Employer: South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Job Title: Chief Operating Officer
Location: United Kingdom
Salary: £67,290 to £97,125 per annum
Job Type: Full-time
Closing Date: 25 January 2026
Job Summary
This is a key leadership role at South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UHT), responsible for leading teams to deliver improved quality, productivity, and performance for the Tees Valley and North Yorkshire population, in line with the Trust’s strategic objectives and ICB priorities.
The Chief Operating Officer has shared corporate responsibility for the overall strategic direction, performance, and success of UHT, ensuring effective performance and organisation of all clinical and operational services.
The primary focus of the role is to ensure that UHT provides high-quality, safe patient services that meet the needs of its patients. This will be achieved through engagement, development, and performance management of Clinical Service Units and the implementation of integrated health and social care provision for the Tees Valley and North East and Cumbria region.
Main Duties of the Job
The Chief Operating Officer will:
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Attend and chair meetings and lead strategic programmes on behalf of the Chief Delivery Officer, representing UHT as appropriate.
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Support the Chief Delivery Officer to develop Clinical Service Unit teams to be effective and productive, ensuring accountability and high performance.
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Provide high-calibre professional leadership in Clinical Service Units alongside the Chief Medical Officer, Chief Nurse, Chief Delivery Officer, and Accountable Clinical Leads.
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Communicate effectively as a strong change agent, demonstrating personal leadership while building a leadership and management team to ensure organisational sustainability.
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Foster a culture of learning and improvement, encouraging staff to raise concerns and welcoming constructive challenge at all levels.
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Ensure effective information systems and controls through oversight of business planning and budgeting processes, assuring the Board that performance and operational targets are met.
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Implement monitoring systems to detect and address sub-optimal performance, including leadership walkabouts to engage with patients and staff.
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Contribute to the development and implementation of UHT’s long-term vision, strategic direction, and governance arrangements.
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Ensure Clinical Service Units develop clear workforce and people plans, provide leadership to all staff, and actively manage performance.
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Oversee cost plans for pay and non-pay budgets, monitor implementation, and ensure cost improvement plans are achieved.
For full details, please refer to the Candidate Information Pack attached to this vacancy.
About South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
South Tees Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (UHT) serves the Tees Valley and north Yorkshire population, delivering safe, high-quality patient services across multiple clinical and operational areas. UHT is committed to integrated health and social care provision and continuous improvement of services for patients and staff.
Person Specification
Qualifications / Professional Registration
Essential:
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Educated to Master’s degree level or senior executive leadership qualification.
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Substantial evidence of continuous professional and personal development at Board level.
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Proven, substantial executive Board-level leadership experience within a large, complex NHS acute healthcare organisation (e.g., Chief Executive, Chief Delivery Officer, or equivalent accountable role).
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Extensive experience operating at system level (ICS/STP), with a deep understanding of integrated care and partnership working.
Knowledge and Experience
Essential:
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Strategic Leadership: Proven track record in developing, gaining Board approval for, and delivering major strategic transformation programmes across multiple complex organisations or systems.
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NHS Acute Sector Expertise: Deep understanding of NHS policy, operational challenges, financial frameworks, regulatory requirements (CQC, NHS England), and cultural dynamics specific to acute trusts.
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Clinical Quality & Performance: Experience leading complex clinical quality improvement initiatives and performance delivery at scale, including patient safety, experience, and use of data for improvement.
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Financial Acumen: Experience managing large, complex budgets (£500m+) in the NHS, developing long-term financial strategies, and ensuring transformation delivers efficiency and sustainability.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975, requiring submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) to check for previous criminal convictions.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require 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.
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants applying for entry clearance into the UK must present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided in 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 is available here.
How to Apply
If you’re interested in this role, visit the official website for more information — click here to apply now.