Job summary
Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust (NSFT) is committed to delivering outstanding mental health and community services across our region. We are proud to live our values ofTeam, Accountable, Learn and Improve, and Kind, which shape everything we do for our service users, carers, families, and colleagues.
We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our Executive Team asChief Operating Officer, a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, clinical quality, and strategic transformation across the Trust.
As post holder you will be an executive, voting member of the Board of Directors.
Main duties of the job
As Chief Operating Officer, you will be accountable to the Chief Executive and Trust Board for the effective and efficient delivery of all operational and clinical services. You will lead performance management, service improvement, and clinical engagement, ensuring the Trust meets and exceeds national and local targets.
You will play a key role in shaping and implementing the Trust's strategy, working collaboratively with executive colleagues, commissioners, local authorities, and voluntary sector partners to deliver integrated care pathways and high-quality services.
This role demands a visionary leader who can inspire teams, drive cultural change, and champion NSFT's values in every decision and interaction.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead operational delivery of clinical services across the Trust.
* Drive performance improvement and embed a culture of accountability.
* Ensure robust governance, quality assurance, and risk management.
* Foster strong partnerships across health and social care systems.
* Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion.
* Act as an ambassador for NSFT, representing the Trust locally and nationally
About us
At NSFT, we:
Build strong relationships and work as a Team.Are Accountable for our actions and take pride in our work.Learn and Improve continuously to deliver the best care.Act with Kindness, treating everyone with respect and dignity.
Why Join Us?This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of mental health and community services in Norfolk and Suffolk. You'll be part of a forward-thinking Executive Team committed to innovation, inclusion, and excellence.
We offer:
A supportive and inclusive culture.Opportunities for professional development.A chance to make a real difference in people's lives.
Details Date posted
22 August 2025
Pay scheme
Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience per annum
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
246-COR7430115
Job locations
County Hall
Norwich
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Job description Job responsibilities
Interested in applying?
We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community care. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief Executives Executive Assistant to arrange a conversation.
Job description Job responsibilities
Interested in applying?
We warmly welcome applications from individuals who are passionate about making a difference in mental health and community care. If you would like to discuss the role further, please contact the Chief Executives Executive Assistant to arrange a conversation.
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
* Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
* Masters degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
* Clinical qualification
Experience Essential
* Operated as Director of Operations (including interim or long-term acting up) in a large or complex organisation
* Proven track record of leading mental health, physical health or social care services
Desirable
* Operated as a Chief Operating Officer (including interim or long-term acting up) Experience of leading cultural change
Person Specification Qualifications Essential
* Qualified to degree level or equivalent experience
* Masters degree in relevant subject or equivalent experience
Desirable
* Clinical qualification
Experience Essential
* Operated as Director of Operations (including interim or long-term acting up) in a large or complex organisation
* Proven track record of leading mental health, physical health or social care services
Desirable
* Operated as a Chief Operating Officer (including interim or long-term acting up) Experience of leading cultural change
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.
Certificate of 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 visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information 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.
Certificate of 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 visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details Employer name
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address
County Hall
Norwich
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Employer's website
https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
Employer details Employer name
Norfolk & Suffolk Foundation NHS Trust
Address
County Hall
Norwich
Norwich
NR1 2DH
Employer's website
https://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx (Opens in a new tab)
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