Operational Manager – Theatres, Pain & Private Patients | NHS Jobs UK

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH)

Location: London, England, United Kingdom
Salary: £58,133 – £65,261 per year, inclusive of HCAS
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time
Band: Band 7
Reference Number: 309-UCLH-8285-A
Closing Date: 19 August 2026
Visa Sponsorship: Available

Job Summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Project Manager to lead the operational management and service improvement of Theatres, Pain Management Services and Private Patients within the Queen Square Division.

The post holder will lead the Theatre Productivity and Performance Programme, driving delivery of the 6-4-2 productivity model and developing sustainable productivity initiatives to maximise theatre utilisation, improve patient flow and support the delivery of high-quality, efficient services.

The role will also provide day-to-day operational management of Pain Management Services and Private Patients, ensuring effective service delivery, performance management and staff leadership.

Working closely with clinical and operational teams, the successful candidate will lead service improvement programmes, monitor performance against key operational standards and develop innovative solutions to enhance patient pathways and operational efficiency.

This is an excellent opportunity for a motivated and experienced leader with strong project management, operational management and stakeholder management skills to make a significant contribution to specialist services within one of the UK's leading NHS Foundation Trusts.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

You will:

• Lead the delivery of the Theatre Productivity and Performance Programme.
• Drive implementation of the 6-4-2 productivity model.
• Identify opportunities to improve theatre utilisation, patient flow and operational performance.
• Provide operational leadership for Pain Management Services and Private Patients.
• Manage staff, performance and service delivery to ensure high-quality, patient-centred care.
• Work collaboratively with clinical and corporate teams.
• Lead service improvement initiatives.
• Analyse performance data and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Manage competing priorities effectively.
• Support the delivery of strategic and operational objectives.
• Influence stakeholders and facilitate sustainable change.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement within a complex healthcare environment.

About University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UCLH) is one of the most complex NHS trusts in the UK, serving a large and diverse population.

The Trust provides academically led acute and specialist services to people locally, throughout the UK and internationally. Its vision is to deliver top-quality patient care, excellent education and world-class research.

UCLH provides acute and specialist services across eight sites, including:

• University College Hospital, incorporating the Elizabeth Garrett Anderson Wing
• National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery
• Royal National ENT and Eastman Dental Hospitals
• University College Hospital Grafton Way Building
• Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine
• University College Hospital Macmillan Cancer Centre
• The Hospital for Tropical Diseases
• University College Hospital at Westmoreland Street

The Trust specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of complex illnesses, including women's health, cancer, infection, neurological, gastrointestinal and oral diseases. It also provides world-class support services including critical care, imaging, nuclear medicine and pathology.

UCLH is committed to sustainability and has pledged to become a carbon net zero health service, with targets of net zero for direct emissions by 2031 and indirect emissions by 2040.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• Degree and/or an appropriate professional qualification or equivalent.
• Excellent IT skills, including good working knowledge of Microsoft packages.
• Specialist knowledge across a range of work procedures.

Experience

Essential:

• Previous managerial experience in a large and complex organisation, preferably within the NHS.
• Proven experience in service improvement and development.
• Proven experience managing budgets effectively and leading staff.
• Proven experience in business planning and developing and implementing complex strategic and operational plans.
• Knowledge and understanding of current issues and practices within the NHS.
• Proven record of successfully managing change while developing and maintaining high standards of quality.
• Strong track record of delivering large, complex change programmes at scale.
• Demonstrated ability to influence teams at all levels to embrace and deliver change.
• Experience using effective communication, stakeholder engagement and collaborative approaches to achieve shared objectives.

Skills and Abilities

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to liaise and negotiate effectively at directorate management team level.
• Proven ability to work under pressure and meet strict deadlines.
• Ability to prioritise effectively.
• Ability to work cooperatively with clinical and non-clinical staff, including other Trust management teams.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships within the directorate.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Ability to motivate and engage individuals and teams.
• Quality-focused approach with an innovative mindset.
• Ability to solve complex problems.
• Strong understanding of multidisciplinary issues and commitment to multidisciplinary working.
• Evidence of political awareness and sensitivity to the high profile of the Trust.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975. A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will therefore be required to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications.

Applicants who require sponsorship should ensure they meet the relevant UK immigration and Skilled Worker visa eligibility requirements before applying.

Salary and Contract Details

• Salary: £58,133 – £65,261 per year, inclusive of HCAS
• Pay Scheme: Agenda for Change
• Band: Band 7
• Contract: Permanent
• Working Pattern: Full-time
• Reference Number: 309-UCLH-8285-A
• Date Posted: 5 August 2026
• Closing Date: 19 August 2026

Employer Details

Employer: University College London Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Location: National Hospital for Neurology & Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, WC1N 3BG, United Kingdom

For questions about the role, contact Alexandra Palmer Makowski, General Manager, at alexandra.palmermakowski@nhs.net.

How to Apply

To apply for the Operational Manager – Theatres, Pain and Private Patients position, click the Apply button below and complete the online application.

Closing Date: 19 August 2026

Applications from candidates who require current Skilled Worker visa sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside other eligible applicants.