Talking Therapies Capacity Lead

Job Introduction

Introduction

We are recruiting for an operational leadership role within our service management team, Talking Therapies Capacity Lead. This non-clinical leadership position is ideal for candidates with experience in people management, service performance, workforce planning, or operational delivery within healthcare, mental health, or similar performance-focused environments.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Turning Point's innovative NHS Talking Therapies service. At Wakefield Talking Therapies, we deliver evidence-based psychological therapies and seek a dynamic leader to oversee waiting list management, therapist capacity, and service responsiveness.

You will ensure national and local NHS Talking Therapies targets are met by optimising therapist availability, managing waiting lists, identifying operational solutions to capacity challenges, and maintaining a responsive, person-centred service. You will analyse complex data, identify trends, and lead collaborative action to support service performance and patient access.

Our service supports people with common mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and phobias. We promote recovery, wellbeing, and personal empowerment through accessible care across a wide geographical area.

This hybrid role combines service-based and remote working for flexibility and balance.

Main Responsibilities

As Talking Therapies Capacity Lead, you will play a key role in ensuring the service has the capacity, systems, and workforce planning needed to deliver timely access to care. You will lead planning and delivery of therapist capacity, ensuring appointment availability meets patient demand. Your leadership will be key to achieving performance targets, managing waiting lists, and optimising therapist time.

You will line manage a team of therapists, providing support, coaching, performance management, and development opportunities while fostering a positive and accountable team culture. Working closely with the leadership team, you will identify opportunities for improvement, implement practical solutions, and embed systems and processes that enhance service efficiency and patient access.

You will collect, analyse, and interpret performance data to identify trends, inform decisions, and drive action. Your work will reduce waiting times, improve service utilisation, and ensure the service remains agile and person-centred.

The Ideal Candidate

We're seeking a confident operational leader who thrives in a fast-paced, data-driven environment. You'll be comfortable balancing people management with operational problem solving, using data and insight to make informed decisions and improve service performance.

You'll have a strong track record in managing people and performance, leading service improvement initiatives, and delivering results.

You'll be an excellent communicator who can build credibility with experienced clinicians, support colleagues, and drive positive change. Your analytical skills will help identify trends, understand demand and capacity pressures, and develop practical solutions that improve service responsiveness. You'll take a structured approach to resource management, therapist planning, and waiting list oversight.

This non-clinical role suits someone with experience in NHS operations, mental health service delivery, or performance and capacity management. You'll join a collaborative leadership team committed to innovation, equity, and continuous improvement.

This role would suit someone looking to build on existing management or operational experience and take ownership of a key service function within a supportive leadership team.

We prioritise staff wellbeing through an active wellbeing working group and flexible working options. Our 6-day service model offers opportunities to balance wellbeing with service needs. Weekend and additional hours are incentivised to recognise your contribution.

About us

As a leading health and social care provider with more than 300 locations across England, we take real pride in the services we offer.

We run all of our services on a not-for-profit basis; instead, we invest every penny back into our services and people. We never stop believing in change for the better, and we work constantly to improve the lives of the people we support.

What Benefits Will I Receive?

We know reward looks different to each person and so whether its ways to make your money go further, a culture supporting recognition and celebration, or opportunities to boost your career – we want to support you in every way we can with our total reward package.

You will get 32 days’ paid holiday a year, increasing with each year of service up to 34 days. Plus the option to buy additional holidays and spread the cost.

Join our team and discover the comprehensive benefits we offer by following the link below to explore all the exciting perks available to our employees.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closing date.

Turning Point