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- Tasks: Lead transformational change and oversee operations for exceptional patient care.
- Company: Join a collaborative GP Federation dedicated to improving health services in West Kent.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, NHS pension, and comprehensive training support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health while leading innovative service strategies.
- Qualifications: Degree in Health/Management and extensive leadership experience required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and ambitious environment.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Are you keen to lead exciting transformational and strategic change with the 10-year neighbourhood plan for Primary and community services? An exciting opportunity is available to join West Kent Primary Care (WKPC) as a Head of Operations & Strategy. We are seeking an experienced and visionary individual to lead our clinical and operational teams ensuring the delivery of exceptional patient care. We are looking for an enthusiastic and self-driven individual who is a team player, with strong leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a professional approach that demonstrates our values.
The post holder will lead, direct, and manage the development of strategic and operational policy within WKPC, whilst remaining responsible for overseeing day-to-day operations delivered by clinical service managers. In collaboration with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Senior management team (SMT), the post holder will lead the development of new services whilst considering future opportunities to expand WKPC to support primary care.
We are happy to facilitate informal discussions about the role. Please contact us and ask for Claire Ratnayake (Chief Executive Officer). Successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview with a presentation element.
Main duties of the jobThe post holder will be pivotal to overseeing and implementing change to ensure WKPC continues to support practices/Primary care networks as they move into neighborhoods working with other local system providers in West Kent such as the Kent Community Health Trust, the Mental Health Trust, the voluntary sector and the local authority. WKPC will look to support Primary care to display and engage with a collaborative integrated approach across services, ensuring innovation and creativity is always present within transformation of services.
This is an exciting time to join WKPC during a period of strategic growth and expansion. The post holder will have the opportunity to lead on major collaborative activities across the West Kent footprint and work in partnership with providers across the Health Care Partnership (HCP). This post will report into the CEO and support the Director of Finance and Director of Nursing & Quality who form the SMT. They will also work closely with the governance, workforce and digital teams to communicate and embed strategic direction and organisational change in West Kent community and Primary care services. You will participate in the manager on-call arrangements to ensure that effective leadership is in place to support the delivery of safe operational services.
About usWest Kent Primary Care will act as employer for this role. We are a collaborative and ambitious GP Federation working with GP practices across Sevenoaks, Weald, Tonbridge, Tunbridge Wells, Malling, and Maidstone to improve General Practice provision in the area. West Kent Primary Care are a supportive and friendly organisation whose aim is to provide high quality, seamless health care that enables people to lead healthier lives, whilst feeling supported and cared for.
Our Values:- Respect
- Kindness
- Communication
- Favourable terms and conditions
- Match NHS Annual Leave entitlement
- NEST and NHS Pension
- A comprehensive induction into the company followed by a local induction to introduce you to the role
- Training, support, and development in your career
- Flexible working arrangements
- Recognition via Employee of the Month scheme
- Wellbeing support and Employee Assistance Programme
*Due to travel requirements for the role it would be beneficial for applicants to have a full driving license.
Job responsibilities- Lead strategic planning, operational oversight, and implementation of comprehensive service strategies integrating digital, financial, workforce, and governance aims. Track progress against objectives and ensure benefits realisation.
- Oversee day-to-day operations of federation services (e.g. Post-Viral, frailty pathways, diabetes, UTC support, enhanced access), monitor KPIs such as referral volumes, waiting times, utilisation, and savings.
- Bid/Tender Process and Contract Management. Lead preparation and submission of bids/tenders for new services, manage full contract lifecycle including negotiation, SLAs with ICB/External partners, performance reporting, renewals, and compliance with CQC/NHS England standards.
- Line manage Clinical Services Managers/Leads/Operations/Admin/pharmacy staff. Support recruitment, training, appraisals, caseloads, and contingency planning for peaks/troughs, personal development and, where appropriate, resolve any disciplinary or capability issues.
- Drive service transitions, digital transformation (EMIS/CoordinateRx/EPR), MDT coordination, and quality improvements.
- Chair operational groups, maintain and monitor operational risk registers (operational/strategic risks), support incident investigations, and present Board-level reports on performance/risks/mitigations.
- Degree or similar Qualification in Health/Management or related subject
- Advanced programme and project management skills including Prince 2 or equivalent
- Current professional registration
- Leadership qualification or extensive experience in leadership roles
- Senior operations leadership in NHS primary care/PCN/ICB
- Complex pathways and performance turnaround
- Board-level reporting transformational change in sensitive environments
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.
Head of Operations and Strategy employer: West Kent Primary Care
Contact Detail:
West Kent Primary Care Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Operations and Strategy
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the healthcare sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at West Kent Primary Care. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for that panel interview! Brush up on your presentation skills and be ready to showcase your vision for operations and strategy. We want to see how you can lead transformational change, so make it count!
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your leadership chops! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how they align with WKPC's values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Operations and Strategy
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in operations and strategy. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at WKPC, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Leadership Skills: As a Head of Operations & Strategy, strong leadership is key. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects you've led. We love seeing examples of how you've inspired teams and driven change!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re the right fit for the role!
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 without any hiccups. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team at WKPC!
How to prepare for a job interview at West Kent Primary Care
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you thoroughly understand the 10-year neighbourhood plan and how it relates to primary and community services. Research West Kent Primary Care's current initiatives and challenges, so you can speak confidently about how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of your past leadership experiences, especially in operational roles within healthcare. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully led teams through change and implemented strategic initiatives that improved patient care.
✨Engage with the Panel
During the interview, remember that it's a two-way street. Ask insightful questions about WKPC's future plans and how they envision the Head of Operations & Strategy role evolving. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the organisation is the right fit for you.
✨Nail the Presentation
Since there's a presentation element, ensure your slides are clear, concise, and visually engaging. Practice delivering your presentation multiple times to build confidence and make sure you can convey your ideas effectively within the time limit.
