Head of Operational Planning | East of England Ambulance Service Trust

The purpose of this role is for the postholder to be responsible for the delivery of an excellent and successful integrated planning, resourcing, scheduling and forecasting function for EEAST, including the associated resourcing infrastructure, to enable the Trust to meet its strategic aims.

The role will also oversee, implement and advise on strategic policy or service development, which impacts across or beyond the Organisation with an ongoing requirement to act with minimal guidelines while setting goals and standards for others.

The postholder will deliver measurable and observable improvements across a range of service areas integrating the planning and resourcing of its key departments including frontline Operations and Ambulance Operations Centres.

The role will focus on the development of a clear strategic approach to resourcing across the Organisation, aligned to the operational development and delivery of services within the Trust.

The postholder will provide leadership, strategic and professional management combined with responsibility for the development of service planning, resourcing and forecasting across the Trust, and will provide expertise to support directorates in their work to redesign and modernise services.

The postholder will develop a consistent approach to the way in which the Trust’s resources are commissioned and deployed through the reorganisation, development and modernisation of the existing scheduling functions, and will deliver significant improvements in the deployment and utilisation of both established and contingent resources.

The postholder will design and lead the development of a robust resourcing capability to enable the Trust to plan and manage future demand and respond effectively to short notice resourcing requirements.

They will act as a Trust expert on the national guidance, reporting mechanisms and service improvements that will improve service delivery.

You'll have the opportunity to work in one of the most diverse regions in the country, with the vibrant capital city just a stone's throw away and the invigorating North Sea coast to the east.

The East of England offers a unique blend of innovation and opportunity, surrounded by picturesque countryside, historic towns, and quick access to both the bustling capital and serene coastlines.

At EEAST we bring together all our skills to provide 24 hour, 365 days a year urgent care to those in need of emergency and non-emergency medical treatment and transport in Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.

We are always looking to innovate our approaches and work together to offer the best possible patient care across our counties.

We aim to represent and value the diversity of our local communities through our workforce and service provision. We therefore positively encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as Black, Asian, or other ethnic groups, individuals with a Disability, or LGBTQ+ individuals who meet the specific criteria.

We at EEAST want to support our employees achieve a balance between work and other priorities, such as caring responsibilities, family commitments, further learning, and other interests. We therefore welcome flexible working requests.

For a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the role, including all its specific requirements and responsibilities, please consult the attached Job Description and Person Specification. This document provides an in-depth overview that will give you a clear and detailed picture of what the position entails.

Please note, should you be successful in your application, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks, prior to receiving an unconditional offer, if full employment checks cannot be achieved (this will include existing and unserved disciplinary sanctions), then your offer may be withdrawn.

How to apply

Step 1 - Read the advert and the Job Description and Person Specification (attached)

Step 2 - Complete the Supporting Statement - Your statement needs to indicate how you meet each of the criteria contained within the Person Specification.

Step 3 - Complete the online application and upload your statement. Please note, CVs are not accepted.

This advert closes on Sunday 14 Jun 2026