Interim Chief Operating Officer
The closing date is 21 May 2026
We are seeking an exceptional operational leader to join Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust (BHRUT) as our Interim Chief Operating Officer. The role is pivotal for a values‑driven, delivery‑focused leader passionate about high‑quality patient care, thriving in complex environments, and bringing deep expertise in operational improvement across planned and urgent and emergency care. The incumbent will lead with compassion and demonstrate a track record of delivering sustainable improvement through inclusive leadership.
As Interim COO and an Executive Director on the Trust Board, you will play a central role in shaping and delivering the Trust's strategic priorities, driving improvements in patient outcomes, quality, operational performance, and financial sustainability while modelling behaviours that embed inclusion, diversity, and our organisational values.
Key Responsibilities
* Provide strategic and operational leadership as a member of the Trust Board
* Lead day‑to‑day operational performance across the Trust
* Drive improvements in urgent and emergency care, patient flow, and elective recovery
* Champion quality, safety, and patient outcomes
* Ensure financial discipline and operational efficiency
* Foster a culture of inclusion, compassion, and high performance
* Act as an ambassador for the Trust with system partners and stakeholders
Qualifications & Experience
* Demonstrated track record of effective and efficient delivery at senior leadership, operational management level in a healthcare environment for at least five years
* Experience ensuring high standards of operational performance, safety and quality are met
* Experience in a financially constrained provider organisation that has achieved significant positive impact for patients, staff and communities
* Experience working with or in non‑hospital based parts of the health and care system
* Successful leadership and management experience gained in leading complex, multi‑faceted change and modernisation programmes
* Evidence of shaping the strategic direction of a team or an organisation in conjunction with the Trust Board and communicating the strategic vision effectively across the Trust and externally
* Strong credibility at executive level
* Deep understanding of urgent and emergency care pressures and elective pathways
* Experience driving patient flow improvements in acute settings
* Collaborative approach with the ability to build effective system partnerships
* Clear commitment to compassionate, inclusive leadership
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 to check for any previous criminal convictions.
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