Job summary
Interim Transformation Director (Devon)
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board (ICB) is seeking an exceptional Interim Transformation Director to lead a major turnaround programme across Devon's NHS system.
This is a high-profile system leadership role, supporting Devon to address significant financial and performance challenges in 2026/27 and to establish an affordable and sustainable service offer over the next three years.
You will report directly to the Chief Executive as part of the executive team and you will work closely with PwC and senior leaders across the ICB and provider Trusts, leading transformation at pace and ensuring delivery of measurable improvements in productivity, outcomes and financial sustainability.
Hybrid working - Exeter or Bodmin base (travel across Devon required), start date 1 April 2026 (earlier start in March preferred)
Main duties of the job
The postholder will:
* provide visible system leadership across Devon's transformation and recovery programme
* lead service redesign, pathway optimisation and development of new models of care
* drive strategic commissioning and contracting reform, including unpacking block contracts
* support development of credible in-year CIP programmes for 2026/27
* ensure delivery of productivity improvements, improved outcomes and reduced variation
* champion digital transformation and innovation
* work across organisational boundaries with Trusts, primary care, local authorities and VCSE partners
* provide assurance reporting to ICB governance and system boards
About us
Devon is entering a critical period of system change. This role offers a rare opportunity to shape the future of services across the whole health and care system, supporting delivery of national priorities including:
* hospital to community
* illness to prevention
* analogue to digital
Details
Date posted
19 February 2026
Pay scheme
Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience Commensurate with experience
Contract
Fixed term
Duration
12 months
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
144-JW05-ICB-26
Job locations
NHS Devon ICB, Aperture House
Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane
Exeter
EX2 5SP
Job description
Job responsibilities
Essential criteria
* significant senior leadership experience delivering large-scale transformation within the NHS
* board / director-level experience leading service redesign at pace
* strong strategic commissioning and contracting expertise
* demonstrable track record of delivery across complex system partnerships
* highly developed influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills
* experience working with senior leaders across multiple organisations and with NHSE regional/national teams
* ability to work at pace, including alongside consultancy-led programmes
Additional information
This is a fixed term post for up to 12 months. The role requires travel across the Devon system footprint and will be delivered through hybrid working arrangements.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Essential criteria
* significant senior leadership experience delivering large-scale transformation within the NHS
* board / director-level experience leading service redesign at pace
* strong strategic commissioning and contracting expertise
* demonstrable track record of delivery across complex system partnerships
* highly developed influencing, communication and stakeholder management skills
* experience working with senior leaders across multiple organisations and with NHSE regional/national teams
* ability to work at pace, including alongside consultancy-led programmes
Additional information
This is a fixed term post for up to 12 months. The role requires travel across the Devon system footprint and will be delivered through hybrid working arrangements.
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* Extensive change/transformation experience of working in the NHS
* Evidence of senior board level service transformation leadership, at pace.
* Board director level experience particularly in using strategic commissioning to change and lead service re-design.
* Demonstrable track record of leading complex transformation/commissioning programmes
* Experience working across organisational boundaries and system partnerships, with NHSe Region and National teams
* Experience delivering quality improvement and service redesign
Desirable
* Experience working within Integrated Systems/Trusts/ commissioning
Skills and Competencies
Essential
* Used to working at the pace of management consultancies
* Strong change management leadership capability
* Extensive strategic commissioning experience - world class commissioning
* Ability to influence and lead through collaboration and partnership
* Highly developed communication and engagement skills
* Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills
* Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Person Specification
Experience
Essential
* Extensive change/transformation experience of working in the NHS
* Evidence of senior board level service transformation leadership, at pace.
* Board director level experience particularly in using strategic commissioning to change and lead service re-design.
* Demonstrable track record of leading complex transformation/commissioning programmes
* Experience working across organisational boundaries and system partnerships, with NHSe Region and National teams
* Experience delivering quality improvement and service redesign
Desirable
* Experience working within Integrated Systems/Trusts/ commissioning
Skills and Competencies
Essential
* Used to working at the pace of management consultancies
* Strong change management leadership capability
* Extensive strategic commissioning experience - world class commissioning
* Ability to influence and lead through collaboration and partnership
* Highly developed communication and engagement skills
* Ability to manage complexity and ambiguity
* Strong analytical and decision-making skills
* Demonstrated commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details
Employer name
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board
Address
NHS Devon ICB, Aperture House
Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane
Exeter
EX2 5SP
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------
Employer details
Employer name
NHS Devon Integrated Care Board
Address
NHS Devon ICB, Aperture House
Aperture House, Pynes Hill, Rydon Lane
Exeter
EX2 5SP
Employer's website
(Opens in a new tab)
-----------------------------------