Deputy Chief Operating Officer
The closing date is 25 March 2026
Are you an inspirational and dynamic operational leader ready to make a significant impact across a busy acute Trust? We are seeking an exceptional Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) to join our Corporate Operations Team on a 12‑month fixed‑term basis to provide maternity leave cover. This is a high‑profile, influential role at the heart of our organisation; driving improvement, shaping services, and supporting the delivery of our Trust RISE strategy. As our Deputy Chief Operating Officer, you will play a pivotal role in delivering the Trusts operational plan and ensuring high quality, efficient clinical services across the organisation. With delegated responsibility from the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight of operational performance, working closely with Divisional and Corporate teams. During this fixed‑term period, your key focus will be the recovery of elective, diagnostic and cancer services, supporting the Trust to restore performance and deliver sustainable improvements for our patients.
Main duties of the job
* Lead operational delivery across multiple divisions, ensuring services are safe, effective, compliant and fit for purpose.
* Oversee robust operational service planning and work collaboratively to resolve Trust‑wide issues, escalating where appropriate.
* Drive transformation and improvement programmes across the Trust and wider integrated care system, working closely with the COO, Executive Team, and external partners.
* Take responsibility for a defined portfolio of services within our devolved structure improving quality, efficiency, patient experience and financial sustainability.
* Deputise for the COO at Trust, system and regional forums, representing the organisation with confidence and credibility.
* Provide leadership resilience across all aspects of COO responsibilities, while bringing focus and momentum to elective and cancer recovery pathways.
* Support organisational priorities with flexibility, including stepping into urgent and emergency care pathways if required.
About us
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust (PAHT) is proud to care for the communities of West Essex, delivering safe, compassionate, and high‑quality services.
We are part of the Neighbourhood Wave; a national programme that's changing how care is delivered by focusing on prevention, early support, and more joined‑up services across health, social care, and the voluntary sector. This means we’re working more closely with local partners to bring care closer to home and support people to live healthier, more independent lives.
We’re a supportive and inclusive organisation that values its people. We offer development opportunities, flexible working, and a strong focus on wellbeing. As a Disability Confident and equal opportunities employer, we welcome applicants from all backgrounds and experiences. Join us and help shape the future of care in West Essex.
Job responsibilities
We are looking for a strategic, compassionate and highly motivated leader who can confidently operate at scale and pace. You will bring:
* Significant operational leadership experience in acute healthcare.
* A strong track record of delivering performance improvement and transformation.
* Excellent stakeholder engagement skills and the ability to influence across organisational boundaries.
* A commitment to delivering high quality, patient‑centred care.
* The resilience, ambition and creativity to help drive our clinical and operational priorities forward.
This is an exciting opportunity to shape services at a time of significant transformation, supporting the Trust to deliver high quality care and meet the needs of our local population. You will join a supportive, forward‑thinking Executive and Operational team where your leadership will make a tangible difference every day.
Person Specification
Qualifications
* Master’s Degree or equivalent experience
* Evidence of on‑going CPD
* Professional Leadership/Management qualification or equivalent experience is an essential requirement for this post.
* Member of relevant professional body or equivalent experience
Experience
* Extensive leadership and operational management experience in a medium/large acute healthcare provider setting.
* Track record of successfully managing complex operational situations that involve staff from all levels within the organisation and across a range of professional and organisational boundaries.
* A high level of operational planning/organisational skill and experience, with a track record of delivery.
* Strong communication and relationship skills, including proven ability to build relationships with senior leaders and partners within the organisation and externally, and ability to deliver complex, sensitive, and sometimes contentious corporate messages.
* Experience of leading and managing substantial service change and redesign in a complex environment
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer name
The Princess Alexandra Hospital NHS Trust
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