Director – Primary Care

Overview

In this role you will lead Sussex Primary Care through a period of change, shaping a modern, community-focused primary care service. You will align GP practices, Primary Care Networks and system partners to deliver safe, sustainable care, with a strong emphasis on governance, performance and growth. You’ll drive transformational change, workforce development and financial stewardship across six GP surgeries. This is a mission-driven leadership role within the NHS Brighton area with a clear impact on local populations.

Responsibilities

• Provide visible strategic leadership for SPC and oversee the operational management team across sites
• Ensure governance, quality, risk management and regulatory compliance with readiness for inspection
• Lead operational performance, service transformation and innovation across GP practices
• Develop partnerships with GP practices, PCNs, commissioners, Integrated Care Board and local authorities
• Drive financial sustainability, business development and growth opportunities
• Act as SPC ambassador within Sussex and the wider NHS system
• Lead recruitment, retention, appraisal and performance management for non-clinical staff
• Promote staff wellbeing and professional development
• Balance SPC and Trust objectives and formulate long-term strategic plans
• Oversee annual business planning, budget sign-off and financial performance
• Develop standardised operational processes and ensure responsive service delivery
• Monitor access, capacity, demand and patient experience across practices
• Ensure compliance with contractual, organisational and performance requirements
• Lead governance, policy development and information governance
• Support workforce planning, staffing, equality, diversity and employee relations
• Lead projects to improve quality, access and productivity
• Represent SPC in Place, Integrated Care System and regional forums
• Identify and deliver strategic growth, income opportunities and new business development
• Triangulate data to identify performance issues and drive improvement
• Oversee estates, facilities, health and safety and business continuity
• Provide concise briefings to the COO and executive team

Key requirements

• In-depth NHS primary care operational management experience
• Experience monitoring and improving clinical operational performance across complex services
• Experience managing multiple teams and services
• Budget management and financial monitoring experience
• Performance management and service improvement experience
• Staff management, recruitment and employee relations experience
• Ability to draft complex strategic business plans
• Experience working in dynamic, complex primary care environments
• Experience partnering with multiple agencies and regulators
• Proven track record leading large-scale change management programmes
• Risk management experience in complex settings
• Strategic assessment and innovative resource use experience
• Co-production with stakeholders and system leaders
• Governance, risk management and regulatory compliance experience
• Experience interacting with Integrated Care Systems and other NHS providers
• Desirable: managing multiple GP practices, supporting CQC inspections, estates and facilities management, negotiating contracts
• Qualifications: Degree level qualification or equivalent management experience; management qualification; continuous professional development; leadership development; project management qualification; Primary Care Management qualification
• Skill, Knowledge and Attributes: Detailed understanding of NHS primary care; strong leadership and communication; analytical and problem-solving; governance and risk management; GP contracts, QOF and enhanced services knowledge; CQC regulations; system-level stakeholder engagement; ability to synthesize complex information; excellent verbal and written communication; time management and prioritisation; PCN and ICS knowledge; Microsoft Office proficiency
• desired_technical_skills_to_echo_in_summary_or_extras_internally_questions_or_notes_unsupported_but_not_required_for_basic_ranking_kanban_tools_and_external_systems_adding_SystmOne_if_relevant_which_is_described_below
• major_projects_or_initiatives_mentioned((
• complex change management projects
• service transformation initiatives
• new business development opportunities across Sussex Primary Care

• leadership
• stakeholder management
• communication
• NHS contracts and GP contracts
• governance and risk management
• data interpretation and performance reporting

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