Chief Operating Officer

Role Overview

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) plays a critical role within Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust, overseeing the daily implementation of operational strategies to ensure effective service delivery. This senior leadership position is integral to the Executive Team and Trust Board, working directly under the Trust’s Chief Executive. The COO leads five clinical divisions and the Division of Infrastructure to align services with organizational goals focused on outstanding patient care, workforce development, and sustainable operation.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage safe, efficient, and sustainable clinical operations and non-clinical support services.
• Lead business continuity plans and emergency response preparedness.
• Oversee workforce development and service enhancements pertinent to operational needs.
• Operate as the executive leader for designated teams and service areas.
• Deliver exceptional operational services to patients and provide clear guidance to clinical divisions.
• Encourage professional leadership by mentoring teams to foster collaborative decision-making and teamwork.
• Collaborate with regional partners including the West Yorkshire Integrated Care System to maintain high-quality and sustainable healthcare services.
• Ensure the daily clinical operations run smoothly across the organisation, including community service alignment with hospital care.
• Manage clinical and non-clinical directors through both professional and line management responsibilities.
• Contribute to strategic planning to enhance the Trust’s role within the local healthcare system.
• Identify and promote innovations in care delivery models that optimize skills, prioritize patient-centered care, and improve outcomes.
• Build trusted partnerships that leverage the Trust’s role as an Anchor institute to impact broader determinants of health positively.

Qualifications and Experience

• Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification in management and leadership.
• Ongoing professional training and development in leadership and management.
• Substantial leadership experience at director level within a complex NHS trust.
• Demonstrated influence and credibility across public sector organisations.
• Current acute hospital experience at Board level or as deputy, with hands-on leadership managing multidisciplinary clinical teams.

Knowledge and Skills

• Comprehensive understanding of relevant healthcare policies and governance standards.
• Strong awareness of health and social care political landscapes.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strategic thinking with a holistic systems perspective.
• Effective change management capabilities.
• Proficient in complex problem-solving and evaluation of options.

Personal Traits

• Leadership characterized by compassion and integrity.
• Commitment to high-quality standards and first-time accuracy.
• Respect for cultural diversity and inclusivity.
• Inclusive leadership style encouraging team engagement and diversity.

About Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust

Serving over one million residents in Wakefield and Kirklees, the Trust employs around 10,000 staff delivering care across community settings and three key hospitals. Emphasizing staff wellbeing and work-life balance, the Trust fosters a welcoming and diverse workplace with support networks, promoting equality and inclusion—actively encouraging applicants from underrepresented groups including LGBTQ+, ethnic minorities, and individuals with disabilities or neurodivergence.

Additional Information

For an informal discussion regarding this position, candidates are encouraged to contact the Executive Assistant, Charlotte Winterburn, who can facilitate conversations with the Chief Executive.

Closing date for applications is 5pm on Tuesday, 18 August with interviews scheduled for 8 and 9 September.

Application Advice

Applicants are advised to personalize their submissions, even if assisted by artificial intelligence tools, ensuring a genuine representation of their expertise and disclosing any AI usage.

Benefits

• Participation in the NHS pension scheme.
• Annual leave starting at 27 days plus bank holidays, increasing with tenure milestones.
• Comprehensive employee health and wellbeing programs.
• Access to various salary sacrifice schemes including onsite nurseries, childcare, home electronics, car leasing, and cycle-to-work options.
• Support services for working carers, including advisory networks and flexible policies.
• Established staff diversity networks focusing on LGBTQ+ and race equality.
• Opportunities for career growth, training, and professional development.

Work Visa Sponsorship

The Trust offers skilled worker sponsorship opportunities, including visa options pertinent to health and care roles.