Deputy Service Manager
| Posting date: | 05 February 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £47,810.00 to £54,710.00 per year |
| Additional salary information: | £47810.00 - £54710.00 a year |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 February 2026 |
| Location: | Stafford, ST16 1ZY |
| Company: | NHS Jobs |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | C9301-26-0176 |
Summary
Leadership & Strategic Oversight: Collaborate with the leadership team to integrate services across various functions, geographies, and care pathways. Deputise for the Service Manager in their absence, providing strong leadership and direction for service delivery. Support the development and implementation of the Care Groups objectives, working to align local service plans with the Care Group's 5-year delivery plan. Operational Management: Provide effective line management to direct reports, ensuring staff are supported, motivated, and held accountable for service delivery. Oversee recruitment, retention, and training of staff to ensure that teams are appropriately skilled and resourced. Manage the delivery of services to ensure performance meets agreed Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and targets, taking corrective action when necessary. Analyse service data and key performance metrics to identify opportunities for service redesign, improving efficiency, quality, and cost-effectiveness. Ensure services are delivered within budget and contribute to identifying and implementing cost improvement plans. Service Development & Improvement: Assist with the development of business plans, service objectives, and strategic initiatives that support both short- and long-term goals for the service. Lead the implementation of service redesign initiatives, using Quality Improvement (QI) methodology to enhance patient care and operational efficiency. Contribute to the development of local policies and standard operating procedures to streamline service delivery. Ensure that standard operating procedures (SOPs) are consistently followed to maintain high service standards. Governance & Compliance: Ensure robust quality governance practices, including regular audits, incident reporting, and risk management processes. Ensure that all incidents are reported, investigated in a timely manner, and shared across teams to promote a culture of learning. Oversee health and safety processes, ensuring teams maintain up-to-date environmental health and safety risk assessments. Participate in completing audits, including Health Care Record Audits and other relevant trust-wide audits. Contribute to the development of IT systems that capture data to support clinical delivery and inform service planning. Financial & Resource Management: Support the Service Manager in managing the services financial budget and ensuring that all activities are delivered within budgetary constraints. Approve staff expenses and e-procurement orders, ensuring all financial processes are followed in line with Trust policies. Ensure the effective management of capacity and demand within services, maintaining agreed access times for service users. Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Foster positive relationships across professional and operational teams to ensure effective collaboration and service delivery. Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders, including commissioners, to ensure that service changes, new ways of working, and feedback are communicated in a clear and professional manner. Handle sensitive and potentially contentious issues, such as disciplinary matters and complaints, ensuring a balanced and empathetic approach to resolution. Provide regular updates on service performance, improvements, and changes, through presentations and written reports. Autonomy & Decision-Making: Work autonomously within broad professional policies and guidelines, making decisions in the absence of the Service Manager. Ensure flexibility in responding to changing demands, including re-organising schedules at short notice to accommodate patient and staff requirements. Manage the delegated areas of responsibility, making decisions that impact service delivery and overall service quality. Physical Demands: The role involves a combination of sitting, standing, and walking, with regular use of office equipment such as computers and telephones. You may be required to travel across different service locations, attending meetings, site visits, and delivering presentations. Challenges & Key Considerations: The role requires frequent concentration, particularly in ensuring accuracy in reporting and data analysis, as well as responding to dynamic service needs. You will be required to manage difficult or emotional situations, particularly with staff performance management or when responding to complaints or incidents. The job demands adaptability, as the working schedule may need to be reorganised at short notice to meet urgent service needs. Regular use of transportation may be required to attend meetings and liaise with other service areas across the Trust. Skills & Experience Required: Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience of managing teams and supporting staff development. A good understanding of service performance, budget management, and cost improvement planning. Experience of data analysis and using tools such as Power BI to inform service development. Knowledge of healthcare governance, incident reporting, audits, and risk management. Excellent communication skills, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues and work collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams. Flexibility and initiative, with the ability to work autonomously and respond to the changing needs of the service. This role offers an exciting opportunity to take on significant responsibility in a supportive and dynamic environment, contributing to the continued improvement and success of AHP & Community Paediatric Services. If you're an experienced leader with a passion for service delivery and quality improvement, we encourage you to apply.