Job Description

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic professional to lead our Occupational Health Service, playing a pivotal role in both strategic planning and operational delivery.



Reporting to the Associate Director of People for Operational HR, you will be responsible for ensuring the provision of a high-quality, innovative, and commercially viable Occupational Health Service across the Trust.



You will manage a multidisciplinary team and oversee a wide range of activities from clinical governance and maintaining SEQOHS accreditation to data analysis, financial performance, and supporting staff wellbeing initiatives.



A key aspect of the role involves collaboration with internal stakeholders such as employees, managers, HR teams, and clinical leaders. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future direction of occupational health within the Trust, driving improvements in staff health and wellbeing, influencing Trust-wide policy, and expanding the service's commercial reach.



If you are a strategic thinker with a strong background in occupational health, operational leadership, and service development, we'd love to hear from you.



The role is based at our Watford site and core hours of work are Monday to Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM, with flexibility required to meet service demands, attend meetings, and respond to operational needs. Occasional travel to external sites or partner organisations may be required.



This role requires someone who can operate confidently at senior level, balancing leadership, service development, and stakeholder engagement with day-to-day operational management.

Key Skills and Qualities We're Looking For:

Proven leadership experience in managing Occupational Health services within a complex organisation.



Strong understanding of clinical governance, quality standards, and SEQOHS accreditation.



Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels, both internally and externally.



Commercial awareness and experience managing budgets, identifying income opportunities, and delivering value-for-money services.



Strategic thinking and planning abilities, with a track record of service innovation and alignment to organisational goals.



Confident in data analysis, reporting, and using evidence to drive decision-making and improvements.



Commitment to staff wellbeing, continuous improvement, and professional development.



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.



Lead the strategic and operational management of the Trust's Occupational Health Service.



Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team, including clinical and administrative staff, supporting professional development and performance.



Ensure compliance with SEQOHS accreditation standards and all relevant legislation, policies, and best practices.



Collaborate closely with the Wellbeing Service to align health and wellbeing offerings with organisational priorities.



Oversee the Occupational Health budget, ensuring financial sustainability, identifying cost efficiencies, and driving commercial income opportunities.



Analyse service data and produce reports to inform strategic planning, Trust-wide performance monitoring, and senior management decision-making.



Develop and implement Trust-wide policies and procedures relating to Occupational Health, ensuring effective governance and legal compliance.



Build and maintain strong working relationships with key stakeholders.



Lead on the marketing and promotion of Occupational Health Services, both internally and to potential external clients.



Ensure the safe and confidential management of all sensitive health information and contribute to health and safety compliance and risk management across the service.