Job Description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a motivated and exceptional Deputy Service Manager to join the Medicine Division supporting the Haematology, Nephrology, diabetes and endocrinology services. This post is for one full-time role (37.5 hours per week, Monday - Friday) requires a proactive and highly organised individual who embodies the Trust values.



You'll need excellent interpersonal and communication skills, the ability to meet tight deadlines, and maintain positive working relationships. You'll collaborate with service leads to address challenges and ensure smooth, efficient service . This position involves working across multiple sites: Watford General Hospital, Hemel Hempstead Hospital, and occasionally St Albans Hospital.



This role requires regular time on site (80%) and cannot be fully remote. The Trust is supportive of flexible working and requests will be considered in line with the needs of the service and working patterns across the team.



Interviews will be held in person at the Watford site.



The successful candidate will work in collaboration with the Service Manager and General Manager in meeting national waiting time targets, validate the PTL, and identify capacity needs. You'll provide first-line management for A&C staff in the specialities and work closely with the wider team to enhance patient experience and improve service quality and timeliness. Strong communication, organisational, and advanced IT skills are essential to meet deadlines and targets effectively.



With a new hospital planned for Watford and work underway to update theatres at St Albans City Hospital, this is an exciting time to join us.



We are building on the success of our award-winning virtual hospital and re-imagining models of care, working ever more closely with partners and making the most of advances in digital healthcare.



Staff wellbeing and development are a priority at our Trust, as is the role of innovation in improving clinical care, outcomes and patient experience.

Our vision is Excellent patient care, together and our values are to be empowered, compassionate, professional and inclusive. They capture an important balance across what we must all do as individuals and to support others.



We offer a variety of flexible working options as we recognise the importance of a good work life balance.



www.westhertshospitals.nhs.uk/flexibleworking



If you have a disability or long-term health condition and should you require support or guidance please contact westherts.recruitment@nhs.net



If you are a Service Leaver, Veteran, Military Reserve, Cadet Force Adult Volunteer, or partner/spouse of those serving please tick "Member of the Armed Forces Community" on the application form.



We reserve the right to close this advert early due to the volume of applicants. Please apply as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.



If you do not hear back within 3 weeks of your application, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.



This role is for

The successful candidate will provide:

Operational oversight

By managing day-to-day operational issues in the assigned specialties. Ensuring alignment with departmental policies, procedures, and SOPs.

Team Management:

Line management of administrative and clerical staff, including recruitment, training, performance management, and appraisals.

Performance Monitoring:

Tracking performance against key metrics (e.g., PTL, 18-week waits, cancer targets).

Identifying gaps in capacity and developing mitigation strategies.

Capacity Management:

Supporting the Service Manager in maintaining sufficient activity and capacity within services.

Adjusting clinic templates and theatre sessions based on service needs.

Staffing and Recruitment:

Managing requests for temporary or bank staff within the specialties.

Ensuring medical rotas are reviewed and covered adequately in line with the division processes

Complaint and Incident Management:

Coordinating responses to PALS complaints and investigations

Managing incident records and ensuring proper documentation on systems like DATIX.

Financial Engagement:

Attending finance meetings to gain experience in financial management for services.

Managerial Support:

Providing cover for the Service Manager and assisting the management team when needed.

Additional Duties:

Performing other tasks as requested by higher management, including ensuring proper cover for medical rotas and additional sessions for junior and consultant doctors.