Apply for Operations Manager Role at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital (UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

The East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust is hiring a Band 6 Operations Manager for the Trauma and Orthopaedics department at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, Kent. This full-time, permanent position plays a crucial role in streamlining administrative and clinical pathways, enhancing patient care, and optimizing healthcare services.

Below, we break down the job role, salary details, benefits, and career progression opportunities.

Job Overview

  • Employer: East Kent Hospitals University NHS Foundation Trust
  • Location: Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital, Margate, Kent
  • Salary: £37,338 – £44,962 per year
  • Employment Type: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week)
  • Work Flexibility: Flexible working options available
  • Application Deadline: January 12, 2025
  • Visa Sponsorship: Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship available for eligible candidates (Band 5 roles and above)

Key Responsibilities

The Operations Manager will oversee administrative and clerical teams, manage the Referral to Treatment (RTT) pathway, and drive service improvement initiatives.

Core Duties

  • Administrative Management:
    • Supervise medical secretaries, waiting list teams, and specialty administrative staff.
    • Ensure inpatient and outpatient capacity meets current and future demands.
  • Data Oversight:
    • Collect, validate, and report patient data.
  • Service Optimization:
    • Lead process improvement projects to enhance patient pathways and service quality.
    • Support strategic planning for trauma and orthopaedic services.
  • Interdepartmental Collaboration:
    • Work closely with teams across Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital and Kent & Canterbury Hospital Care Group.
  • Resource Management:
    • Identify gaps in funding and develop sustainable solutions.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential Criteria

  • Minimum 5 GCSEs (A–C), including Maths and English (or equivalent).
  • At least 3 years of operational supervisory experience in a multi-site, multi-professional organization.
  • Proven ability to manage targets, meet deadlines, and oversee administrative functions.
  • Knowledge of Referral to Treatment (RTT) pathway management.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Management qualification or degree-level education.
  • Experience working within an NHS acute trust.

Key Skills Required

  • Strong communication and leadership abilities.
  • Proficiency in project monitoring, report drafting, and governance systems.
  • Data analysis and operational efficiency expertise.

Salary Breakdown & Cost of Living in Margate, Kent

Salary Details

  • Annual Salary: £37,338 – £44,962
  • Monthly Gross Salary: £3,111 – £3,747
  • Estimated Net Salary: £2,400 – £2,900 (after tax & National Insurance)

Living Costs in Margate

  • Housing: £700 – £1,100/month for a one-bedroom apartment.
  • Transport: £50 – £70/month for public transport.
  • Groceries: £200 – £300/month.
  • Utilities: £100 – £150/month.

Professional Certifications & Training

Though not mandatory, the following certifications can enhance your credentials:

  • NHS Leadership Academy Award – Focuses on management skills in healthcare.
  • PRINCE2 Certification – Provides expertise in project management.
  • Data Management & Governance Certification – Ensures compliance with NHS data standards.
  • Conflict Resolution & Team Leadership – Helps in managing staff and fostering collaboration.

Benefits & Perks

The East Kent Hospitals NHS Trust offers competitive benefits, including:

✅ NHS Pension Scheme – Secure long-term financial support.
✅ Generous Annual Leave – Includes bank holidays.
✅ Health & Wellbeing Support – Mental health counseling services.
✅ Flexible Working Options – Supports work-life balance.
✅ Relocation Assistance – Available for eligible candidates.

Recommended Software & Tools for Operations Managers

Familiarity with these tools will be beneficial:

📌 Patient Administration Systems (PAS) – Manages appointments and records.
📌 Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) – Essential for data analysis.
📌 Task Management Tools (Trello, Asana) – Helps coordinate projects efficiently.
📌 RTT Pathway Tracking Software – Monitors patient treatment timelines.

Career Growth Opportunities

This role offers excellent prospects for career advancement within the NHS:

  • Deputy Operations Manager – Move into higher-level administrative leadership.
  • Service Development Manager – Lead strategic initiatives for service improvement.
  • Director of Operations – Manage hospital-wide administrative and clinical functions.
  • NHS Consultant Roles – Transition into advisory or consultancy positions within healthcare.

Relocation Tips for International Applicants

🔹 Finding Accommodation: Use platforms like Zoopla and Rightmove for affordable housing.
🔹 Transport in Margate: Reliable train connections to London and surrounding areas.
🔹 Community & Networking: Join local healthcare networks for professional support.

Emerging Trends in Healthcare Administration

  • AI-Powered Patient Pathways – Streamlining care using predictive algorithms.
  • Integrated Care Systems (ICS) – Enhancing hospital-GP-community collaboration.
  • Remote Patient Monitoring – Technology-driven post-treatment care.
  • Data-Driven Decision-Making – Analytics for optimizing hospital efficiency.

Visa Sponsorship & Application Process

East Kent Hospitals supports Skilled Worker Visa applications for eligible candidates.

Application Steps

1️⃣ Job Offer: Secure a formal job offer from the NHS.
2️⃣ Certificate of Sponsorship (CoS): Issued by the employer.
3️⃣ Visa Application: Submit via the UK Government Visa Portal.
4️⃣ Biometric Appointment: Provide fingerprints and photographs.
5️⃣ Health & Background Checks: Complete TB test and criminal record screening.
6️⃣ Relocation: Move to the UK upon visa approval.

Conclusion

The Operations Manager role at Queen Elizabeth Queen Mother Hospital is an exciting career opportunity for professionals in healthcare administration. With a competitive salary, visa sponsorship, and career progression prospects, this position is ideal for those looking to make a meaningful impact in patient care and hospital operations.

📅 Apply before January 12, 2025!
📌 Visit the official job posting for more details.