Job summary

Are you an experienced operational leader looking for your next challenge? Do you have the vision, drive and leadership skills to make a real difference to the delivery of high-quality patient care?

This is a fantastic opportunity for an ambitious leader to take on a key operational role, working with autonomy and authority to support the delivery of services, in the MSK directorate.

You will play a pivotal role in the effective management and performance of your designated service areas, ensuring the delivery of key operational targets within available resources.

You will work closely with clinical and operational colleagues, senior medical staff and divisional leaders to support service development, improve pathways and ensure services continue to meet the needs of our patients and the organisation.

We are looking for a confident, proactive and resilient operational leader with the ability to manage complex services, influence stakeholders and deliver sustainable improvements in a demanding healthcare environment.

Main duties of the job

The key focus of this post will be to deputise over the wholebusiness unit, working with autonomy and authority to act on behalf of the Operations Manager. Such duties would include restructuring of teams and changes to service or pathway delivery. Deputise for senior leaders within the Division in both planned and unplanned scenarios.

The post holder will manage the service areas they are responsible for, ensuring the delivery of key targets within the budgeted resources available. They will contribute to strategic and annual business planning for the business unit, including the engagement of senior medical and other staff, as required. They will also lead the planning, development and implementation of service improvement, capital and other projects for the business unit for both internal and regional where appropriate.

They will lead clinical governance processes within their business unit and assist in the management of risk.

About us

Our Trust

Cambridge University Hospitals (CUH) NHS Foundation Trust comprises Addenbrooke's Hospital and the Rosie Hospital in Cambridge. With over 13,000 staff and over 1100 beds the priorities of the Trust focus on a quality service which is all about people - patients, staff and partners. Recognised as providing 'outstanding' care to our patients and rated 'Good' overall by the Care Quality Commissioner, is testament to the skill and dedication of the people who work here. CUH's values - Together - Safe, Kind, Excellent - are at the heart of patient care, defining the way all staff work and behave. The Trust provides accessible high-quality healthcare for the local people of Cambridge, together with specialist services, dealing with rare or complex conditions for a regional, national and international population.

CUH is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves. We value our differences and fully advocate and support an inclusive working environment where every individual can fulfil their potential. We want to ensure our people are truly representative of all the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for all positions in the organisation irrespective of people's age, disability, ethnicity, race, nationality, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, religion or belief, marriage and civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity status or social economic background.

Details

Date posted

02 November 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8b

Salary

£66,582 to £77,368 a year p.a. pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

6 months

Working pattern

Full-time, Part-time, Flexible working

Reference number

180-A-CVA1332

Job locations

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division A

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

United Kingdom

Job description

Job responsibilities

Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities.

Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position.

This vacancy will close at midnight on 15th November 2026.

Interviews are due to be held on 24th November 2026.

All appointments with a start date on or after 1 October 2026 will be subject to a 12-week probationary period. This provides a structured and supportive period to help you settle into your role, with regular reviews and feedback.

Right to Work

As there is a 12-week probationary period, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver.

Benefits to you

At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff.

On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH.

CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times.

Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered.

We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Job description Job responsibilities Please see the attached Applicant Information Pack (combined Job Description and Person Specification) for key duties and responsibilities. Please note:- Internal applicants on permanent contracts can apply for this post as a secondment or fixed term contract. For secondments you must have the approval of your line manager before applying. If you are an internal applicant currently on a fixed term contract you are able to apply for this as a fixed term position. This vacancy will close at midnight on 15th November 2026. Interviews are due to be held on 24th November 2026. All appointments with a start date on or after 1 October 2026 will be subject to a 12-week probationary period. This provides a structured and supportive period to help you settle into your role, with regular reviews and feedback. Right to Work As there is a 12-week probationary period, successful candidates are expected to have the Right to Work for a period of at least 6 months from the proposed start date. Immigration and Right to Work status will be discussed with successful candidates at conditional offer. CUH will not offer sponsorship to candidates that have applied for a fee waiver. Benefits to you At Cambridge University Hospitals, we want to do all we can to support good working days. We offer development opportunities and a wide range of benefits, including on-site leisure facilities, shopping concourse and day nurseries. Our good work programme currently includes providing reduced cost Stagecoach bus travel to and from Cambridge University Hospital site. Park and Ride bus journeys between Babraham Road and Trumpington sites are free, as is the route to and from Cambridge train station and our hospitals. We also subsidise the cost of parking on site for eligible staff. On CUH campus, hot food is available 24/7 and at a reduced cost for colleagues. Recently we launched the first of our staff pod break spaces. Located in the Deakin Centre, we have a purpose-created colleague-only caf, with free tea and coffee, a break space and private outside area for colleagues to rest, refuel and recharge. Just one of the ways we are working hard to support good working days at CUH. CUH is committed to assisting employees in achieving a good work-life balance irrespective of role or personal circumstances. Flexible arrangements may include, but are not limited to, part-time working, job-share, term-time working and flexible start and finish times. Please note if you would like to discuss the required hours of this role further, you should approach the contact given. In some cases, alternative working hours will be considered. We welcome applications from the Armed Forces.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• oEducated to First Degree Level or equivalent (A)
• oEducated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist areas (A)
• oEvidence of CPD (A)
• oCompletion of or willingness to work towards CUH Improvement Coach status (I)

Desirable

• Postgraduate Management qualification(A)
• Project Management or Improvement and Transformation Qualification (Prince II, Six Sigma or Lean) (A)

Experience

Essential

• oProven experience in senior operational management within a clinical area covering multiple specialities and pathways. Knowledge of inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic requirements of pathways.(A)
• oProven experience in improvement and service transformation(A/I)
• oExperience in the development and use of a range of IT systems(A/I)
• oProven experience of managing a team including; oAppraisal skills
• oRecruitment and selection skills
• oDisciplinary and capability procedures
• oExperience in workforce planning to ensure service continuity
• oEvidence of continuing professional development(A/I)
• oExperience in finance, policy and service development changes(A/I)
• oSubstantial proven experience of budget management on a large scale (including activity planning)
• oProven experience of establishing and leading on national strategic work in relation to policy development, operations and systems(A/I)
• oExperience in delivering complex healthcare-related improvement projects and programmes and working alongside senior clinical and operational professionals(A/I)

Knowledge

Essential

• oExtensive knowledge of Operational strategy and policy within the Trust, region and NHS. Including an understanding of tertiary treatment pathways, and the commissioning of new pathways and services. (A/I)
• oKnowledge of audit and governance frameworks(A/I)
• oKnowledge and understanding of best practice risk management processes(A/I)
• oMust have an comprehensive understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement (A/I)
• oComprehensive understanding of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England and individual provider and commissioning organisations (A/I)
• oExtensive knowledge of business and activity planning processes(A/I)
• oExtensive knowledge of risk management processes(A/I)
• oKnowledge of IT/technology used in a clinical environment
• oOverview knowledge and understanding of the NHS, including funding and organisational realities(A/I)

Desirable

• oKnowledge of research and development (A/I)

Skills

Essential

• oProven leadership skills at a senior management level (A/I)
• oExcellent and effective verbal and written communication at a senior level(A/I)
• oProven written skills including business cases and Divisional Board Reports. (A/I)
• oProven ability to work in an organised manner and to high standards(A/I)
• oProven project management skills(A/I)
• oExcellent presentation skills for conveying complex concepts to a range of audiences(A/I)
• oExcellent attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple and competing deadlines(A/I)
• oProblem solving/trouble shooting skills(A/I)
• oExcellent skills in the use of Microsoft office applications (including Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and databases(A/I)
• oHighly developed communication and negotiation skills for delivering key and contentious messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) to the organisation, some at very senior level(A/I)
• oAbility to use informed persuasion to influence others(A/I)
• oAbility to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to or service delivery(A/I)
• oAbility to understand a broad range of complex information quickly and making decisions where opinions differ/no obvious solution (A/I)
• oEvidence of planning and delivering programmes and projects and services, on time (A/I)
• oFinancial and staff management (A/I)
• oAbility to work without supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales (A/I)
• oAbility to deputise for senior leaders within the Division in both planned and unplanned scenarios (A/I)
• oAbility to consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and to take actions which support and promote this agenda. (A/I)
• oAbility to build trusted stakeholder relationships and wide support networks in a political context(A/I)
• oAbility to lead people with vision and integrity, demonstrating the courage to do the right thing. (A/I)
• oAbility to motivate high performing teams, mobilising individuals and team goals(A/I)
• oAbility to build effective partnerships, common purpose and shared understanding across a range of diverse and competing views (A/I)
• oCompetent at working with quantative and qualitative data to deliver relevant, robust and action-oriented conclusions(A/I)

Additional Requirements

Essential

• oPrepared to be flexible in relation to working hours (A/I)
• oTeam working skills (A/I)
• oSelf-motivated (A/I)
• oAbility to move between details and the bigger picture(A/I)
• oDemonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values (A/I)
• oEmbrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and develop (A/I)
• oOperate with a high degree of autonomy, able to exercise judgement and challenge both externally and internally to drive services forward and achieve its agreed outcomes, with minimal steer and input from senior staff(A/I)
• oBe analytical and objective, ensuring that decisions are evidence-based, and aligned to the key principles of the transformation process. (A/I)
• oAlways have the best interest of patients and staff at the centre of any plans(A/I)
• The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent. (A/I)

Person Specification Qualifications Essential oEducated to First Degree Level or equivalent (A) oEducated to masters level or equivalent level of experience of working at a senior level in specialist areas (A) oEvidence of CPD (A) oCompletion of or willingness to work towards CUH Improvement Coach status (I) Desirable Postgraduate Management qualification(A) Project Management or Improvement and Transformation Qualification (Prince II, Six Sigma or Lean) (A) Experience Essential oProven experience in senior operational management within a clinical area covering multiple specialities and pathways. Knowledge of inpatient, outpatient and diagnostic requirements of pathways.(A) oProven experience in improvement and service transformation(A/I) oExperience in the development and use of a range of IT systems(A/I) oProven experience of managing a team including; oAppraisal skills oRecruitment and selection skills oDisciplinary and capability procedures oExperience in workforce planning to ensure service continuity oEvidence of continuing professional development(A/I) oExperience in finance, policy and service development changes(A/I) oSubstantial proven experience of budget management on a large scale (including activity planning) oProven experience of establishing and leading on national strategic work in relation to policy development, operations and systems(A/I) oExperience in delivering complex healthcare-related improvement projects and programmes and working alongside senior clinical and operational professionals(A/I) Knowledge Essential oExtensive knowledge of Operational strategy and policy within the Trust, region and NHS. Including an understanding of tertiary treatment pathways, and the commissioning of new pathways and services. (A/I) oKnowledge of audit and governance frameworks(A/I) oKnowledge and understanding of best practice risk management processes(A/I) oMust have an comprehensive understanding of the background to and aims of current healthcare policy and appreciate the implications of this on engagement (A/I) oComprehensive understanding of the relationship between the Department of Health, NHS England and individual provider and commissioning organisations (A/I) oExtensive knowledge of business and activity planning processes(A/I) oExtensive knowledge of risk management processes(A/I) oKnowledge of IT/technology used in a clinical environment oOverview knowledge and understanding of the NHS, including funding and organisational realities(A/I) Desirable oKnowledge of research and development (A/I) Skills Essential oProven leadership skills at a senior management level (A/I) oExcellent and effective verbal and written communication at a senior level(A/I) oProven written skills including business cases and Divisional Board Reports. (A/I) oProven ability to work in an organised manner and to high standards(A/I) oProven project management skills(A/I) oExcellent presentation skills for conveying complex concepts to a range of audiences(A/I) oExcellent attention to detail and the ability to meet multiple and competing deadlines(A/I) oProblem solving/trouble shooting skills(A/I) oExcellent skills in the use of Microsoft office applications (including Excel, Word and PowerPoint) and databases(A/I) oHighly developed communication and negotiation skills for delivering key and contentious messages to a range of stakeholders both internal and external (including outside the NHS) to the organisation, some at very senior level(A/I) oAbility to use informed persuasion to influence others(A/I) oAbility to identify risks, anticipate issues and create solutions and to resolve problems in relation to or service delivery(A/I) oAbility to understand a broad range of complex information quickly and making decisions where opinions differ/no obvious solution (A/I) oEvidence of planning and delivering programmes and projects and services, on time (A/I) oFinancial and staff management (A/I) oAbility to work without supervision, providing specialist advice to the organisation, working to tight and often changing timescales (A/I) oAbility to deputise for senior leaders within the Division in both planned and unplanned scenarios (A/I) oAbility to consider the most effective way to promote equality of opportunity and good working relationships in employment and service delivery and to take actions which support and promote this agenda. (A/I) oAbility to build trusted stakeholder relationships and wide support networks in a political context(A/I) oAbility to lead people with vision and integrity, demonstrating the courage to do the right thing. (A/I) oAbility to motivate high performing teams, mobilising individuals and team goals(A/I) oAbility to build effective partnerships, common purpose and shared understanding across a range of diverse and competing views (A/I) oCompetent at working with quantative and qualitative data to deliver relevant, robust and action-oriented conclusions(A/I) Additional Requirements Essential oPrepared to be flexible in relation to working hours (A/I) oTeam working skills (A/I) oSelf-motivated (A/I) oAbility to move between details and the bigger picture(A/I) oDemonstrates honesty and integrity and promotes organisational values (A/I) oEmbrace change, viewing it as an opportunity to learn and develop (A/I) oOperate with a high degree of autonomy, able to exercise judgement and challenge both externally and internally to drive services forward and achieve its agreed outcomes, with minimal steer and input from senior staff(A/I) oBe analytical and objective, ensuring that decisions are evidence-based, and aligned to the key principles of the transformation process. (A/I) oAlways have the best interest of patients and staff at the centre of any plans(A/I) The ability to understand and behave at all times, towards patients, visitors and colleagues according to the Trust values of safe, kind, excellent. (A/I)

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.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information 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. Certificate of Sponsorship Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab). From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division A

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Cambridge University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Addenbrookes Hospital-Division A

Hills Road

Cambridge

CB2 0QQ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.cuh.nhs.uk (Opens in a new tab)