Chief Operating Officer

Role overview

Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust is seeking its next Chief Operating Officer to help guide the organisation through a major period of change. The role is based at Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals and sits at the centre of work to improve how care is delivered across hospital, community, primary care and specialist settings.

As part of the St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group and in close collaboration with partners across South West London, this is a key leadership position with responsibility for shaping present-day performance and the future direction of services. The postholder will work with the Managing Director and Executive Team to provide strategic and operational leadership across clinical services, ensuring safe, high-quality care while supporting long-term service redesign.

This is a role that blends big-picture thinking with hands-on delivery. It will suit someone who can lead complex operations, drive transformation, build effective partnerships and create the conditions for teams to deliver outstanding care. The opportunity is especially suited to a leader who is motivated by service improvement, people development and making a meaningful difference for patients and communities.

Main responsibilities

The Chief Operating Officer will lead operational performance across clinical services, oversee major transformation work and play a central role in partnership working across the system. The role also includes responsibility for developing an inclusive culture, supporting high-performing teams and ensuring resources are used wisely and sustainably.

Operational leadership and performance

You will direct the operational delivery of all clinical services, making sure patients receive safe, compassionate and high-quality care. The role involves maintaining strong performance against national and local priorities, while keeping the Trust resilient, responsive and prepared for future demands.

Quality, safety and patient experience

Working closely with clinical leaders, you will help strengthen the quality, safety and overall experience of care. A continuous improvement mindset is essential, alongside a strong focus on governance and on meeting the highest standards of patient care.

Strategy and transformation

You will lead operational strategy and major change programmes, including work to redesign services, improve patient pathways and deliver sustainable improvements that support the future of healthcare across South West London.

Partnership and system working

The role requires strong relationship-building across the South West London Integrated Care System. You will work with partners, regulators and local communities to improve outcomes, address health inequalities and support more joined-up care.

People leadership and culture

You will provide visible and compassionate leadership that enables colleagues to succeed. A key part of the role is building high-performing teams, developing future leaders and fostering an inclusive workplace where people feel supported, respected and able to thrive.

Financial stewardship

The postholder will ensure operational services are delivered sustainably, using resources effectively and driving efficiencies without compromising quality, safety or patient outcomes.

Why this opportunity stands out

• Join at one of the most significant moments of organisational change in the Trust's history.
• Help influence services for more than 500,000 people across South West London and Surrey.
• Work with an experienced Executive Team that values collaborative leadership.
• Contribute to delivery of a £500 million investment in healthcare infrastructure.
• Shape how care is designed, delivered and improved across a large and diverse health economy.

About the organisation

The organisation provides care to more than half a million people across South West London and Surrey, combining acute hospital services with a growing portfolio of community and integrated care services. Colleagues deliver care that is safe, compassionate and centred on the needs of local people.

Partnership is central to the way the organisation works. It collaborates with local authorities, primary care, community providers and mental health services, recognising that better health outcomes depend on joined-up working beyond the hospital setting.

As part of the St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group, the organisation is also strengthening how its hospitals work together, sharing expertise, developing services collectively and creating new ways to improve patient care across South West London.

There is a clear focus on what comes next, including investment in estates, stronger operational performance and deeper collaboration across the system. While significant challenges remain, the Trust has committed colleagues, strong partnerships and a clear ambition to keep improving, creating an important opportunity for the right leader.

What the organisation is proud of

• More than 7,000 colleagues delivering care across South West London and Surrey.
• Annual care for over 500,000 people.
• Membership of the St George's, Epsom and St Helier Hospital Group.
• £500 million secured for a new Specialist Emergency Care Hospital in Sutton.
• Partnerships that are helping build more joined-up care across the health system.
• An Executive Team committed to collaboration, openness and continuous improvement.

Additional information

The source content does not state salary, benefits, notice period, application deadline, or vacancy count. No internship duration applies. The role is a permanent senior leadership position in an onsite setting at Epsom & St Helier University Hospitals.