Neonatal Operational Delivery Network Manager | University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
| Posting date: | 08 January 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | Not specified |
| Additional salary information: | £64,455 - £74,896 £64,455 - £74,896 per annum pro rota |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 07 February 2026 |
| Location: | Southampton, SO16 6YD |
| Company: | University Hospital Southampton NHS FT |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 7724104/188-AC040126 |
Summary
Are you an experienced clinical network leader with the passion, credibility and strategic vision to shape neonatal care across a major region? We are seeking an exceptional Band 8b Operational Delivery Network (ODN) Manager to lead the Neonatal Critical Care ODN within the newly formed Strategic Network for Critical Care (SNCC).
For an overview of the main duties of the role please see the ‘Job Description and Main Responsibilities’ section below. To understand the day-to-day responsibilities in more detail please read the full job description document attached.
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, we offer learning and development opportunities to help you achieve the career you aspire to.
All non-clinical roles may involve a mixture of on site and remote working, Specific details and flexible working options can be discussed as part of the interview process. UHS employees are able to access a range of NHS discounts, are entitled to a minimum of 35 days paid holiday (pro rata), and we offer a generous pension scheme.
Southampton is an attractive place to live and work situated on the south coast, with an international airport and direct trains to London. The New Forest National Park and beaches of the Jurassic coast are also right on our doorstep. The city offers living costs 20% lower than London and 14 schools rated outstanding by Ofsted.
The ODN manager role is predominantly remote working from home with travel to providers/trusts around the geographical footprint of the network. Employees residing outside the network footprint will have their contractual base set as UHS.
The SNCC spans the entire South East of England, bringing together the Adult Critical Care and Neonatal Critical Care Operational Delivery Networks across:
• Thames Valley & Wessex (TVW)
• Kent, Surrey & Sussex (KSS)
Across these localities, we deliver seven core functions critical to high-quality, equitable care:
Service Delivery • Resources • Workforce • Quality • Collaboration • Transformation • Population Health
Our work is underpinned by strong partnerships with commissioners, ICBs and providers to ensure system-wide improvement.
About the Role
Reporting to the Head of Strategic Network, you will be responsible for leading and managing the Neonatal ODN across TVW and KSS. This is a pivotal leadership role at an exciting point of transformation.
In 2025/26, the ODNs have come together under the new SNCC umbrella, resulting in redesigned structures, strengthened governance and refreshed funding arrangements. This transition brings opportunities to modernise how we work, enhance cross-regional collaboration and embed agile ways of operating across both the core network team and wider stakeholders.
As the ODN Manager, you will:
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for the Neonatal ODN
• Oversee delivery of key workplans aligned to all seven core network functions
• Lead system-wide engagement with providers, commissioners, clinical leaders and families
• Manage governance, assurance and performance frameworks across the network
• Support new ways of working, enabling teams to operate more flexibly and effectively
• Champion quality improvement, equity, safety and workforce development across neonatal services
• Ensure the network is positioned for future sustainability, innovation and national priorities
About You
We are looking for a dynamic, influential and compassionate leader with:
• Significant experience in operational delivery networks, commissioning, or system-level healthcare leadership
• Deep understanding of neonatal services or critical care pathways (highly desirable)
• Proven ability to lead complex programmes, manage stakeholder relationships and deliver measurable impact
• Strong governance, analytical and strategic planning skills
• A collaborative approach with the ability to inspire teams through change and transformation
Why Join Us?
• Lead one of the most established and respected Neonatal ODNs in England
• Influence service delivery and outcomes for babies and families across the South East
• Contribute to shaping a brand-new strategic framework for critical care
• Become part of an ambitious, supportive and forward-thinking regional team
If you are excited by the opportunity to lead at scale, support major transformation and champion excellence in neonatal critical care, we encourage you to apply
Attached you will find the person specification document which provides more detail about the essential and desirable skills and experience needed for this role. We highly recommend you review this document and use it when completing your application as these criteria are used by hiring managers as guidance during shortlisting.
Main Role Summary
The ODN manager will have day to day operational responsibility for delivering network activities and support/line manager staff employed by the neonatal network.
a) Facilitate discussions to define and improve current processes, advising on best practices and value-based improvements within Strategic Networks.
b) Document and oversee the implementation of agreed processes, supporting specific specialties with mutual aid as needed.
c) Communicate highly complex project information to internal and external stakeholders in various formats, including verbal, written, and numerical.
d) Engage constructively with stakeholders on contentious issues, promoting matrix working within the network and collaborative efforts across organizations
e) The post holder will have a high degree of autonomy and will be expected to manage a demanding workload to deliver sustainable service improvement and will deputise for the Head of Strategic Networks
Due to the nature of the role and ability to attend network meetings in a timeline manner, ability to drive and have access to own transport is essential. Travel expenses are claimable.
This advert closes on Thursday 22 Jan 2026