About the Role
In a newly refreshed role, we are looking for an outstanding individual, someone who brings robust experience in aligned fields, is used to working in a challenging but rewarding environment, enjoys leadership and is genuinely driven by the cause of St John.
St John has huge ambition to increase our income, reach and impact. As Lead Director you will hold overall responsibility and accountability for the Healthcare Operations Directorate encompassing Event Healthcare, Ambulance Operations and Community Healthcare delivery. You will drive the commercial ambition of your portfolio, shape strategy, set direction and deliver against stretching targets. You'll work closely with volunteer leaders across the organisation, forging strong partnerships that strengthen our impact and help us build new community‑centred healthcare provision.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead engagement with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and key external partners, regulators, stakeholders and commissioners, including event customers, ICBs, trusts and the wider NHS.
* Champion innovative, high‑quality, patient‑centred services that are reliable, financially viable, effective and continuously improving.
* Provide visible, motivational leadership, embed St John HEART values and position the services as an employer of choice beyond the NHS.
* Share collective responsibility for delivering the charity’s strategic objectives while confidently managing a significant P&L of approximately £20 m+.
* Ensure services are patient focused, responsive, safe, effective, well‑led and sustainable, and hold overall accountability for CQC leadership and the highest standards of delivery.
* Role‑model, empower and enable people, exemplifying compassionate, ethical and accountable leadership and St John HEART values.
* Inspire excellence, compassion and commitment within the leadership team.
* Lead on the development of effective business and commercial development and marketing strategies that drive revenue surplus, enhance market share and strengthen brand value.
* Establish and drive continuous improvement of KPIs and dashboards to measure and drive effectiveness, and ensure compliance with all Healthcare Operations contracts, continually measuring and acting on customer/stakeholder feedback.
* Cultivate relationships with external stakeholders, partners and customers (including key event customers, Association of Ambulance Chief Executives (AACE), ICBs and NHS England) to position the charity to capitalise on potential business and funding opportunities.
Qualifications
* Degree‑educated; a relevant master’s degree desirable.
* Ideally hold a clinical qualification such as Registered Paramedic.
* Substantial senior leadership experience in large, complex organisations.
* Strong track record in delivering ambulance or health service strategies and leading in CQC‑regulated environments.
* Experience managing a commercial operation of £20 m+ with full P&L accountability.
* Demonstrated ability to shape effective policies and processes, lead large staff and volunteer teams, and deliver complex change programmes.
* Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and people‑centred leadership skills, underpinned by emotional intelligence and collaboration.
Position Details
Full Time / Permanent
Our Offer to You
* Competitive salary and pension scheme
* 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays), increasing to 38 days over 5 years
* Hybrid, flexible working
* Cycle to work scheme, electric vehicle scheme
* Health and wellbeing portal – access to financial, health and wellbeing support and an Employee Assistance Programme
* Discounts – Blue Light and NHS discounts, plus discounts on mobile phones, gym membership, cinema tickets, restaurants, holidays and shopping
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