South West Secure Data Environment Head of Operations

Job summary

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Operations to lead the operational delivery of the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE). This regional initiative enables safe, ethical, and trusted access to health and care data for research and innovation across the South West.

The postholder will provide senior operational leadership, ensuring that the SWSDE runs effectively, efficiently, and in full compliance with NHS and national policy frameworks. The role involves managing complex processes and teams across governance, technical, and research functions, ensuring that the environment delivers measurable benefits to the NHS, researchers, and ultimately patients.

You will have significant responsibility for budget management, contractual oversight, and cross-system governance. This position requires an individual with excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills who can manage sensitive and high-stakes discussions with senior stakeholders while maintaining a calm focus on delivery and service excellence.

This is a delivery-focused and people-oriented role. It is suited to someone who thrives in complex environments, enjoys building systems that work, and understands that strong, transparent processes are essential for success.

Main duties of the job

The post holder will:

• Provide operational leadership and management of the South West Secure Data Environment (SWSDE), ensuring effective end-to-end delivery of research workflows.
• Design, implement, and maintain robust operational processes supporting data access, governance, and researcher engagement.
• Coordinate cross-functional teams responsible for onboarding, data provisioning, governance checks, and operational support.
• Ensure that the SWSDE runs predictably, efficiently, and in full compliance with national policy and data governance requirements.
• Maintain and improve standard operating procedures, documentation, and audit readiness.
• Oversee case management systems and workflow tracking tools to monitor progress and performance.
• Lead, line manage, and develop operational and administrative staff, fostering a culture of accountability, teamwork, and continuous improvement.
• Manage operational budgets, contracts, and procurement processes to ensure value for money and adherence to financial governance.
• Contribute to strategic planning, service improvement, and performance reporting at regional and national levels.
• Deputise for the Programme Director and represent the South West Secure Data Environment at senior meetings, steering groups, and national forums.

About us

We are committed to creating an inclusive organisation that promotes and values diversity. We know from experience that different ideas, perspectives and backgrounds create a stronger, more creative workplace that helps us to deliver the best services. We welcome applications which represent the rich diversity of our community; from people of all ages, disabled people, all genders, people from ethnic minority groups, LGBTQ+ people, people with diverse gender identity and expression, people from all religions and beliefs and other diverse characteristics, and we have processes in place to ensure that all applications are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process.

Details

Date posted

31 October 2025

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£76,965 to £88,682 a year per annum

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

18 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

461-ICB-6207KB

Job locations

Bristol

100 Temple Street

Bristol

BS1 6AG