Job Summary
Our Chief Operating Officer is retiring in Spring 2026 and this opens up an exciting opportunity to join our executive team to lead and manage the delivery of both clinical services and a range of corporate support functions.
As the Chief Operating Officer you will play a pivotal role within the senior management team and the Board, responsible for the strategic and operational delivery of safe and high‑quality patient‑focussed services across the organisation.
This role requires a highly motivated, strategic thinker, innovative and experienced senior manager who has a successful track record of achieving results and delivering against challenging performance targets in a senior leadership role in an NHS Trust, operating at or close to Board level.
Main Duties
* Report directly to the Chief Executive and work closely with the Managing Director on a day‑to‑day basis, providing visibility and leadership for operational delivery and performance across the organisation.
* Provide direct line management of the CBU Associate Directors of Operations and the CBU Clinical Directors, inspiring and motivating operational teams to have the skills, authority and autonomy they need to deliver outstanding services.
* Support transformational change across boundaries, enabling effective delivery of strategy through service improvement plans and maximising partnership working across the health economy.
* Lead on business continuity management including emergency planning.
* Lead by example, motivate and empower teams to ensure consistently high standards with a focus on compassionate and inclusive leadership.
* Align values with the Trust core values, demonstrating honesty and professional integrity.
Qualifications
* Higher degree and relevant management qualification.
* Evidence of continuing professional and personal development.
Knowledge
* Knowledge of key current issues in NHS systems reform.
* Understanding of the issues facing acute and community health services.
* Well‑developed leadership skills and emotional intelligence.
* Strategic thinking and innovation.
* Clear understanding of systems management.
* Highly developed influencing, persuading and communication skills.
* Able to get key messages across on complex issues.
* Able to establish and maintain relationships with key people, both internally and externally.
* Evidence of a successful track record of achieving results in a senior leadership role.
* Ability to innovate, recognise challenges, analyse problems and apply effective solutions.
* Demonstrate honesty and professional integrity.
* Ability to manage a highly complex portfolio and deliver a wide range of objectives within the time available.
Communication and Relationships
* Highlight effective communicator, able to communicate with staff and stakeholders at all levels.
* Able to present and receive complex information within a multidisciplinary team.
* Ability to convey sensitive information in an empathetic manner to patients, relatives/carers and staff.
* Demonstrate effective written and verbal communication skills.
* Produce timely, accurate written and electronic records and documents.
* Demonstrates leadership in the management of change.
* Experience of effective partnership working with other acute providers and place‑based partners such as primary care, community services and mental health organisations.
Values Based Questions
* In around 100 words please describe what Equality & Diversity means to you and why they are important.
Experience
* Significant senior management experience in an NHS Trust, operating at or close to Board level.
* Significant experience across both community and acute based service provision.
* Experience of delivering against challenging performance targets and of managing others to do so.
* Experience of delivering high levels of productivity and efficiency.
* Extensive experience of leading successful change in patient‑centred care delivery.
* Extensive experience of delivering demonstrably high quality services.
About Us
Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is a high performing Trust, currently rated Good by the Care Quality Commission and achieving significant progress in the delivery of our strategic objectives, including our ambition to be the best Place to Work.
We scored best in the country in the most recent NHS Staff Survey for teamwork, compassionate leadership, and supporting work/life balance. In 2024's survey, the Trust also scored above average in every theme of the NHS People Promise.
We are proud of the commitment of our colleagues to ensuring a strong and sustainable future and our organisation is highly valued by our local communities.
There has never been a better time to join Barnsley. It is moving at pace and a we can do this attitude is evident right through the organisation.
Equal Opportunities
Barnsley Hospital NHS FT is committed to promoting equality of opportunity and fair treatment to all applicants.
Application and 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, please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
Contact
Employer: Barnsley Hospital NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Pogmoor Road, Barnsley, South Yorkshire, S75 2EP
Website: https://www.barnsleyhospital.nhs.uk
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