Interim Deputy Chief Operating Officer Elective Care & Cancer

Finegreen; West Midlands Combined Authority; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

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 [e-mail] along with your availability and rate understanding in line with the above.