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Posted 21 July, 2026

Interim General Manager - Surgery (NHS)

MLC Partners
London, ENG, GB Full Time

Job Description

General Manager – Surgery & Anaesthetics

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London

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6-Month Fixed Term Contract

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Band 8b (Agenda for Change) or equivalent day rate

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We're working with a leading NHS Trust in London to recruit an experienced General Manager to provide operational leadership across Surgery & Anaesthetics.

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This is an excellent opportunity for an established NHS operational leader to join a high-performing surgical division, leading service delivery, performance improvement and operational management across a complex portfolio.

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Working closely with senior clinicians, nursing leaders and executive colleagues, you'll play a pivotal role in delivering high-quality patient care while ensuring performance, financial and operational objectives are achieved.

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The Role

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As General Manager, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across Surgery & Anaesthetics, ensuring services are safe, efficient and responsive while delivering against key national and local performance standards.

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Key responsibilities include:

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  • Providing operational leadership across Surgery & Anaesthetics services
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  • Leading delivery against key operational targets including RTT, PTL management, elective recovery and patient flow
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  • Working closely with Clinical Directors, Consultants, Matrons and senior nursing teams to improve service performance
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  • Managing budgets, business planning and financial performance, identifying opportunities for service improvement and efficiency
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  • Leading service transformation, pathway redesign and quality improvement initiatives
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  • Developing recovery plans where required and providing assurance through robust performance reporting
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  • Leading multidisciplinary teams, supporting workforce planning, recruitment and staff development
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  • Managing operational risks, complaints, governance and service escalations
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  • Building strong relationships across clinical, operational and corporate teams to deliver sustainable service improvements
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About You

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We're looking for an experienced NHS operational leader who thrives in fast-paced acute environments.

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You'll bring:

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  • Significant senior operational management experience within an Acute NHS Trust
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  • Previous leadership experience within Surgery, Anaesthetics or other complex elective care services
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  • Strong understanding of elective performance, RTT, PTL management and patient flow
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  • Experience managing budgets, business planning and operational performance
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  • Proven ability to lead service improvement and transformation programmes
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  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the credibility to work alongside senior clinicians and executive leaders
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  • Strong leadership, people management and change management experience
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  • Ability to analyse complex performance data and implement effective recovery plans
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Why Apply?

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  • Opportunity to lead a large and high-profile surgical portfolio
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  • Work alongside experienced clinical and executive leadership teams
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  • Make a measurable impact on elective performance and operational delivery
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  • 6-month fixed-term opportunity with an immediate start
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  • Band 8b (Agenda for Change) or equivalent day rate
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Apply Now

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If you're an experienced NHS General Manager or Senior Operational Manager with a strong background in Surgery, Anaesthetics or Elective Care, we'd love to hear from you.

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This opportunity would suit candidates currently working as a General Manager, Divisional Manager, Operational Manager, Service Director or Senior Operations Manager within an Acute NHS Trust who are looking for their next interim leadership opportunity.

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