Job overview
Internal applicants only - Interview Dates; Stakeholder Event 03.03.26 / Panel Interview 05.03.26
Following the appointment of our new Chief Executive, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust is strengthening the leadership and coordination of the Chief Executive’s Office.
UHSx is one of the largest NHS trusts in the UK, serving more than one million people each year across multiple hospital sites. We are operating at scale, under significant scrutiny, and with high ambition for improvement. A key focus over the coming period will be responding to our developmental Well-Led agenda, embedding the new Trust Operating Model, and strengthening visible, confident leadership across the organisation and the wider system.
To support this, we are seeking to appoint a Director of the Chief Executive’s Office (Chief of Staff).
We are looking for someone who:
1. Knows the organisation well and understands its scale, complexity and context
2. Has strong personal credibility and can build trust quickly with clinicians, managers, staff-side colleagues and partners
3. Has operated at a senior sub-board (director) level in a complex organisation and brings clear delivery credibility
4. Is comfortable working with Boards, executive teams and senior stakeholders
5. Can combine strategic thinking with operational realism
6. Is able to influence, challenge and align senior leaders constructively
7. Is motivated by strengthening how the organisation supports front-line teams and patients
Main duties of the job
About the role;
This is a senior corporate role, operating at corporate director level, reporting directly to the Chief Executive and leading the Chief Executive’s Office.
The postholder will act as Chief of Staff to the Chief Executive, providing organisational grip, executive coordination and high-quality preparation across governance, system leadership and Trust priorities. The role exists to enable the Chief Executive to focus on visible internal leadership, culture, delivery of the Trust Operating Model, and effective system engagement.
Key aspects of the role include:
8. Acting as senior adviser to the Chief Executive and providing coordination across executive priorities
9. Leading the Chief Executive’s Office, including executive support, diary management and correspondence (including MP and media enquiries)
10. Strengthening executive preparation, decision-making and follow-through, including leadership of the Chief Executive’s Team meeting
Supporting Board, regulatory and system engagement through high-quality briefing and preparation
11. Operating at corporate director level, including acting as Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) for discrete, time-limited programmes of work
12. Leading the Chief Executive’s engagement programme, ensuring a planned and purposeful approach to internal visits, system relationships and external partnerships
13. Working confidently across organisational boundaries, including with system partners and the voluntary and third sector
Working for our organisation
Working for our organisation
At UHSussex, diversity is our strength, and we want you to feel included to help us always deliver Excellent Care Everywhere, as shown in our Outstanding for Caring CQC rating. Your uniqueness and experiences will be part of our creative and innovative community where everyone is encouraged to succeed. We have a range of staff networks to help break down barriers, and can offer a buddy to help new members settle in. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident Employer (Level 3) and a Veteran Aware Trust.
Candidate Pack
Detailed job description and main responsibilities
This role will suit someone who is calm, grounded, highly organised and able to bring clarity and discipline to fast-moving, high-pressure environments.
Why this role matters
This role is not about adding bureaucracy. It is about strengthening how the organisation works at its centre so that:
14. decisions are clearer and taken more quickly
15. escalation routes are effective and predictable
16. executive and Board engagement is well prepared
17. leaders are freed to spend more time in services and with staff
the Trust is better placed to respond to its Well-Led development priorities
Person specification
Education & Qualifications
Essential criteria
18. MSc degree (or equivalent senior leadership and professional experience)
19. Evidence of continuing professional development
Desirable criteria
20. Formal leadership, strategy, OD or public-sector management qualification
Knowledge
Essential criteria
21. Expert understanding of how large, complex organisations operate at executive and Board level
22. Advanced knowledge of executive decision-making, assurance and accountability
23. Strong understanding of organisational risk, escalation and reputational management
24. Knowledge of confidentiality, information governance and data protection
Desirable criteria
25. Knowledge of NHS governance and regulatory frameworks
26. Knowledge of system working (ICS / ICB / NHS England)
27. Understanding of large-scale mobilisation, readiness or service transition
28. Knowledge of political and ministerial processes
Experience
Essential criteria
29. Significant senior leadership experience in a complex organisation
30. Experience operating at corporate director or equivalent level
31. Proven experience working directly with executive teams and Boards
32. Experience coordinating work across multiple directorates or portfolios
33. Experience acting as Senior Responsible Owner (or equivalent) for complex programmes
34. Experience leading large-scale operational, transformation or readiness programmes
35. Experience managing sensitive, confidential and high-risk issues
36. Experience leading and developing high-performing teams
Desirable criteria
37. Senior leadership experience within the NHS or public sector
38. Experience supporting a Chief Executive or Chair
39. Experience acting under delegated authority on behalf of a CEO
40. Experience of system-level leadership or regional working
41. Experience of regulatory engagement (NHSE, CQC)
42. Experience working with voluntary or third-sector partners
Important information for applicants:
A Note on AI Use in Applications
We value the individuality and authenticity that each candidate brings to the application process. While AI tools are increasingly accessible, we strongly discourage their use in completing your application. Your responses should reflect your own voice, experiences, and motivations—elements that are essential to a fair and accurate evaluation.
Applications that rely heavily on AI-generated content may misrepresent your abilities and could result in your application being rejected. We encourage you to take the time to present your genuine self, as this helps us better understand your potential and ensures a transparent selection process.
Closing Adverts Early: In the event of exceptional interest, we may close adverts earlier than specified.
Some of our adverts are capped for a limited number of applications; therefore, the advert will close once the cap has been reached. We therefore encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible if you are interested in the position to prevent you from missing out on applying for the opportunity.
Flexible Working: If you would like to explore potential options regarding flexible working please speak with the appropriate recruiting/line manager.
DBS Checks: As part of our commitment to a safe working environment, we undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service check on all new employees where the role is eligible for a criminal record check. We make offers in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1975.
Skilled Worker Visa: Applications for Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome for the roles that meet the Visa and Immigrations eligibility criteria. For further information please visit the gov.uk website searching for Skilled Worker. It is your responsibility as the applicant to ensure that you meet this criteria.
UHSussex reserves the right to close the role early if we receive a high volume of applications