Managing Director, Sussex Pathology Network (SPN)

Job summary

The Managing Director for the Sussex Pathology Network will provide senior strategic, transformational and operational leadership to develop safe, sustainable and resilient pathology services across Sussex. Working with the Sussex Pathology Board, Trust partners, clinical leads, NHS England and the ICB, the post holder will shape the network's operating model, governance and long-term strategy, translating shared ambitions into deliverable plans with clear outcomes and measurable benefits.

Main duties of the job

The successful candidate will be an experienced senior NHS leader with strong strategic, political, financial and relationship-building skills, able to influence across organisational boundaries, manage ambiguity and build a collaborative network culture. They will provide visible and inclusive leadership, champion innovation and improvement, and ensure effective stewardship of public resources

About us

A wide range of staff benefits are available to our staff including staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto-enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries. staff restaurants and accommodation.

In addition to an internal Occupational Health department, all staff also have access to free psychological support through our confidential Employee Assistance Programme. Onsite parking is available from only £50 a year.

There has never been a better time to join East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust, submit your application today.

Statement on the Use of AI

We value the individuality that each candidate brings to the application process. While we understand that AI tools are widely available, we strongly discourage applicants from using AI-generated content when applying for jobs with us. We believe that your application should reflect your true skills, experiences, and motivations, which are best conveyed through your own words and unique perspective.

Using AI for your application may not accurately represent your knowledge, skills, and experience and may result in a disconnect between your qualifications and our assessment of your application.

We encourage applicants to take the time to thoughtfully complete their applications; by doing so, you allow us to better understand your true potential and ensure a fair and transparent evaluation of your application. Over reliance on AI-generated content may diminish your chance of success.

Job responsibilities

Provide strategic, transformational and operational leadership to establish and develop the Sussex Pathology Network (SPN), working with the Sussex Pathology Board, clinical leads, Trust pathology teams and programme partners to deliver early-stage priorities and build the foundations for a mature, sustainable network.

The post holder will lead complex change across multiple organisations, translating network ambitions into deliverable plans with measurable outcomes, and leading through influence as well as authority.

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Master's degree or equivalent senior level experience
• Postgraduate management/leadership qualification or equivalent experience
• Evidence of ongoing professional development

Desirable

• Master's-level understanding of pathology scientific disciplines

Experience

Essential

• Significant senior leadership experience within the NHS or Pathology Services
• Significant, senior experience in NHS or pathology services operational and/or business leadership (with oversight of operations, quality and finance)
• Experience leading large-scale transformation in complex, multi organisational environments
• Proven ability to lead without direct authority across multiple organisational boundaries
• Experience establishing new teams, operating models or governance structures
• Strong programme and project management experience
• Experience managing large budgets
• Experience presenting to senior stakeholders in sensitive or political contexts

Desirable

• Experience leading transformation within pathology services

Skills

Essential

• Highly developed political and strategic skills
• Ability to build trusted relationships and wide support networks
• Strong decision-making in ambiguous or incomplete information environments
• Ability to manage conflict, diffuse tension and navigate contentious issues
• Strong analytical skills, including financial and performance analysis
• Ability to plan across short, medium and long-term horizons
• Effective delegation and matrix leadership
• Commitment to digital innovation and new ways of working
• Ability to promote equality, diversity and inclusion

Desirable

• Understanding of pathology service delivery, accreditation and regulatory frameworks