We are seeking a hands-on Hospital Director with a strong background in independent mental health services to lead and scale a growing organisation.
This role is suited to an experienced leader who has successfully run or significantly contributed to the operation of independent mental health hospitals or specialist services. The successful candidate will play a central role in operational leadership, service growth, regulatory excellence, and organisational development, with a clear pathway to Managing Director as the organisation expands.
This is not a purely strategic board role. We are looking for someone who enjoys building services, leading teams, improving quality, and driving growth on the ground.
Key Responsibilities
Operational Leadership
* Lead the day-to-day operations of the hospital/service ensuring high standards of care and regulatory compliance.
* Provide visible leadership to clinical and non-clinical teams.
* Ensure services meet CQC standards and maintain strong inspection outcomes.
* Drive a culture of quality improvement, safety, and patient-centred care.
Strategic Development
* Work with ownership/board to implement growth strategy.
* Identify opportunities to expand services or develop new provision.
* Support development of new sites, services, or specialist programmes.
Clinical Governance
* Ensure robust governance frameworks across clinical, operational, and safeguarding domains.
* Work closely with clinical leads to ensure safe, evidence-based practice.
* Oversee incident management, audits, and continuous improvement initiatives.
* Manage budgets, occupancy, and service performance.
* Build strong relationships with NHS commissioners, ICBs, and local authorities.
* Support contract development and service positioning within regional care pathways.
* Build and lead a high-performing multidisciplinary team.
* Recruit and develop senior managers and clinical leaders.
* Foster a positive culture focused on staff wellbeing and professional development.
Organisational Growth
* Play a central role in scaling the organisation.
* Contribute to board-level decision making.
* Progress toward a future Managing Director position as the organisation expands.
Candidate Profile
* Senior leadership experience within independent mental health services.
* Experience managing CQC-regulated services.
* Proven track record of running or helping scale a healthcare organisation.
* Strong operational and financial management experience.
* Experience working with NHS commissioners and care pathways.
* Experience leading hospital-level services (PICU, acute, rehab, CAMHS, etc.).
* Experience opening or developing new services.
* Experience in turnaround or scaling organisations.
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