Go back East Staffordshire Primary Care Partnership
Chief Operating Officer
The closing date is 01 April 2026
This is an exciting opportunity to shape innovative services and strengthen collaboration across a wide network of clinicians and neighbouring organisations. You will be leading teams who are passionate about improving patient outcomes and be at the heart of strategic delivery. You will turn bold ideas into operational reality, championing smarter ways of working, and ensuring the Federation thrives in a fast evolving NHS landscape.
The role directly manages the East Staffordshire Primary Care Partnership (ESPCP) management team and oversees and directs the day to day operations. Drives organisational performance and the development of new business opportunities in line with the federations vision and the needs of the member practices. Maximising federation income, ensuring robust financial control and developing smooth business operations. Ensures efficient delivery of the PCN DES and the implementation of NHS 10-year plan, collaborating with all local key stakeholders. This is a role for an experienced leader who wants to make a visible lasting impact on communities and empower practices to deliver exceptional patient care every day.
INTERVIEW DATE Wednesday 22nd April 2026
Main duties of the job
Key Responsibilities
* Maximise income for member practices through both core and non-core services
* Identify opportunities for income and service development, innovation, and collaboration across primary care, community services, and the wider ICT.
* Provide high quality business intelligence and analysis to support strategic decision making
* Management and mentorship of the ESPCP team
* Ensure effective and efficient communication and collaboration across all stakeholder
* Help shape and deliver the federations strategic plan in collaboration with the Board, member practices, and system partners.
* Ensure compliant delivery of the PCN DES
* Directing the research arm of the organisation
About us
East Staffordshire Primary Care Partnership (ESPCP) is a highly successful and well-regarded GP Federation providing at-scale primary care and community-based services to a diverse population across Burton upon Trent and Uttoxeter. We are a CQC-registered organisation, committed to maintaining high standards of governance, quality and financial resilience to support safe, effective, and sustainable services for our population. The partnership is an NHS employing authority and acts as an umbrella organisation to support member practices in the delivery of the PCN DES.
Stepping into the role of Chief Operating Officer within ESPCP means becoming the driving force behind transformative primary care at real scale. You will work closely with the Clinical Director and the Assurance Board, providing operational and commercial leadership across the Federation, ensuring delivery of high quality, sustainable services that strengthen general practice and support population health.
Job responsibilities
Key Responsibilities
* Maximise income for member practices through both core and non-core services
* Identify opportunities for income and service development, innovation, and collaboration across primary care, community services, and the wider ICT.
* Provide high quality business intelligence and analysis to support strategic decision making.
* Management and mentorship of the ESPCP team
* Ensure effective and efficient communication and collaboration across all stakeholders
* Help shape and deliver the federations strategic plan in collaboration with the Board, member practices, and system partners.
* Ensure compliant delivery of the PCN DES
* Directing the research arm of the organisation
Operational Management
* Lead the operational delivery of all federation services, including the new APMS Gordon Street Surgery contract, ensuring they meet contractual, clinical, and regulatory standards.
* Develop and maintain robust systems for performance management, risk management, and quality assurance.
* Work in collaboration with the Clinical Director to develop workforce planning, recruitment, and staff development across operational teams.
* Ensure effective programme management, service continuity, and operational resilience.
* Lead and optimise all aspects of recruitment and management of the ESPCP team
Financial and Commercial Oversight
* Provide oversight to the finance manager to develop budgets, financial performance, and ensure value for money and Federation financial resilience
* Oversee the production of finance and performance reports and end of year accounts
* Lead the team in the development of business cases, bids, and tenders for new or expanded services.
* Manage contracts with commissioners, partners, and suppliers, ensuring compliance and strong commercial and risk management performance.
* Lead and manage the team in all aspects of the procurement processes
Stakeholder and System Engagement
* Build strong relationships with member practices, other PCNs, Federations, ICBs, local authorities, voluntary sector partners, and other stakeholders.
* Represent the federation at system level meetings, contributing to the development of primary care strategy and collaborative programmes.
* Support practices with operational challenges, transformation programmes, and service redesign.
Governance and Compliance
* Ensure the federation meets all statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations, including CQC requirements where applicable.
* Maintain effective corporate governance processes, reporting to the Board and supporting good decisionmaking.
* Oversee policies, procedures, and internal controls to ensure safe, effective, and compliant operations.
Service Improvement and Innovation
* Lead continuous improvement initiatives using data, feedback, and best practice.
* Drive digital transformation and the adoption of technology that enhances patient access, workforce efficiency, and service quality.
* Promote a culture of learning, collaboration, and innovation across the federation.
Person Specification
Experience
* Evidence of senior financial and business leadership experience within primary care, community services, or a comparable environment.
* Strong operational management skills with a track record of delivering financial control and offering high quality services.
* Excellent financial acumen and demonstrable experience of managing budgets or commercial contracts.
* Evidence of successfully working at a senior level, minimum Band 8b experience (or equivalent) required.
* Ability to build trusted relationships with clinicians, managers, and system partners.
* Strong analytical, problem solving, and decision making skills.
* Experience of leading teams through change and organisational development.
* Experience working within a GP federation, PCN, or similar collaborative primary care structure.
* Understanding of NHS contracting, commissioning, and regulatory frameworks.
* Experience developing business cases, tenders, or service transformation programmes.
Values & Behaviours
* Collaborative and relationship driven.
* Patient centred with a commitment to reducing health inequalities.
* Innovative, proactive, and comfortable working in a fast changing environment.
* Transparent, accountable, and committed to high standards of governance.
* Supportive leadership style that empowers teams and fosters resilience
* Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
* Use of NHS digital and data systems.
* Knowledge and demonstrable ability to use digital tools and data systems.
* Full UK driving licence.
* Working from home with ability to travel regularly across the geographical area for meetings.
* Use of NHS digital and data systems
Qualifications
* Educated to degree level.
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
East Staffordshire Primary Care Partnership
Address
Flexible / Hybrid working across East Staffordshire
Depending on experience Circa Band 8c equivalent
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Reference number
U5750-26-0001
Job locations
Flexible / Hybrid working across East Staffordshire
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