Performance and Planning Manager: Sponsorship Available

Job summary

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Performance and Planning Manager to join the Performance and Planning team at Newcastle Hospitals on a permanent basis.

Successful candidates will be highly motivated individuals with proven analytical and numerical ability. This role is intrinsic to the continuous development of performance management across the organisation and applicants should have a successful track record at a senior level, strong interpersonal and communication skills and a current working knowledge of performance management systems, frameworks and operational standards.

The post-holder will play a key role in the effective communication and evaluation of timely, validated performance information both internally as well as external to the Trust, as well as participate in the ongoing development and enhancement of the performance management and planning functions across the organisation. Key to delivering this will be working effectively alongside clinicians and managers to embed awareness and understanding of performance indicators and providing appropriate support, challenge and advice to senior managers to facilitate sustainable improvements in organisational performance and adhere to business planning processes.

• Interview Date: 10th December 2026
• 37 Hours 30 Minutes/Week
• You will be redirected to Trac to apply for the vacancy. Please expand the job details section and read all of the information before applying for the vacancy

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Main duties of the job

The role will include providing complex performance information/advice and taking a corporate lead with senior officers on corrective action where performance is not being met. The post-holder will work closely with the Head of Performance to embed a culture of continuous improvement across the whole organisation. They will ensure that timely, validated and approved performance information is routinely reported to Commissioners, NHS regulators, Board of Directors and the wider Trust.

Due to the evidenced based nature of the role the post-holder should have excellent interpretive skills for processing qualitative and quantitative data as well as the ability to present complex information to staff across all levels of the organisation. Excellent negotiating skills are required with the ability to constructively challenge current practice and influence successful outcomes. The post-holder will be skilled at prioritising their own workload with the ability to change priorities at short notice as required.

This is a high profile, interesting and varied role working across the entire organisation, requiring collaborative working with other corporate teams as well as Clinical Boards to support the overall strategic objectives of the Trust. This role will provide the post-holder significant challenge and experience which will be helpful to further career progression.

Person Specification

Qualifications & Education

Essential

• English Language GCSE grade 4 or above
• Degree level education
• Master’s level qualification or equivalent experience

Knowledge & Experience

Essential

• Recent relevant specialist experience, preferably in a corporate performance, planning, quality, operational or information role
• Knowledge of performance management systems and frameworks
• Knowledge of ongoing Health Service reforms, operational performance standards and key issues effecting service provision
• Experience in the collection, analysis and interpretation of data and information, ensuring accuracy
• Thorough understanding of the process of converting data into useable information in order to advise, confirm and challenge
• Experience in designing, producing and presenting analytical reports tailored to audience
• Experience supporting the development and delivery of activity and performance planning, including forecasting and trajectories
• Experience of business and corporate planning and preparation of business cases
• Good working knowledge of NHS Finance
• Evidence of relevant Continuing Professional Development

Desirable

• NHS Acute hospital experience
• Knowledge of the impact of national and local commissioning decisions on planning and performance requirements within an Acute Trust
• Experience developing and supporting implementation of performance management and benchmarking frameworks
• Experience of using or creating Capacity & Demand models
• Experience of using or creating Power BI reports
• Knowledge of statistical process control
• Experience of leading and developing change / setting up and innovating new projects
• Experience of responding to tender opportunities

Skills & Abilities

Essential

• Ability to develop and maintain excellent communication (written and verbal) with people on complex matters, issues and ideas
• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to forge and maintain effective working relationships
• Ability to question, influence and negotiate successful outcomes, affecting change without direct management responsibility
• Ability to manage challenging situations using tact and diplomacy
• Practical numerical skills with the ability to analyse complex problems and develop workable solutions
• Ability to work under pressure, prioritising to meet tight deadlines
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively as part of a team, supporting other colleagues during periods of pressure
• Expert user of Microsoft Office packages including Microsoft Excel and advanced keyboard skills

Closing Date: 22 November 2026