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Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer Elective Care & Cancer

Finegreen

West Midlands Combined Authority

On-site

GBP 80,000 - 100,000

Full time

Yesterday
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Job summary

A leading Acute NHS Trust seeks an exceptional Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer to spearhead operational leadership, particularly in Elective and Cancer pathways. This Band 9 fixed-term role offers immediate start and strategic exposure, crucial for effective service delivery in the NHS.

Benefits

Strategic senior-level exposure
High-impact leadership role
Contribution to high-quality patient care

Qualifications

  • Substantial experience at senior operational level within an acute NHS environment.
  • Proven success in elective and cancer service improvement and pathway redesign.
  • Experience in financial oversight including budget delivery.

Responsibilities

  • Lead operational leadership across clinical services with a focus on Elective and Cancer performance.
  • Oversee outpatient and theatre productivity, ensuring effective resource use.
  • Deputise for the Chief Operating Officer in their absence.

Skills

Operational Leadership
Elective and Cancer Service Improvement
Performance Management
Financial Oversight

Education

Master’s-level qualification or equivalent senior management experience

Job description

We are working in partnership with a leading Acute NHS Trust in the Midlands to appoint an exceptional Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer (COO). This critical senior leadership position will support the Trust’s operational agenda with a sharp focus on the Elective and Cancer pathways, leading high-performing teams to deliver safe, effective, and sustainable services.

This is a Band 9 fixed-term opportunity for 6 months, with the Trust seeking an immediate start.

About the Role

  • Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working as a key member of the senior leadership team, the Deputy COO will:
  • Take operational leadership responsibility across clinical services, with a focus on Elective and Cancer performance'
  • Lead on the delivery of national performance targets, including cancer waiting times and RTT standards;
  • Oversee and improve outpatient and theatre productivity, ensuring effective use of resources and delivery of financial sustainability;
  • Lead the Trust’s daily operational grip, ensuring strong processes for patient flow, bed capacity, risk management, and service resilience;
  • Drive compliance with NHSE, CQC, and regulatory standards, embedding governance and assurance processes;
  • Actively contribute to Trust-wide leadership as part of the Corporate Directors Group;
  • Deputise for the Chief Operating Officer, assuming executive-level responsibilities during periods of absence;
  • Support cross-system collaboration with other providers and commissioners to improve access, quality, and patient experience.
Key Requirements
  • The Trust are seeking an experienced and credible NHS operational leader with:
  • A Master’s-level qualification or equivalent senior management experience;
  • Substantial experience at senior operational level within an acute NHS environment;
  • Proven success in elective and cancer service improvement, pathway redesign, and performance recovery;
  • Track record of leading large, multidisciplinary teams within a complex performance management culture;
  • Experience in financial oversight, including budget delivery, CIP programmes, and activity planning;
  • Strong grasp of national NHS policy, operational planning, and assurance frameworks;
  • Resilience, visibility, and the ability to lead under pressure in a demanding environment.
Why Apply?
  • Strategic senior-level exposure at the heart of NHS operational delivery;
  • Immediate start for a high-impact leadership role;
  • Be part of a Trust committed to high-quality patient care and transformation.
If you are interested in the role, please email Toni Coates with a copy of your updated CV to toni.coates@finegreen.co.uk along with your availability and rate understanding in line with the above.
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