Service Manager/Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive | The Christie NHS Foundation Trust
Service Manager / Executive Assistant to the Chief Executive.
An opportunity has arisen for a highly efficient and experienced Service Manager / Executive Assistant (EA) to support & co-ordinate the office for the Chief Executive (CEO) & the Deputy Chief Executive.
The role will lead & drive forward transformational change within the function; transforming the existing service from an individual aligned executive support model to a generic multi-functional service to support the executive team. Excellent digital skills and experience of managing organisational and culture change alongside a continuous improvement mindset are essential.
You will support the CEO in achieving successful delivery through a broad list of tasks that will differ from day to day including managing regular business activities and overseeing the vital logistical functions.
You will be required to supervise the Executive support staff within Trust Administration, the role will report to the Director of Workforce.
The role involves regular engagement with regional & national NHS offices, and so quality stakeholder management skills will be core to your every-day role. The role will also require engagement with staff and patients, requiring a high level of confidentiality, compassion, kindness, diplomacy and tact.
Please note this role is a full time post, requires on site working Monday to Friday and may on occasion include working outside of business hours.
Interview Date: 31st March 2025
This role requires the successful candidate to deliver to exceptionally high standards, and at great pace. Attention to detail is pivotal.
You will need to be a calm individual who can work under pressure, meeting tight deadlines and manage a varied and continually changing workload.
The postholder will lead service redesign to develop a generic Executive Assistant (EA) service removing direct Executive alignment. This will require the development and implementation of systems, processes and standard operating procedures to enable this.
Responsible for the operational and performance management of the EA service within the department. Ensures, information is processed in accordance with procedures, targets are met as appropriate and is responsible for the supervision of the Executive Assistants.Line Management will remain with the Director of Workforce.
The postholder will contribute to business planning to ensure that the service is appropriately resourced and organised to deliver planned activity and demand.
It is expected that the postholder will be highly organised providing an efficient and effective EA and secretarial service to the Chief Executive (CEO), Deputy CEO and deputising in the absence of the Chairs EA transitioning over time this support to the main generic service of which you will be part of.
The Christie is one of Europe’s leading cancer centres, treating over 60,000 patients a year. We are based in Manchester and serve a population of 3.2 million across Greater Manchester & Cheshire, but as a national specialist around 15% patients are referred to us from other parts of the country.
We provide radiotherapy through one of the largest radiotherapy departments in the world; chemotherapy on site and through 14 other hospitals; highly specialist surgery for complex and rare cancer; and a wide range of support and diagnostic services.We are also an international leader in research, with world first breakthroughs for over 100 years.
We run one of the largest early clinical trial units in Europe with over 300 trials every year. Cancer research in Manchester, most of which is undertaken on the Christie site, has been officially ranked the best in the UK.
Development
With the support of the Executive team implement innovation, technology and new ways of working, contributing to policy and process development.
Specifically – to lead the development and transformation of the service transitioning from an individualised EA service to a generic service model.
To document and implement standard operating procedures and templates within areas of responsibility, ensuring review on a regular basis to reflect current practice.
Responsible for operational management to the service, planning workload and activities including organising staffing, rotas, allocating and reallocating tasks to ensure the delivery of the service. This will require short and mid-term plans to be drawn up but they will be subject to review and change as service requirements change.
Identify and undertake as required development projects for the service working with other departments as required.
Executive Assistant
To work closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO, across all aspects of their work to ensure a complete understanding of their workload. This will include drafting letters, emails, managing complaints, preparing reports and presentations, co-ordinating responses with minimum supervision and guidance.Manage electronic diaries, emails, day to day telephone queries and incoming post in a way that is responsive to their needs and contributes to the effectiveness of their role.
Use initiative in all areas of work in the absence of or on behalf of the CEO and ensure they are kept informed. This involves prioritising and problem-solving skills and a well -developed ability to relate absorbed knowledge to new emerging problems without guidance.
Ensure that critical issues are brought to the CEO attention in a timely manner, ensuring that only appropriate queries are passed on and that the most appropriate people deal with others effectively.
Ensure that the CEO and Deputy CEO are aware of appointments and that all relevant documents are prepared for each meeting and travel arrangements/accommodation are in place.
Establish, develop and maintain links with key stakeholders including the Department of Health, NHSE, Government Office, MPs and the wider board.
Administer and co-ordinate high level meetings as required including Senior Management Committee (SMC) and the Executive Team meeting. Ensuring that papers are distributed within set deadlines and actions are progressed and completed. Attend and take notes/actions as required.
Alongside other members of the Executive Assistants be the first point of contact for visitors to the department in person or by telephone. Communicate with tact, understanding and discretion.
Provide full comprehensive and seamless cover for all duties of the Executive Assistant responsible for supporting the Chair in their absence.
Supervision/Managing the Trust Administration Function
Supervise all Executive Assistants within the team ensuring that work is appropriately prioritised, carried out effectively and on time. Overall management responsibility will be with the Director of Workforce.
Provides support and direction to the team, ensuring clear communication of policy, business objectives and agreed targets.
Foster a culture of mutual support and team working across the portfolio to ensure work is equitably allocated. Regularly assess existing posts within the team, making changes when necessary to assure levels of service and implement ongoing efficient ways of working.
Oversee training requirements of staff within areas of responsibility, proactively looking for opportunities to enhance the team’s knowledge and skill base. Ensure all new starters are inducted accordingly and supported to meet required levels of competence and confidence.
Implement Trust strategy and policy for HR management and development including recruitment and selection, managing attendance and absence, discipline and grievance.
To ensure that the office is covered between core hours on site utilising appropriate rotas for team members.
Support the Trust in the effective monitoring and use of resources, e.g. staff, premises, equipment, supplies and materials ensuring that costs and waste are kept to a minimum.
Develop and maintain systems and processes to promote monitor and maintain a healthy, safe and secure working environment, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements maintaining accurate documentation and reporting any concerns.
Governance
Develop and maintain systems and processes to establish and maintain effective communication and confidentiality of information.
Ensure compliance with Trust policies procedures and guidelines for self and others by taking action/alerting senior management if practice contravenes policy or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.
This advert closes on Thursday 13 Mar 2025