Job overview
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. Continuingly 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.
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
The Director of Business and Commercial Development will play a central role in the leadership and future success of the organisation, 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 any 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
Essential criteria
1. Educated to Masters level or equivalent professional experience
2. Relevant professional qualification
3. Evidence of continuing professional and managerial development
Desirable criteria
4. Accounting and/or legal qualification
5. MBA or equivalent
Experience & Skills
Essential criteria
6. Substantial senior management experience in a commercial or Finance role, preferably within the NHS
7. 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
8. Significant experience managing commercial and/or business development activities at a senior level, preferably the public sector
9. Strong experience of successfully negotiating and managing commercial contracts, dealing with and managing external suppliers to deliver required benefits, preferably within the public sector
10. Sound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment
11. Sound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction
12. Sound understanding NHS legal, governance and regulatory frameworks
13. Current knowledge of all aspects of public sector business planning, corporate governance and procurement processes
14. Proven experience of developing and reviewing business cases and commercial contracts
15. Exceptional leadership and communication skills with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
16. Evidence of successfully leading and motivating staff including those not within a line management arrangement.
Knowledge & Understanding
Essential criteria
17. Strong commercial and business acumen with an ability to contribute to major strategic programmes
18. Ability to influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements
19. Ability to balance the need to manage operationally and think strategically
20. A motivational leader, able to set a clear direction and vision and drive continuous improvement
21. Innovative style of management, communicating vision and leading change through others
22. Thorough understanding of the commercial and governance requirements of an NHS Foundation Trust
23. Collaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues
Desirable criteria
24. Wider experience within the NHS, particularly in the acute hospital sector
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Essential criteria
25. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
26. Evidence of having championed diversity in previous roles (as appropriate to role).
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