Director of Operations and Performance / Deputy Chief Operating Officer
Apply for the Director of Operations and Performance / Deputy Chief Operating Officer role at NHS East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust.
Job Summary
We invite applications for the DCOO position at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust, an energetic leader who will support delivery of safe, effective and high-quality operational services across the Trust.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide clear and visible leadership across operational services trust‑wide.
* Ensure delivery of operational standards and support key priorities.
* Drive improvements in patient flow, accessibility and patient experience.
* Lead critical operational projects, including operational leadership for EPR implementation.
* Maintain strong governance and performance frameworks.
* Oversee day‑to‑day operational management, working with site office, emergency department, divisions and system partners.
* Operate independently, delegating authority on behalf of the COO to optimise operational performance.
* Support the COO in providing leadership throughout the Trust, fostering a caring, fair and inclusive culture.
* Deputise for the COO in executive, board and system discussions.
Candidate Profile
* Proven senior operational management experience in complex NHS settings.
* Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills.
* Ability to work across divisions, clinical teams and corporate departments.
* A track record of delivering operational improvements.
* Commitment to the Trust’s values and enhancing patient outcomes.
Qualifications & Training
* Degree level or equivalent professional qualification.
* Evidence of extensive and recent commitment to continuing professional and personal development.
* Post‑graduate level management qualification or equivalent.
* Post‑graduate level qualification in leadership, change management or quality improvement.
* PRINCE2/Managing Successful Programmes qualification or equivalent.
Knowledge and Experience
* Significant senior NHS acute trust management and leadership experience.
* Proven experience managing operational performance under tight financial constraints.
* Experience of capacity planning and translating organisational strategy into operational objectives.
* Evidence of leading significant organisational change and developing new models of healthcare delivery.
* Excellent relationship building with staff, especially clinicians, within complex organisations.
* Understanding of healthcare planning process and key national issues.
* Strong situational leadership, human resource management, coaching and people development skills.
Leadership and Management Skills
* Highly effective written and verbal communication, with the ability to articulate complex issues to diverse audiences.
* Excellent presentation and influencing skills.
* Strong interpersonal and negotiating skills; ability to engage, coach and sustain relationships both within and outside the Trust.
* Sound financial management skills; understanding of a business‑centred approach to healthcare provision.
* Excellent organisational and time‑management skills to meet competing priorities.
* Ability to take tough decisions, manage risk, and see required action through.
* Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in the NHS workforce and community.
* Project management experience, with the ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
Other Requirements
* Participation in the executive on‑call rota.
* Personal resilience.
* Coaching, compassionate and empowering leadership style.
* Well‑developed IT skills.
* Demonstrability of behaviours consistent with the Trust’s values and role‑modeling positive behaviours.
* Experience and understanding of the quality, diversity and inclusion agenda, actively supporting a culture that recognises and promotes equality, values and inclusion.
* Understanding of the impact on equality, diversity and inclusion issues in all aspects of service delivery and planning.
Details
* Date posted: 14 November 2025
* Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
* Salary: £109,179 to £125,637 a year (Top of Band 9 + £5,500 allowance pa)
* Contract: Permanent
* Working pattern: Full‑time, job share, flexible working
* Reference number: 361-7463418
* Job location: Lister Hospital, Stevenage (SG1 4AB)
Employer Details
* Employer name: East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust
* Address: Lister Hospital, Stevenage, SG1 4AB
* Website: https://www.enherts-tr.nhs.uk/
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and a Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) is required.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applicants requiring Skilled Worker sponsorship are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. Further information can be found on the UK Visas and Immigration website.
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