University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
Associate Care Group Manager - Ophthalmology
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Associate Care Group Manager - Ophthalmology
Associate Care Group Manager – Ophthalmology Care Group
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Job Overview
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to join their Ophthalmology Care Group as an Associate Care Group Manager. This pivotal role supports the operational delivery of high-quality, patient-centred services across eye emergency, theatre, inpatient, and outpatient pathways.
Ideal for individuals seeking progression into a Care Group Manager or Senior Service Manager position within acute hospital management, this opportunity involves influencing RTT performance, backlog reduction, and patient experience enhancements—essential for one of the largest eye units on the south coast.
Key to this role is collaborating with clinical leads, matrons, and operational managers to drive workforce planning, service improvement, and pathway redesign. Success ensures improved patient flow, productivity, and sustainable service transformation in line with broader healthcare objectives.
About the Role
Location: Southampton General Hospital (with support across Lymington New Forest Hospital) Reporting Line: Care Group Manager Working Environment: Fast-paced, complex, and high-volume tertiary referral ophthalmology service
Responsibilities
As a senior operational leader within the Ophthalmology management team, you will:
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Operational Leadership
- Lead the operational delivery and transformation of services across inpatient, eye emergency, theatres, and outpatient pathways.
- Ensure high-performance RTT delivery, backlog reduction, and sustainable improvements in patient access and outcomes.
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Strategic Partnerships
- Collaborate with clinical leaders and multidisciplinary teams to implement service transformation, pathway redesign, and productivity improvements.
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Workforce & Service Resilience
- Provide senior leadership across operational and administrative teams, supporting workforce planning and Trusted efficiency objectives.
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Performance Management
- Drive data-informed decision-making to enhance operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Manage delegated budgets, achieving financial targets while optimising finite resources.
What We’re Looking For
Key Requirements
We seek a dynamic and experienced leader with the following attributes:
✔ Proven operational management experience within a complex healthcare environment, including:
- Delivering against performance targets in acute or clinical settings.
- Demonstrating proven leadership at senior levels to influence multidisciplinary teams.
✔ Strong analytical skills with experience:
- Analysing complex data to support decision-making and service improvements.
- Communicating insights clearly to internal and external audiences.
✔ A track record of driving meaningful change while maintaining consistency with Trust objectives.
Working at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust
Career Development & Environment
- One of England’s largest acute teaching Trusts, offering robust learning and development opportunities to advance your career.
- A sustainable and inclusive workplace with a focus on flexible working practices to support your well-being, responsibilities, and personal goals.
- Located near international transport links, the New Forest, South Downs, and Jurassic Coast, offering a high-quality lifestyle balance.
Culture & Inclusion
At UHS, we affirm:
📌 Working Together – Through collaboration and strong partnerships across teams. 📌 Always Improving – Embracing innovation and a continuous learning mindset. 📌 For Patients – Prioritising exceptional patient-centred care at every step.
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We proudly champion diversity, ensuring anti-racist, inclusive practices where every team member feels valued, safe, and empowered. Our multi-disciplinary community welcomes all backgrounds, created to foster belonging and impactful contributions.
Person Specification: Qualifications, Knowledge & Experience
Essential Criteria
- First degree or equivalent qualification.
- Post-qualification professional development (e.g. MSc, MBA, or advanced management training).
- Leadership and management training (formal or accredited programmes).
- At least two years of experience working competently in an acute healthcare environment in a senior operational/management position (clinical care group or equivalent).
- Demonstrated knowledge of National/Local NHS frameworks (MPF, NHS Long Term Plan).
- Advanced leadership experience, including complex information presentation to national and local stakeholders.
- Report-writing and data analysis skills to inform operational decisions and strategic improvements.
- Budget management experience with evidence of achieving financial and resource-related targets.
Desirable Criteria
- Membership of an NHS or relevant professional body.
- Previous NHS experience (including leadership in clinical pathways or operational efficiency initiatives).
- Breadth of relevant clinical experience in ophthalmology or other high-volume specialty settings.
- Project management expertise with a history of guiding successful transformational changes.
For full details and to apply, visit [UHS Careers Portal](insert link).
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