Associate Director of Performance and Operations

Are you looking to take your leadership career to the next level? At Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, we are embedding our exciting new Operating Model and placing the roles closest to patient care at the heart of decision-making. By creating clinically led, multidisciplinary leadership teams we can ensure decisions are informed by clinical expertise while keeping the operational expertise needed to run safe, successful services.

We are looking for experienced, forward-thinking leaders able to support the introduction of our new ways of working. You will be well supported with a bespoke personal development plan, and you will also have access to a range of development activities.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in decision-making, influence the future of patient services, and be part of a Trust-wide movement to embed clinical leadership at every levels.

Job description

At MFT, were highly committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity. Thats why weve identified this role as a great way to support your development; ringfencing this vacancy for individuals who are signed up to the E3 secondment scheme; as part of the Removing the Barriers Programme. The great news is, for your application to be considered you dont necessarily need to meet all theout more about the key responsibilities and the specific skills and experience youll need for this role, take a look at the Job Description & Person Specification attachments under the Supporting Documents heading.

Explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place

To help you feel confident, prepared and fully informed before you apply, we invite you to explore Inside MFT Your Candidate Place. This welcoming onestop hub gives you a real sense of who we are what we stand for, how we reward and support you, and the many ways we care for you as you care for others. Youll also find practical hints and tips for submitting a great application, along with the essential information you need to know before you apply.

To access Inside MFT Your Candidate Place, simply click on the relevant PDF document under the Supporting Documents section and once opened, you can where either scan QR code or click on the link provided.

Closing vacancy listings early

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.To help us manage applications fairly and give each one the time it deserves, our adverts may close early if we receive a high level of interest. Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Diversity MattersMFT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity, celebrating and valuing diversity and eliminating any form of unlawful discrimination across our workforce, ensuring our people are truly representative of the communities we serve. All individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation are encouraged to apply for this post. As an inclusive employer, we are here to support you. If you have any special requirements to help you with your application, please contact the manager named below.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in your application

Here at Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust, were proud to be ALL HERE FOR YOUfor our patients, our communities, and each other.As part of our commitment to fairness, transparency, and personal integrity, we ask all applicants to ensure that their job applications reflect their own experiences, skills, and motivations. While AI tools can support spelling, grammar, or formatting, we expect that the content of your applicationespecially personal statements and responses to role-specific questionsis written by you. This helps us get to know the real you and ensures that our recruitment process remains equitable and meaningful for everyone.

Thank you for helping us uphold the values that make our Trust a place where people belong, grow, and thrive. We look forward to receiving your application.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Evidence of a demonstrable commitment to Continual Professional Development
• Education to a minimum of master's degree level or equivalent post graduate qualification or equivalent senior level experience

Desirable

• Evidence of Management and Leadership Development geared towards very senior posts

Skills, Knowledge Requirements and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of working and contributing at a very senior level in a similarly complex organisation or system
• A proven ability to deliver consistently to NHS standards of operational performance.
• A commitment to system excellence as well as organisational excellence.
• Experience of operational and capacity planning to meet organisational performance targets.
• Experience of establishing and applying robust performance management systems and accountability frameworks
• Evidence of setting ambitious attainable targets and of leading an implementing innovative solution, and complex change and modernisation programmes designed to improve quality and services within tight financial constraints.
• Having the ability to understand the longer term or widespread implications of decisions.

Desirable

• Outstanding reputation and demonstrable successes at director/very senior level, with a proven track record of producing high quality results in the management and leadership of operations in a large organisation, preferably within the NHS.

Personal Attributes

Essential

• A commitment to excellence in all areas

About the employer

Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT) is a leading, integrated healthcare provider, the largest of its kind in specialist services, and our Oxford Road Campus in Manchester, the largest health academic campus in Europe, serving over 1 million people per year through our 10 hospitals and extensive community services. With a workforce of 30,000 plus, we are at the forefront of system leadership, innovation, and transformation across Greater Manchester.

As a senior manager, you will play a critical role in shaping and delivering our strategic objectives. You will lead complex programmes, drive operational excellence, and influence Trust-wide transformation, working collaboratively with or through Executive and Clinical Leaders to deliver sustainable improvements for our patients, staff, and communities.

MFT offers a dynamic, inclusive environment where your leadership, vision, and expertise are valued. You will have the opportunity to lead high-impact projects, develop future talent, and contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and a commitment to professional development.Join us to make a lasting impact--help shape the future of our Trust, drive innovation, and deliver outstanding care for the people of Manchester, Trafford and beyond.