Job overview
Stakeholder Event: 2nd June 2026 / Panel Interview: 9th June 2026
The Director of Efficiency and Productivity is responsible for shaping and delivering the Trust’s efficiency programme and is a key senior leader within the finance directorate. Candidates will be qualified accountants and have a track record of leading improvements to efficiency and productivity in a large complex healthcare setting. To succeed in this role, you will have the credibility and aptitude to quickly build relationships with clinical divisions and work alongside divisional and corporate leadership teams to deliver challenging efficiency targets. As well as leading the efficiency team, you will be comfortable working in a matrix structure therefore influencing others will come naturally to you and you will thrive in a fast-paced delivery focused role that really makes a difference to our patients and financial sustainability.
Whether you come from a financial or turnaround background, you will be ready to lead and coordinate a series of workstreams including digital and workforce transformation. A key element of the role will be providing assurance to the executive leadership team and board regarding the robustness of the efficiency programme therefore previous experience of working at board/sub-board level is essential.
Main duties of the job
The Director of Efficiency leads and supports achievement of the University Hospitals Sussex’s goals and governing objectives through the delivery of a portfolio of major programme and change activity.
Reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Finance, and working with the Senior Leadership Team, the role supports Trust capacity for delivery, particularly around improving productivity and sustainability through core activities such as CIP delivery and efficiency plans, and the successful delivery of major change that will deliver multi- year productivity improvement. The role will provide the Director level leadership to the development implementation, delivery of the annual Efficiency & Productivity Programme.
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 role will need to build relationships and influence delivery across a range of portfolios as part of efficiency, productivity, and major programme delivery. Likely to include digital, technology and workforce transformation as well as a series of projects focussed on successful implementation of tactical CIP and strategic service changes, this role is fundamental to creating the expert support to the Trust, including Divisional Leadership teams, to successfully deliver changes that improve services, increase value, reduce unwarranted variation in costs, and improve the delivery capability of the organisation. The delivery of this portfolio will help stabilise University Hospitals Sussex’s underlying financial position and create a secure platform from which further transformation for future sustainability and improvements to the model of care can take place as our Strategy is delivered.
Please see attached JD & Person Specification for full duties and responsibilities.
Person specification
Experience and Qualifications
Essential criteria
1. Fully qualified accountant with chartered membership of an apropriate accountancy professional body
2. Educated to Masters level, or equivalent professional experience, a professional Finance qualification would be desirable
3. Improvement expertise and experience in leading / managing programmes using a range of delivery methodologies including (but not limited to) LEAN, agile, waterfall and similar
4. Evidence of continuing professional and managerial development
5. Substantial senior management experience in the NHS at Director or aspirant Director level
6. A proven track record of inspiring and delivery-enabling leadership through which teams and partners are encouraged, motivated and supported to achieve, exceed expectations and excel – and are held to account for doing so
7. Experience and demonstrable credibility of interacting at Board level and with regulators particularly around the assurance of financial productivity and large scale financial improvement programmes
8. Experience of leading large scale, high impact, high value change programmes across a range of subject areas; and in leveraging programme management techniques successfully across a varied portfolio including where priorities change and / or demands are competing
9. Significant experience of successfully delivering large scale financial improvement projects which involved working closely with clinicians and management
10. Financial and budget management expertise and experience – at scale
11. Experience of financial recovery and turnaround
12. Track record of forging relationships with diverse range of internal and external stakeholder
13. Experience of successfully developing collaborative relationships with a variety of stakeholders
14. Experience of partnership formation and development
15. Evidence of successful and sustained financial management in an environment of organisational change and improvement
16. Sound understanding of NHS strategic change agenda and political environment
17. Sound understanding of the commercial environment; and the national healthcare policy and strategic direction
18. Current knowledge of all aspects of finance, corporate governance and controls assurance
19. Proven experience of developing and reviewing business cases and capacity plans
20. Exceptional leadership and communication skills with experience of dealing directly with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders
21. Evidence of successfully leading and motivating a diverse team
Desirable criteria
22. Demonstrable track record operating at or near board level in a large complex, preferably Foundation Trust environment (desirable); with the professional credibility to contribute to high level discussions and strategic planning
Skills
Essential criteria
23. Demonstrate the competencies in the NHS Management and Leadership standards and the dimensions of the Leadership Framework (LF)
24. Excellent written/verbal communication skills to reach clinical / non-clinical and technical / non-technical audiences as well as persuasively to governance and oversight boards and senior stakeholders;
25. An open-minded, collaborative and inclusive approach to leadership that builds engagement and commitment and ensures patient outcomes and experience are at the heart of all decisions made;
26. Commitment to colleague experience, developing capability, enhancing wellbeing and dismantling barriers to inclusion wherever they exist;
27. A leadership role model who actively portrays and promotes organisational values and desired leadership behaviours
28. Highly developed interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships at all levels
29. Achieves commitment and support through the use of integrity and influence
30. Understanding of service re-design and improvement methodologies and is able to translate strategic direction into deliverable, measurable outcomes
31. Communicates with authority both internally and externally
32. Constructively challenges activities which may not contribute to the delivery of the corporate strategy whilst balancing the importance of being a corporate player
33. Possesses excellent chair and facilitation skills
34. Proven ability to deliver presentations and training sessions to audiences within and outside the Trust
35. Analytical skills, ability to grasp a complex problem quickly and provide non-traditional solutions to problems
36. Demonstrate high levels of motivation
37. Negotiates effectively with internal and external contacts
38. Project management training and skills
39. Ability to think analytically and synthesise information
40. Proven ability to operate at strategic level and translate into objectives and action
41. IT literate in a range of applications including MS office
Knowledge/Understanding
Essential criteria
42. Strong commercial and business acumen with an ability to contribute to major investment programmes
43. Strong understanding of, and responsiveness to, the complexities and dynamics of the health care environment, including the important role of clinical governance
44. Commitment to, and experience of, multi-professional working arrangements and projects
45. Able to establish immediate credibility with a range of internal and external stakeholders
46. Able to manage the translation of strategic intent into operational reality
47. Believes that the Trust can and must transform to provide a better service in terms of patient care and value for money
48. Building organisational capability and professionalism in areas of financial improvement delivery competence.
49. Ability to influence a wide range of internal and external stakeholders to bring about change and service improvements
50. Ability to balance the need to manage operationally and think strategically
51. A motivational leader, able to set a clear direction and vision and drive continuous improvement
52. Innovative style of management, communicating vision and leading change through others
53. Thorough understanding of the financial requirements of a challenged Trust
54. Collaborative working style with peers, sharing knowledge and being proactive in understanding current issues
55. Demonstrate high levels of motivation
Desirable criteria
56. Wider experience within the NHS, particularly in the acute hospital sector
Equality & Diversity
Essential criteria
57. Evidence of having undertaken own development to improve understanding of equalities issues
58. 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