Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The Service Manager will support the Head of Operations for Imaging in the development and delivery of a comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centred diagnostic imaging service. This role is pivotal in ensuring operational excellence, medical workforce coordination, and strategic alignment across the Imaging department. 

A key focus of the role is the oversight and coordination of the medical workforce, including Consultant Radiologists, Specialty Doctors, Registrars, Fellows, and Locums. The Service Manager will ensure effective rota management, job planning, and professional development support, while fostering a collaborative and high-performing clinical environment.

The postholder will also contribute to governance, compliance, and risk management, ensuring adherence to regulatory standards and Trust policies. They will play a central role in service planning, capacity management, and the development of business cases for service expansion and innovation, including digital transformation initiatives.

Main duties and Responsibilities:

Medical Workforce Oversight

• Provide operational oversight of the medical workforce within Imaging, ensuring optimal utilisation of Radiologists’ clinical and reporting sessions.
• Support the management of medical staff, including regular reviews of establishment levels and skill mix to maintain clinical excellence and service efficiency.
• Ensure robust arrangements are in place to respond to emergencies, including elective and emergency admissions and mechanical failures.
• Undertake project work as directed by the Head of Operations for Imaging.

Operational Management

• Support the implementation of Trust policies and business objectives across the Imaging service.
• Assist Clinical Directors, Clinical Leads, and Superintendents in ensuring effective operational management of the department.
• Deliver national and local performance targets, ensuring timely and high-quality diagnostic services.
• Collaborate with the Finance team to manage budgets and activity profiles, identifying risks and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Ensure financial compliance and contribute to maintaining financial balance in accordance with Trust policies and procedures.
• Implement HR and governance strategies to ensure compliance with relevant legislation, regulatory requirements, and Trust standards.

Strategic and Service Development

• Work collaboratively with the Head of Operations for Imaging to develop and deliver robust business plans for Imaging services, ensuring alignment with Trust objectives and clinical priorities.
• Identify opportunities for service expansion, income generation, and cost reduction through innovative models of care and operational efficiencies.
• Lead or support service improvement initiatives, including pathway redesign and digital transformation projects such as the integration of AI in imaging workflows.
• Engage proactively with external partners and agencies to develop strategies and services that transcend traditional organisational boundaries, promoting a seamless patient experience across the healthcare system.
• Take responsibility for reviewing insourcing and outsourcing arrangements, Service Line Reporting (SLR), and Service Level Agreements (SLA), ensuring the financial and operational viability of Imaging services.
• Contribute to the development of business cases for equipment upgrades, workforce investment, and service innovation, working closely with clinical leads and finance colleagues.

Organisational Development

• Foster a proactive, open, and collaborative culture within the Imaging service, promoting effective two-way communication across all staff groups.
• Work closely with the Head of Operations for Imaging , Clinical Director, Clinical Leads, Professional Leads, and Superintendents to support team cohesion and shared ownership of service goals.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and professional development, ensuring that staff are supported in achieving their full potential.
• Ensure robust systems are in place for medical appraisal and the ongoing development of all staff within the Imaging department.
• Champion staff engagement initiatives and contribute to the development of a positive working environment that supports wellbeing, inclusion, and high performance.
• Support recruitment, induction, and retention strategies to maintain a skilled and motivated workforce aligned with service needs.

Risk Management

• Support the Head of Operations for Imaging, Clinical Director, Clinical Leads, Professional Leads, and Superintendents in developing and maintaining robust systems for identifying, assessing, and managing risks within the Imaging service.
• Promote a culture of proactive risk awareness and mitigation, encouraging staff to report incidents and near misses in line with Trust policy.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of risk reduction strategies, ensuring that appropriate controls are in place to manage clinical, operational, and financial risks.
• Ensure compliance with Trust-wide risk management frameworks