Director of Operations - North West London Pathology

Director of Operations - North West London Pathology

Continue to shape the future of pathology services across North West London.

North West London Pathology (NWLP) is a leading, innovative and collaborative NHS pathology network serving multiple NHS Trusts and private providers. We are seeking an exceptional Director of Operations to provide strategic leadership and operational excellence across our network for an interim appointment until the end of June 2027.

As a key member of the NWLP Executive Team, you will:

• Drive delivery of ambitious performance and service improvement targets.
• Lead the implementation of NWLP's strategy and integrated business plan.
• Ensure high-quality patient care, clinical governance and financial sustainability.
• Maintain strong partnerships across NHS organisations, integrated care systems and external stakeholders.
• Champion innovation, research and continuous improvement in pathology services.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the operational pathology services in one of the UK's most dynamic pathology networks.

Main duties of the job

We are looking for:

• Significant senior leadership experience in healthcare operations, ideally within pathology or acute services.
• Proven track record in strategic planning, financial management and delivering large-scale change.
• Strong leadership, influencing and communication skills to inspire teams and foster collaboration.
• Ability to manage complex budgets and performance frameworks.
• Commitment to NWLP vision and values: Kind, Collaborative, Expert, Aspirational.

About us

Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

NWLP Induction

The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.

Person Specification

• First degree or equivalent.
• Evidence of specialist knowledge of Pathology Scientific disciplines (MSc level or equivalent).
• Extensive knowledge of the NHS in the acute sector with up-to-date knowledge of medical/surgical services.
• Evidence of CPD.
• HCPC registration as a Biomedical Scientist or Clinical Scientist.

Experience

• Significant experience within the Healthcare sector at very senior manager level including responsibility for strategic planning and budgetary control for a group of complex medical/surgical specialties.
• Demonstrable success in delivering large scale change and performance with and through management and clinical teams.
• Track record of financial delivery including EBITDA target ratio, efficiency savings, income and expenditure targets.
• Extensive experience of writing complex business cases and policies.
• Extensive experience of managing and deciding on complex employment issues.
• Experience of delivering large scale clinical service management at a senior level in a complex hospital environment.
• Well-developed IT skills to manage and report on complex performance management information.
• Change management - encourages innovation whilst minimising disruption in line with organisational objectives.
• Financial Acumen - aligns operational decisions with financial sustainability.
• People Leadership - Inspires, motivates and delegates effectively. Developing talent through coaching and mentorship.
• Operational excellence - focused on process improvement, efficiency and quality.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.