Director of Operations and Performance

A Vacancy at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust. We are inviting applications for the role of Director of Operations and Performance / Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) at East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust. This is a great opportunity for an energetic leader to support the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality operational services across the Trust. Responsibilities Provide clear and visible leadership across operational services trust-wide. Ensure delivery of operational standards and support key priorities. Drive improvements in patient flow, accessibility, and patient experience. Lead critical operational projects, including operational leadership for EPR implementation. Maintain strong governance and performance frameworks. Oversee daily management of operations, patient flow, emergency planning and site performance, and ensure operational performance is optimised. Support the COO in providing leadership throughout the Trust underpinning a caring, fair and open culture. Drive innovation and quality of care across elective and urgent care, and transform UEC flows, cross-organisation change, and operational delivery. Work flexibly across sites and organisational boundaries, and deputise for the COO in executive, Board and system discussions. Qualifications Proven senior operational management experience in complex NHS settings. Strong leadership, communication and influencing skills. Ability to work across divisions, clinical teams and corporate departments. A track record of delivering operational improvements. Commitment to our values and enhancing patient outcomes. Track record of promoting inclusivity and fostering a patient-centered approach. The Director of Operations and Performance / Deputy Chief Operating Officer (DCOO) is a key role within the Trust’s senior leadership team. As the deputy to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), you will be responsible for day-to-day operational management, working with the site office, emergency department, divisions and system partners. You’ll operate independently, overseeing daily management of operations, patient flow, emergency planning and site performance, including the delivery of standards, activity and productivity improvements. You’ll have delegated authority on behalf of the COO to ensure operational performance is optimised and services engage in continuous improvement, innovation and transformation. A highly skilled and experienced individual will demonstrate a track record in transforming UEC flows, cross-organisation change and operational delivery across elective and urgent care. You’ll drive innovation and quality of care, working with colleagues across the Trust and partners. You will support the COO in providing leadership throughout the Trust underpinning a caring, fair and open culture that enables staff to perform at their best. You’ll demonstrate compassionate and inspirational leadership and have a track record of promoting inclusivity. You will foster a patient-centered approach and reduce health inequalities. You’ll work flexibly across sites and organisational boundaries and deputise for the COO in executive, Board and system discussions. East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust was formed in 2000 from the merger of two NHS Trusts serving east and north Hertfordshire. It operates across four sites: acute services at the Lister Hospital; specialist cancer care at the Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (MVCC); and non-acute services at Queen Elizabeth II and Hertford County hospitals. A £150m reconfiguration centralised inpatient and complex services at the Lister. The Trust provides acute inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, ambulatory and urgent care services, including emergency and maternity care, as well as regional services in renal medicine, urology, and plastic surgery. The Trust is the highest performing acute trust in the East of England and 19th nationally among acute and specialist trusts, and shortlisted for the HSJ Trust of the Year Award. With around 6,800 staff and 350 volunteers, and an annual turnover of £610 million, the Trust is committed to high-quality, patient-centered care. Key priorities include creating an environment where staff can thrive, continuous improvement and maintaining strong performance despite operational, financial and workforce pressures. The Trust remains one of the highest performing in the country for activity levels and cancer waits. Please refer to the attached applicant pack for further details including the Job Description and Personal specification for this post. This advert closes on Sunday 14 Dec 2025. #J-18808-Ljbffr