Director of Operations and Performance/Deputy Chief Operating Officer

Go back East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS TrustEnsure you read the information regarding this opportunity thoroughly before making an application.Director of Operations and Performance/Deputy Chief Operating OfficerThe closing date is 14 December 2025We 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.Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and working closely with Lead Divisional Directors and senior leaders, the DCOO will:Provide clear and visible leadership across operational services trust-wideEnsure delivery of operational standards and support key prioritiesDrive improvements in patient flow, accessibility, and patient experienceLead critical operational project, including operational leadership for EPR implementationMaintain strong governance and performance frameworksWe seek a candidate who can demonstrate:Proven senior operational management experience in complex NHS settingsStrong leadership, communication, and influencing skillsAbility to work across divisions, clinical teams, and corporate departmentsA track record of delivering operational improvementsCommitment to our values and enhancing patient outcomesWe offer the opportunity to work for a trust in segment 2 of the national oversight framework, implementing the East & North Herts Production System to drive continuous improvement. We will support your leadership development to be ready for an executive role.Main duties of the jobThe 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 will operate independently, overseeing daily management of operations, patient flow, emergency planning and site performance, including the delivery of standards, activity and productivity improvements. You will 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, you will demonstrate a track record in transforming UEC flows, cross‑organisational change and operational delivery across elective and urgent care. You will 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 will demonstrate compassionate and inspirational leadership and have a track record of promoting inclusivity. You will foster a patient‑centred approach and reduce health inequalities.You will work flexibly across sites and organisational boundaries and deputise for the COO in executive, Board and system discussions.About usEast 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‑centred 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.Job responsibilitiesPlease refer the attached applicant pack for further details including the Job Description and Personal specification for this post.Person SpecificationQualifications /TrainingEducated to degree level/equivalent professional qualificationEvidence of extensive and recent commitment to continuing professional and personal developmentPostgraduate level qualification or equivalent in leadership, change management or quality improvementKnowledge and ExperienceSignificant management and leadership experience at a senior level in an NHS acute TrustProven experience and ability in managing operational performance with tight financial constraints demonstrating effective budget managementExperience of capacity planning and translating organisation strategy and vision into operational objectivesEvidence of successfully leading significant organisational change in developing new models of healthcare deliveryDemonstrable experience of building, maintaining and leveraging successful relationships with all staff especially clinicians within complex organisationsAn understanding of healthcare planning process and key national healthcare issuesDemonstrable strong and credible leadership in being able to pull people together across systems and motivate them to deliver common aims and targetsDemonstrable significant experience of situational leadership, human resource management, coaching and people developmentLeadership and management skillsHighly effective communication skills - must be able to both articulate complex issues to a wide range of recipients, both written and verballyExcellent presentation skills with the ability to engage and influence diverse audiencesStrong interpersonal and negotiating skills, with the ability to engage, build, coach and sustain relationships both within the Trust and within external organisationsAble to demonstrate sound financial management skills and understand business centred approach to healthcare provisionExcellent organisational and time management skills to meet competing prioritiesAble to take tough decisions and calculated risks and see require action throughDemonstrates strong commitment to action to achieve equality and diversity in the NHS workforce and for the communityExcellent project management skills as project manager or sponsor. Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlinesOther requirementsAble to participate in the executive on call rotaPersonal resilienceDemonstrates a coaching, compassionate and empowering leadership styleAble to demonstrate behaviours consistent with the Trust's values at all times and role model positive behavioursExperience and understanding of the quality, diversity and inclusion agenda. xpwpeyx Able to actively support the development of a culture that recognises and promotes equality, values, diversity and actively leads by example in deploying these qualitiesUnderstands the impact on equality, diversity and inclusion issues in all aspects of services delivery and planningDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.East and North Hertfordshire Teaching NHS Trust£109,179 to £125,637 a year Top of Band 9 plus £5,500 allowance pa#J-18808-Ljbffr