Head of Strategic Networks

Job Overview

University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.

Please see below for detailed job description of the role.

The contract will be home based with the need to travel across the network footprints on average about a couple of times a month”.

Main duties of the job

The Head of Strategic Networks provides leadership, strategic direction, and management of the commissioned Critical Care Networks in the NHS South East England Region.

You will develop the Strategic Network and ensure effective interface and alignment with National, Regional (Southeast (SE) and ICS (Integrated Care Systems) policy and stakeholders The strategic network includes Adult and neonatal critical care operational delivery networks.

The Strategic Networks are the link between providers and commissioners. Any recommendations given to both regional and ICB commissioners, must follow the triple aim. This includes consideration of health inequalities in relation to health and wellbeing, ensuring high quality services, and sustainable and efficient use of resources.

Working for our organisation

University Hospital Southampton is one of England's largest acute teaching Trusts, offering a wide range of learning and development opportunities to support your career aspirations.

Located on the south coast with an international airport and direct rail links to London, Southampton offers an ideal setting to live and work, with the New Forest, South Downs and Jurassic Coast.

We believe that using technology wisely shows strong time management and commitment to innovation. However, personalizing your recruitment application to highlight your unique skills and experiences is crucial. Relying too heavily on generic, AI-generated content instead of drawing from your own strengths and accomplishments may lead to your application being rejected if multiple candidates present identical or similar information.

At UHS we’re committed to providing a flexible working environment where possible. Whether you are balancing family, study, or your wellbeing with your career, we want to support you so you can help our patients.

At UHS, we proudly champion individuality, recognizing that outstanding care is only possible with a diverse, inclusive team. We’re committed to creating an anti-racist, anti-discriminatory environment where everyone feels valued, safe, and empowered to make a meaningful impact in our communities. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences to join us in building a healthcare community where everyone can belong, thrive, and contribute.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities

The post holder will provide leadership and strategic direction for the commissioned Network within NHSE Regions, ensuring alignment with National, Regional (SE), and ICS policies.

It acts as a bridge between providers and commissioners, focusing on the triple aim of addressing health inequalities, ensuring high-quality services, and efficient resource use. The role maintains national, regional, and local standards, fosters partnerships with Commissioning Leads, Tertiary Centres, Secondary Care, and ICSs, and supports mutual aid processes.

It leverages strong data and digital technologies, ensures robust governance and risk management, and reports to NHSE Specialised Commissioning and the Strategic Oversight Board.

Success indicators for the post holder included improved and equitable access, facilitating care closer to home, reducing variation and improved outcomes of care by ensuring quality improvement, increased productivity and involving patients and public voice in workstreams.

The post holder will ensure that the Strategic Networks activities are based on strong data, and where possible maximise the use of digital technologies. The Head is responsible for ensuring strong governance systems are in place in the Strategic Networks and that there are effective risk management arrangements.

Person specification

Qualifications, Knowledge And Experience

Essential criteria

• Educated to master’s level or equivalent experience
• Evidence of further leadership and management training or equivalent.
• Substantial experience in a management/leadership role including substantial recent experience in an acute hospital setting
• An understanding of the complexity of service delivery in a large organisation
• Extensive recent programme and project management experience
  
  

Desirable criteria

• Senior management qualification e.g. MBA or equivalent or working towards
• Accredited teaching and assessing qualification
• Management of clinical services Role leading a Clinical network/ Strategic Network
• Experience of working directly with specialised commissioners at a national level
  
  

Trust Values and Behaviours

Essential criteria

• Patients First
• Always Improving
• Working Together