We're Hiring: Head of Operational Performance

Location: Home based with nationwide travel required

Contract Type: Permanent, Full time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £65kpa - £70kpa plus benefits



Interview details

1st stage – Virtual interview to take place 9th September

2nd stage – Face to face at our London office based near Euston station


Driving sustainable change for better patient outcomes – with compassion, connection and purpose.

Are you ready to shape the future of palliative, end-of-life and bereavement care on a national scale? Do you bring a strong track record of NHS operational experience, combined with the insight and influence to drive measurable performance improvement?

If so, this is your opportunity to make real impact in a values-led organisation that puts people first.

At Sue Ryder, we believe in being Supportive, Connected and Impactful. We deliver exceptional care by listening deeply, working collaboratively, and continuously striving to improve. Now, we’re looking for an experienced and visionary Head of Operational Performance to help transform the way our services are delivered across the UK.


About the Role


As our Head of Operational Performance, you’ll lead large-scale improvement initiatives across our hospice and community services, focused on delivering safe, efficient, and high-quality care. You’ll use your deep NHS knowledge to align our operational models with national standards, regulatory frameworks, and best practice.

You’ll identify and remove inefficiencies, oversee performance frameworks, and shape new care delivery models—such as our innovative Sue Ryder Alongside suites. Underpinning everything you do will be cost-efficiency, data-driven insight, and a relentless focus on better patient and family outcomes.

This is a high-impact role that reports to the Deputy Chief Operating Officer and will work across clinical, corporate and external stakeholder groups including NHS England, Integrated Care Boards and commissioners.

What We’re Looking For:

To be successful, you’ll need to demonstrate:

Significant leadership experience within NHS provider services (essential)
Deep understanding of NHS operational standards, workforce planning and regulatory expectations
A strong background in performance improvement, transformation and service design
The ability to manage high-level strategic initiatives while keeping patients and cost-efficiency at the core
Skilled in using data, demand and capacity modelling to inform decisions
A collaborative approach, confident engaging with multidisciplinary teams and national partners
Experience of developing business cases, leading service reconfiguration, and delivering measurable outcomes

Minimum Essential Criteria

Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience in operational healthcare leadership)
Demonstrated NHS experience in a service transformation or improvement capacity
Proven ability to manage and lead complex, multi-stakeholder projects
Evidence of CPD and willingness to participate in ongoing learning

Make your impact. Transform lives.

If you are ready to lead operational excellence with purpose, drive and compassion – we want to hear from you.

Apply now and help us ensure that every person receives the care they need, when they need it most.

This role can be based flexibly, with regular travel across our sites and to national meetings.
For more information or to arrange an informal conversation, please contact our recruitment team.

Benefits 

Company pension scheme  with up to 5% employer contribution 
27 days holiday - rising to 33 with length of service plus bank holidays 
NHS annual leave honoured (T&Cs apply)  
Enhanced maternity and paternity pay 
Enhanced sick pay 
Employee Networks - LGBTQ+, Ethnic Diversity and Equality, People with Disabilities, and Women and Non-Binary Individuals 
Inclusion passports 
Free Period Products 
Electric Vehicle Scheme 
Healthcare Cash Plan 
Death in Service Benefit 
Staff discount of 10% on new goods online at shop.sueryder.org 
Structured induction programme and learning and development opportunities. 

For more of our employee benefits please visit our website. 

https://www.sueryder.org/jobs/why-work-for-sue-ryder 


We’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace.  

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those from lower socio-economic backgrounds.  

We use inclusive recruitment practices including sharing interview themes in advance, and offering remote interviews where needed and accessibility support. Adjustments  are not limited to those with a formal diagnosis. If you face barriers or require support to participate fully or to complete an application, please let us know by emailing recruitment@sueryder.org.  We are here to ensure a fair and accessible experience for all.  

https://www.sueryder.org/jobs/equity-diversity-inclusion 

Join us in creating a culture where everyone feels respected, valued, and able to thrive.