Head of Service Delivery (Interim)

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust; Bristol; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 92,000; Full time

Job summary

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust is seeking an interim Head of Service Delivery (Technology Services) to lead delivery of critical digital services across the Trust.

This senior Band 8c role requires strategic and operational leadership, governance, cybersecurity, supplier management and ensuring safe, resilient technology that supports patient care and staff experience. Fixed-term (7 months) with flexible working considerations.

Qualifications

• Master’s level or equivalent senior IT leadership experience.
• Relevant professional certifications (ITIL, PRINCE2, Agile, ISO/IEC standards, CCIE, MCSE).
• Experience leading IT services in complex organisations, preferably NHS/public sector.

Responsibilities

• Oversee IT service delivery, infrastructure and operations ensuring alignment with national digital priorities.
• Provide governance, cybersecurity strategy and business continuity.
• Lead financial stewardship, supplier management and stakeholder relations.
• Support development of a new service delivery model across Technology Services.

Skills

Senior IT leadership

IT service mgmt

Enterprise architecture

Cybersecurity

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Master’s degree or equivalent

Job description

Main area Digital - Technology Services Grade Band 8c Contract 7 months (Fixed Term/Secondment. End date 15/04/2027) Hours Full time - 37.5 hours per week Job ref 387-TS5785-KM

Employer Bristol NHS Foundation Trust Employer type NHS Site Digital HQ Town Bristol Salary £79,504 - £91,609 pa pro rata Salary period Yearly Closing 21/09/2026 23:59

Head of Service Delivery (Interim)

Band 8c

North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) and University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBW) have merged as of 1 st July 2026 to become Bristol NHS Foundation Trust. This will create an exciting future that brings together the best of both organisations. As a single, strong and sustainable organisation, we will not only be able to deliver better outcomes for our patients and fairer care for our population, but it will also provide greater opportunities for our people.
Bristol NHS Foundation Trust recognise the value of a healthy work-life balance. When applying, speak to us about how we might be able to accommodate flexible working, so your work life fits around your home life.

We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the Trust.

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) describes algorithms that can be used to produce new content, including audio, code, images, text, simulations, and videos. It is developing all the time and is now being used as a support mechanism for all kinds of content-based creations. Please note the use of AI is monitored and if applicants have used it then they are required to declare this.

Job overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Secondment/Fixed-Term Interim role to lead the delivery of critical digital services that support patient care across one of the NHS's most ambitious digital organisations.

We are seeking an exceptional digital leader to join our Digital Services Department as Interim Head of Service Delivery (Technology Services).

This is a high-profile leadership role with responsibility for ensuring the delivery of safe, resilient, secure and customer-focused technology services across our Group. Reporting into the Director of Technology Services, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across infrastructure, service management, technical operations, cybersecurity, supplier management and business continuity.

As part of the senior digital leadership team, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a new service delivery model and ensuring our Technology Services enable outstanding patient care and staff experience.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced NHS or public sector technology leader who thrives in complex environments and can quickly establish credibility with senior stakeholders.

Main duties of the job

As a senior digital leader within the organisation, this role provides oversight IT service delivery, infrastructure, and operations, ensuring alignment with national digital health priorities and organisational goals.

The postholder leads high-performing, resilient and scalable technology services, integrating internal teams and external partners to deliver seamless, user-focused digital experiences.

With responsibility for governance, , and business continuity, the role ensures compliance with regulatory standards and promotes a culture of cyber resilience. As a senior member of the Digital Services Directorate, the postholder contributes to executive decision-making, and leads multi-disciplinary teams

They also oversee financial stewardship, supplier management, and sustainable technology practices, while fostering strong stakeholder relationships and ensuring inclusive, accessible digital services across BFT.

Working for our organisation

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust brings together more than 28,000 staff to deliver over 160 clinical services across thirteen hospital locations,operatingfrom three main sites at Southmead, Bristol citycentreand Weston.

With an annual turnover of £2.3 billion, we are now one of the largest NHS trusts in the United Kingdom. Our hospitals are spread across Bristol and Weston, join us and you can enjoy the very best of both worlds; city living within a stone’s throw of the countryside or beside the seaside, both with easy access to all that theSouth Westhas to offer.

Bristol NHS Foundation Trust values all people as individuals. As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which representsthe rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your applicationin order toensurewe’remeeting our pledge.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For a more detailed job description and main responsibilities, please refer to the job description document attached to this vacancy.

Person specification

Qualifications and Training

• Educated to Master’s level or equivalent demonstrable experience at a senior level in IT, Digital Services, or a related discipline.
• Evidence of continued professional development.
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., ITIL, PRINCE2, Agile, ISO/IEC standards, CCIE, MCSE).

Experience

• Significant experience in senior IT leadership roles within complex organisations, preferably within the NHS or public sector
• Proven track record of delivering strategic digital transformation, infrastructure management, and service improvement.
• Demonstrable success in managing large technical teams and multi-million-pound budgets.
• Experience in implementing governance frameworks, cybersecurity strategies, and compliance with NHS digital standards (e.g., DSPT).
• Strong background in stakeholder engagement and partnership working at regional or national levels.
• Expertise in staff management, coaching, team building, and leading change.

Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth knowledge of IT service management, enterprise architecture, infrastructure, and emerging technologies
• Strong understanding of NHS digital strategies, the NHS Ten Year Plan, and national information governance frameworks
• Skilled in translating strategic vision into operational delivery and aligning local and national digital priorities.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong organisational and planning skills to implement national policies and long-term strategies.
• Proficient in risk management, business continuity, and performance monitoring
• Demonstrated ability to manage mission-critical, highly available infrastructure and services.

Behaviours and Attributes

• Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
• Collaborative leader who builds trust, drives engagement, and fosters inclusive team environments.
• Passionate about improving patient outcomes through digital innovation and excellence.
• Persuasive and credible influencer with the confidence to operate in high-profile, complex settings.
• Demonstrates initiative, prioritisation, and problem-solving in unpredictable workloads.
• Strategic thinker with a proactive, solution-focused approach.

We hope that you will decide to join us and become part of this exciting journey, helping us to shape our future together.

• As an equal opportunities employer actively working towards a diverse workforce we aim to recruit and retain a workforce which represents the rich diversity of the local population at all levels and are committed to designing our services around the needs of individual patients and those around them. Anonymous information will be used from your application to ensure we’re meeting our pledge.
• The Trust is committed to investing in and caring for all our staff. We will support you in maintaining and improving your health and wellbeing, as well as your career development through management and training support - developing exceptional people for exceptional careers.
• BFT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
• To comply with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 all applicants must be able to speak fluent English to an appropriate standard which will be assessed at Interview.
• If you require sponsorship for a visa to work in the UK, to avoid disappointment, please check to ensure you are eligible under the UKVI points based system.
• The Trust uses electronic new starter forms on Trac to collect personal details. Information collected is securely stored and used to set up the employee record on the ESR HR system.
• By applying for this post, you are agreeing to Bristol NHS Foundation Trust transferring the information contained in this application to its preferred applicant management system. If you are offered a job, information will also be transferred into the national NHS Electronic Staff Records system.

Only those candidates who clearly demonstrate how they meet the person specification will be shortlisted for this job.

As a guide interviews should usually take place within 3 weeks of the closing date.

When providing employment reference details, please provide correct work-related email addresses so references can be sought promptly when we are looking to progress your application. Your referee must all be known to you in a line manager or professional lead capacity.