University Hospitals Tees is one of the most ambitious hospital group partnerships in the NHS. Bringing together North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust and South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, we are working together to transform health and care across the Tees Valley, North Yorkshire and the wider North East.
Serving a population of around 1.85 million people, our hospitals deliver care across four main acute sites – The James Cook University Hospital, University Hospital of North Tees, University Hospital of Hartlepool and the Friarage Hospital – alongside extensive community and specialist services. Together our teams of more than 14,000 staff provide world‑class services including a Major Trauma Centre, Regional Cancer Centre and a range of tertiary specialties serving patients across the region.
As we continue to strengthen the University Hospitals Tees group model, we are now seeking an exceptional Chief Operating Officer to help shape the next phase of our development.
Main duties of the job
This is a pivotal senior leadership role within University Hospitals Tees. Reporting to the Chief Delivery Officer, the Chief Operating Officer will play a defining role in delivering high‑quality, safe and sustainable services across our hospital group.
Working closely with the Medical Director, Director of Nursing and executive colleagues, you will have responsibility for the operational leadership of our clinical services and the performance of our Clinical Service Units. You will lead a strong operational leadership community, including Deputy Chief Operating Officers, and ensure the effective delivery of operational performance, quality improvement and transformation across the organisation.
Beyond operational delivery, this role offers the opportunity to shape the long‑term future of healthcare across our region. As part of the senior leadership team you will contribute to the strategic development of the University Hospitals Tees group, strengthening collaboration across our hospitals and with partners across the North East and North Cumbria Integrated Care System.
About us
We are seeking an outstanding senior leader with:
* Significant senior leadership experience within a large and complex NHS organisation, working closely with Executive Boards
* A strong track record of delivering operational performance and leading transformation at scale
* Deep understanding of the NHS policy, regulatory and operational environment
* Experience of working across organisational boundaries within an Integrated Care System
* Exceptional ability to lead, influence and build trusted relationships with senior clinical leaders and system partners
Above all, you will bring the leadership, resilience and strategic insight required to help shape the future of healthcare across University Hospitals Tees.
University Hospitals Tees is on an exciting journey. Our "Caring Better Together" strategy sets out a bold ambition to improve health outcomes for our communities while developing an integrated hospital group that delivers excellence in patient care, workforce experience and innovation.
Joining us now means helping to shape a major transformation programme across one of the largest healthcare systems in the North of England.
Details
Date posted: 17 March 2026
Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary: Depending on experience £145,000-£150,000
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 328‑CP‑7878607
Job location: The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Job responsibilities
* Providing visible, compassionate and decisive leadership across all operational services
* Ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, safe and effective patient care across University Hospitals Tees
* Leading the performance and development of Clinical Service Units and their leadership teams
* Delivering operational performance against national and local standards
* Driving large‑scale service transformation and continuous improvement
* Working closely with clinical leaders to develop new models of care and integrated pathways
* Building strong partnerships across the Integrated Care System, regional provider collaboratives and national bodies
You will also play an important role in supporting the executive team in shaping the strategic direction of the organisation and representing University Hospitals Tees within the wider health and care system.
Person Specification
Qualifications/Professional Registration Essential
* Educated to Master's degree level or senior executive leadership qualification
* Substantial, demonstrable evidence of continuous professional and personal development at Board level
* Proven, substantial executive Board‑level leadership experience within a large, complex NHS acute healthcare organisation (e.g., Chief Executive, Chief Delivery Officer, or equivalent accountable role)
* Extensive experience operating at system level (e.g., within an Integrated Care System (ICS) or Sustainability and Transformation Partnership (STP)), demonstrating deep understanding of integrated care and partnership working
Knowledge and Experience Essential
* Substantial Strategic Leadership: Proven track record of successfully developing, gaining Board approval for, and delivering major strategic transformation programmes across multiple complex organisations or systems within the NHS
* NHS Acute Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of the policy context, operational challenges, financial frameworks, regulatory requirements (CQC, NHS England), and cultural dynamics specific to NHS acute trusts
* Clinical Quality & Performance: Significant experience leading complex clinical quality improvement initiatives and performance delivery at scale, including setting high standards for patient safety and experience, and utilising data for assurance and improvement
* Financial Acumen: Proven experience managing very large, complex budgets (£500m+) within the NHS, developing long‑term financial strategies, and ensuring transformation delivers efficiency and sustainability
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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled Worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here.
Employer details
Employer name: South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Address: The James Cook University Hospital, Marton Road, Middlesbrough, TS4 3BW
Employer's website: https://www.southtees.nhs.uk/
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