Director of Business and Commercial Development
University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust (279).
The closing date is 10 May 2026. Stakeholder Event: 20th May 2026 / Panel Interview: 1st June 2026.
The Director of Business and Commercial Development is a key role within the organisation and is responsible for providing commercial leadership and advice to the Chief Financial Officer, executive and board. Continuously scanning the horizon for opportunities, you will lead the commercial strategy including retail, commercial contracts, wholly owned subsidiaries, and procurement. A visionary leader who demonstrates an inclusive and engaging leadership style, you will balance an entrepreneurial approach whilst operating within the regulatory context of the NHS.
The procurement function sits within the director's portfolio and working with the Chief Procurement Officer to further improve and streamline processes and systems in this area will be a priority. Part of this work will include overseeing financial governance and delivering the national procurement transformation agenda at UHSussex.
This is a high‑profile role in one of the largest NHS Trusts in England, therefore the scale provides a real opportunity to impact positively on our financial sustainability and support our strategy of providing 'excellent care everywhere'.
Main duties of the job
The Director of Business and Commercial Development reports directly to the Chief Financial Officer and will be accountable for providing commercial leadership to the Trust, providing high‑level commercial advice, raising awareness of and maximising commercial opportunities that support delivery of strategic and tactical business objectives.
The post holder will be accountable for the development and delivery of a commercial strategy for the Trust consistent with strategic priorities and providing a framework within which commercial opportunities can safely thrive.
The post holder will provide leadership, vision and direction to the commercial team and to the single Procurement function for the Trust delivering excellent levels of customer service and maximising commercial opportunities both within the organisation and wider system. This includes the implementation of integrated systems and processes and development and delivery of operational objectives to achieve Trust's strategic aims.
The Director of Business and Commercial Development will ensure that all procurement and commercial activities comply with all legal, regulatory and governance requirements. The post holder will ensure that commercial risks are identified and quantified; and the Trust mitigation response to these is clearly articulated and documented.
Job responsibilities
* Advising the Trust Executive and Senior Management Teams on all aspects of procurement, commercial contracts, not for profit contractual arrangements, wholly or partially owned subsidiaries, joint ventures or similar third‑party arrangements, areas covered by the commercial strategy, intellectual property.
Please refer to attached JD and Person Specification for full role and responsibility.
Person Specification
Education & Qualifications
* Educated to Masters level or equivalent professional experience
* Evidence of continuing professional and managerial development
* Accounting and/or legal qualification
* MBA or equivalent
Experience & Skills
* Substantial senior management experience in a commercial or Finance role, preferably within the NHS
* Demonstrable track record operating at or near board level in a large complex, preferably NHS environment (desirable); with the professional credibility to contribute to high level discussions and strategic planning
* Significant experience managing commercial and/or business development activities at a senior level, preferably the public sector
* Strong experience of successfully negotiating and managing commercial contracts, dealing with and managing external suppliers to deliver required benefits, preferably within the public sector
* Sound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment
* Sound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction
* Sound understanding NHS legal, governance and regulatory frameworks
* Current knowledge of all aspects of public sector business planning, corporate governance and procurement processes
* Proven experience of developing and reviewing business cases and commercial contracts
* Exceptional leadership and communication skills with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
* Evidence of successfully leading and motivating staff including those not within a line management arrangement
* Strong commercial and business acumen with an ability to contribute to major strategic programmes
* Ability to influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements
* Ability to balance the need to manage operationally and think strategically
* A motivational leader, able to set a clear direction and vision and drive continuous improvement
* Innovative style of management, communicating vision and leading change through others
* Thorough understanding of the commercial and governance requirements of an NHS Foundation Trust
* Collaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues
* Wider experience within the NHS, particularly in the acute hospital sector
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
* Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
* Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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.
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