your skills in these areas. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you've successfully monitored performance and optimised resources.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant, and make sure your passion for improving patient care shines through!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our Trust there!
How to prepare for a job interview at SWAST
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the strategic planning and performance management functions. Familiarise yourself with the Trust's current five-year strategy and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Show Leadership Skills
As an Assistant Director, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, especially in planning and performance roles. Highlight your ability to escalate issues appropriately and coordinate activities across different departments.
✨Emphasise Values
The Trust values compassion, innovation, and teamwork. Be prepared to share instances where you've embodied these values in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just a fit for the job, but also for the culture.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Trust's future plans and how the Planning Team fits into those. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your career aspirations.