Phil Toomer-Smith

Strategic and commercially minded senior leader with over 15 years' experience delivering operational excellence across highly regulated healthcare environments. Experienced in leading multidisciplinary teams, driving organisational performance, managing significant operational budgets and delivering sustainable improvements in quality, governance and regulatory compliance. Recognised for building productive relationships with executive teams, regulators, commissioners and external partners, providing strategic advice and translating complex operational information into clear actions that improve organisational performance.

Prior to retraining as a Registered Nurse, gained experience within the aviation industry at Birmingham Airport, providing early exposure to customer-focused, commercially driven operations. Passionate about innovation, digital transformation and developing high-performing teams that consistently deliver safe, effective and person-centred services.

General Manager at Navigation Care (2020-01 – Present)

Provide strategic leadership for a complex nursing and residential care service, with overall responsibility for operational performance, governance, financial management and regulatory compliance. Lead multidisciplinary teams to deliver safe, effective and person-centred services whilst ensuring organisational objectives are achieved through strong leadership, innovation and continuous improvement.

• Successfully led the service through the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining safe, high-quality care during an unprecedented period of operational challenge.
• Provide strategic oversight of clinical governance, quality assurance and organisational risk management.
• Lead service improvement initiatives using audit findings, performance data and quality indicators to support informed decision-making.
• Develop productive relationships with regulators, commissioners, healthcare professionals, local authorities and external stakeholders.
• Produce executive reports, governance updates and investigation reports to support senior leadership.
• Manage operational budgets, workforce planning and resource allocation to ensure financial sustainability.
• Champion digital transformation through implementation of electronic care planning systems, technology-enabled care and AI-supported operational improvements.
• Lead recruitment, succession planning and leadership development across multidisciplinary teams.
• Promote continuous improvement through performance monitoring, coaching and staff engagement.
• Lead communication and public engagement initiatives through social media and community partnerships.

General Manager – Edgbaston Beaumont at Barchester Healthcare (2019-01 – 2020-12)

Progressed through increasingly senior leadership positions within one of the UK's largest independent healthcare providers, taking responsibility for operational, commercial and clinical performance across residential and nursing care services. Worked closely with regional leadership teams to deliver strategic objectives through strong governance, financial oversight and effective people leadership.

• Led multidisciplinary teams delivering high-quality care within complex regulated environments.
• Directed governance, compliance and quality improvement programmes.
• Managed operational budgets, occupancy and workforce planning.
• Built effective relationships with residents, families, commissioners, healthcare professionals and regulators.
• Produced governance reports and operational updates to support regional decision-making.
• Supported organisational change, service development and business performance.
• Mentored and developed future leaders through coaching and succession planning.

Deputy Manager – Lakeside Village at Barchester Healthcare (2015-01 – 2019-12)

Senior Staff Nurse at Jersey General Hospital (2012-01 – 2015-12)

Delivered specialist nursing care across acute clinical services whilst coordinating multidisciplinary care and supporting junior colleagues.

• Private Patients
• Intensive Care
• General Medicine

Staff Nurse at University Hospitals Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust (2011-01 – 2012-12)

• General Medicine & Trauma and Orthopaedics

Newly Qualified Staff Nurse at Royal Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Foundation Trust (2009-01 – 2011-12)

• Newly Qualified Nurse Rotation (Elective, Day Case, Spinal)

Aviation Sector Experience at Birmingham Airport

Prior to entering healthcare, worked within the aviation sector at Birmingham Airport, gaining experience within a commercially focused, customer-facing operational environment before retraining as a Registered Nurse.

Postgraduate Diploma in Healthcare Law & Ethics – University of Dundee (2018-01 – 2020-12)

BSc (Hons) in Nursing Studies – University of Dundee (2016-01 – 2018-12)

Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care – Barchester Business School (2017-01 – 2018-12)

Certificate in Supporting Learning and Assessment in Practice – Birmingham City University (2010-01 – 2010-12)

Diploma of Higher Education in Adult Nursing – University of Wolverhampton (2006-01 – 2009-12)

Higher National Diploma in Travel, Tourism & Event Management – Solihull College (1998-01 – 2000-12)