Job Title

Head of Improvement | Private Acute Healthcare SectorLeeds1 year FTC – Full Time Someone who is immediately available Up to £75,000KPurposeTo provide direct, high-level support to the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations in the delivery of high-quality, safe, and effective services centered around the needs of patients and their families.This role will play a key part in operational oversight, stakeholder management, service improvement, and strategic project delivery to ensure the continued development and sustainability of servicesKey relationshipsThis role reports to the Regional Director of Healthcare OperationsCritical external relationshipsExternal clinical team to ensure service deliveryNHS ICB, Strategic Clinical NetworksOther NHS and voluntary sector providersLocal service providers and suppliersCritical internal relationshipsHead of OperationsHead of Clinical ServicesHead of WellbeingFundraising teamClinical Quality teamMedical consultants, specialty doctors and internal clinical team to ensure service deliveryOther members of the service SMTMarketing and Communications teamResponsible for working alongside volunteers Qualifications requiredEssential:Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in a health or social care setting.Desirable:Leadership or management qualification.Proven experience, skills and ability Essential:Leadership experience in a healthcare setting.Demonstrated experience of operational roles and project management in a healthcare environment.Good understanding of governance, financial management and HRStrong interpersonal skills and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships.Excellent organisational and communication skills (both written and verbal).Experience in change management / service development initiatives.High proficiency with IT tools including Microsoft Office and online reporting systems.High emotional intelligence and ability to exercise discretion and sound judgement.Familiarity with NHS commissioning and integrated care systemsVery good understanding of working in a regulated health environment and deep understanding and experience working with a regulator.Desirable:Previous experience in an NHS, hospice or specialist health care environment.Understanding, knowledge, experience of palliative and end of life careUnderstanding of charity operationsComplexity and accountability Reports to the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations. Does not hold ultimate budgetary responsibility but plays a key role in monitoring financial performance, preparing reports, and supporting cost-efficiency initiatives. They may be delegated budget oversight on specific projects or service elements at the discretion of the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations.The role does not hold direct line management responsibility but may supervise junior team members, temporary staff, or volunteers on a task or project basis. They may also be asked to lead cross-functional project groups and coordinate workstreams involving multiple stakeholders.This role is both operational and strategic in nature. While some tasks follow established procedures (e.g., data reporting, compliance checks), a significant portion requires initiative, judgement, and proactive problem-solving to manage competing priorities, evolving service needs, and stakeholder demands.The post-holder is expected to operate with a high degree of autonomy and flexibility. They must be able to independently prioritise their workload and make decisions about how best to achieve outcomes, while keeping the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations informed and aligned. They act as a key advisor and operational extension of the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations.The post holder must be adaptable, as the role requires juggling a mix of routine administrative duties, project management responsibilities, and reactive support in response to unplanned issues or opportunities.Discretion, diplomacy, and strong emotional intelligence are essential due to the sensitive nature of healthcare services and the senior stakeholders involved. The post-holder is entrusted to represent the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations in meetings and communications where reputational impact is significant.Support the inclusive open can do culture and support the Regional Director to progress the positive organisational developmentSupport building external relationshipsLiaise with national team directorates to respond to various tasksKey responsibilities Support the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations in the planning and execution of strategic initiatives and operational plans.Represent the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations in internal and external meetings, providing summaries and follow-up actions.Coordinate service operations, including staff communications, reporting, and project tracking.Collaborate with Heads of Clinical Services, Head of operations and Head of Wellbeing Services, internal teams, and external partners to ensure smooth service delivery.Lead or assist with specific projects relating to service redesign, improvement, and transformation.Monitor service performance against KPIs and support data reporting for internal leadership and external stakeholders.Assist in contract management and contribute to identifying and growing statutory income.Help ensure compliance with clinical governance and regulatory standards.Foster good working relationships across departments and with external partners, including ICS, ICBs, clinical networks, local businesses, and the media.Contribute to financial and resource planning in collaboration with the Regional Director of Healthcare Operations and Finance Business Partner.Engage in activities that promote the visibility of the service, including representing the service at fundraising and community events.Ensure alignment of service operations with the charity’s strategic objectives and values.This job description is not exhaustive. It merely acts as a guide and may be amended to meet the changing requirements of the charity at any time after discussion with the post holder.Further InformationIf you are looking for an exciting new challenge and the opportunity to become an integral part of a successful business, get in touch with Beth for a confidential chat on 02392 316033 or send your updated CV to Associates Ltd is acting as a Recruitment Consultancy for this permanent vacancy; we offer £200 John Lewis vouchers for each successful recommendation.