Director of Operations and Strategy

Job summary

Help shape the next chapter at WellBN.

This is a unique opportunity to join WellBN’s Senior Leadership Team at an important point in our journey. We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader to help reshape our organisation, strengthen our culture, and build a sustainable future for our patients, people and communities.

WellBN has a proud history of providing inclusive primary care across Brighton & Hove. We have also faced significant challenges in recent years, and we believe in being open about that. We are committed to learning from the past, building trust and creating an organisation where our people can thrive.

Working closely with the GP Partners and fellow Directors, you will provide strategic and operational leadership to drive improvement, strengthen governance, develop high-performing teams and deliver safe, effective and sustainable services.

This is an opportunity to make a lasting impact—helping to shape WellBN’s future, influence local healthcare and create a positive culture where colleagues and communities can flourish.

If you’re motivated by purpose and excited by the opportunity to lead meaningful change, we’d love to hear from you.

Responsibilities

The Director of Operations & Strategy is the executive lead for all non-clinical aspects of the organisation, providing strategic and operational leadership to ensure the practice is financially sustainable, operationally effective, regulatory compliant and positioned to meet the changing needs of patients and the NHS. Working closely with the GP Partners and Clinical Director, the post holder translates organisational strategy into delivery while leading continuous improvement, workforce development, financial performance and business growth.

Strategic leadership

• Lead the development and delivery of the practice’s strategic objectives
• Advise the Partners on organisational performance, opportunities and risks
• Lead transformational change programmes and service redesign
• Develop relationships with the PCN, ICB, NHS England and external partners
• Identify opportunities for growth, innovation and new income streams

Operational leadership

• Provide executive oversight of non-clinical operations across all sites
• Lead and develop the direct reports, ensuring consistent operational standards
• Oversee patient services, administration, estates, facilities and business continuity
• Drive operational efficiency
• Monitor organisational KPIs and lead continuous improvement

Financial leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of budgets, forecasting and financial performance
• Oversee maximising contractual income through effective coding, claims and contract optimisation
• Work with finance colleagues to ensure robust financial controls and accurate reporting
• Provide high-quality management information and performance analysis to the Partners

Governance, Quality & Risk

• Lead corporate governance, risk management and regulatory compliance
• Ensure continuous CQC readiness and compliance with NHS contractual requirements
• Work with the Clinical Director and clinical leads to deliver QOF and quality objectives
• Oversee information governance, health and safety and business continuity

People & culture

• Provide inspirational leadership across the organisation
• Lead workforce planning, organisational development and succession planning
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, wellbeing and continuous improvement

External representation

• Represent the practice with system partners and external stakeholders, such as the ICB, PCN, neighbourhood etc
• Develop collaborative relationships that support the practice’s strategic ambitions

Requirements

We’re looking for someone with senior operational leadership experience, a track record of leading change, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with delivery. You’ll be a collaborative, visible leader who builds strong relationships, inspires confidence and brings resilience, curiosity and credibility.

Person specification

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience in primary care, healthcare or a comparable complex organisation
• Experience leading multi-site operations and organisational change
• Strong financial management, budgeting and performance reporting skills
• Knowledge of NHS primary care, CQC, QOF and governance requirements
• Excellent leadership, communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills

Desirable

• Degree or equivalent professional qualification
• Leadership qualification (CMI, ILM, MBA or equivalent)
• Experience working with PCNs, ICBs or wider NHS partnerships
• Experience leading digital transformation programmes

Key measures of success

• Financial sustainability and contract performance
• CQC compliance and governance standards
• Operational performance across all sites
• Staff engagement and retention
• Patient access and experience
• Successful delivery of strategic objectives and transformation programmes

About us

We are a multi-site GP practice committed to delivering outstanding patient care across our communities. We combine clinical excellence with strong operational leadership to provide safe, sustainable and innovative primary care services. As our organisation continues to evolve, we are seeking an experienced Director of Operations & Strategy to provide executive leadership across all non-clinical functions, ensuring the practice is well-positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities.

Benefits package

• Competitive salary based upon skills and experience
• Learning and development – access to training, professional development and opportunities to grow your career
• NHS pension scheme or NEST – two of the UK’s most valuable workplace pension schemes
• Generous annual leave – including bank holidays, with entitlement increasing in line with service where applicable
• Flexible working – we support flexible working arrangements wherever service needs allow
• Health and wellbeing support – access to wellbeing initiatives and an Employee Assistance Programme
• Blue Light card eligibility – access to discounts at thousands of retailers, restaurants and attractions (where eligible)
• Cycle to work scheme (if offered)
• Regular team events and social activities – helping to build a positive and supportive workplace