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- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and improve healthcare services for the community.
- Company: Join Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, dedicated to outstanding patient care.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a values-driven team focused on compassion and teamwork.
- Qualifications: Must have a Master's degree or equivalent experience in a relevant field.
- Other info: Applications from skilled worker sponsorship seekers are welcome.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Summary
This is a major opportunity for an inspirational and motivated operational leader to join Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust (WHT) and support our commitment to the ongoing provision of outstanding care to all patients within both the Acute Trust and the Community setting.If you are an experienced operational leader, with proven leadership skills, now looking to develop your executive career, this exciting and demanding opportunity will be just what you are looking for!
Our new Chief Operating Officer will play a pivotal role at the forefront of ensuring the delivery of operational excellence and leading the continuous improvement of our services. As our Chief Operating Officer you will work closely with other WHT Board colleagues, as well as with the wider Group Executive team.
You will also work with our system partners, helping to improve the health outcomes for local people and making the Black Country a healthier place with healthier people and healthier futures.
We are looking for a values based candidate, with proven leadership skills, a track record of service improvement.
Please contact Gayle Nightingale, at and on 07905903075 for more information about the role.
Advert Close: Sunday, 13 July 2025
Shortlisting: 22nd July 2025
Stakeholders: Monday 4th August
Interviews: Thursday 7th August
Main duties of the job
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the delivery of the services of the Trust within the quality parameters agreed with the Chief Medical Officer and Chief Nursing Officer, to meet the Trust\’s and the NHS performance targets, within budget. The postholder is the principal advisor to the CEO and the Board on all operational matters.
Professional leadership of Hospital Management
Operational Management of Clinical Divisions
Capacity Management of Emergency, Elective, Cancer, Diagnostic and Outpatient Services
Performance Management and delivery across the Trust
Modernisation of clinical processes, practices and services
Responsibility for Financial control of Hospital Services through Divisional Managers and Divisional Directors.
Urgent & Emergency Care Lead
Trustee of the Endowment Funds
Accountable Emergency Officer (AEO) for EPRR
About Us
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust is an integrated provider of acute and community services for Walsall\’s diverse population of around 284,000 people. Our main site, Manor Hospital, resides in the heart of the town and as a District General Hospital, we primarily serve the immediate population of Walsall, with some patients requiring more specialised treatment at neighbouring Trusts. This includes The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, with whom we have been working closely with under a shared leadership team.
In the autumn of 2022, the Trust launched its new, five-year strategy. This is a joint strategy with The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust which recognises the closer working relationship between the two organisations. The development of the new strategy encompassed a new set of strategic objectives as well as a new vision.
Our vision, chosen by our colleagues, is to \’To deliver exceptional caretogether to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities\’.Our values remain unchanged: Compassion, Respect, Professionalism, Teamwork. These values were chosen by our staff who work to embed them into the organisation.
Details
Date posted
26 June 2025
Pay scheme
Very senior manager (VSM)
Salary
Depending on experience Competitive – VSM
Contract
Permanent
Working pattern
Full-time
Reference number
407-CORP-7299559
Job locations
Walsall Manor Hospital
Moat Lane
Walsall
WS2 9PS
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Strategy
Work with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board, particularly in bringing an operational perspective to the development of the Trusts strategic direction in relation to the provision of healthcare, teaching and research.
Financial Management
Work with the Chief Finance Officer to ensure a robust process for agreeing, monitoring and delivering robust financial targets.
Corporate and Clinical Governance
Strengthen the Trusts governance culture and foster a spirit of learning and innovation in all that the Trust does.
Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response
Has executive authority and responsibility for ensuring the Trust complies with legal and policy requirements.
System Leadership
Act as Lead Chief Operating Officer on behalf of the Black Country ICS and/or Black Country Provider Collaborative for defined programmes of work as agreed (such as Urgent & Emergency Care or Elective care or Cancer care etc)
Job Description
Job responsibilities
Strategy
Work with the Chief Executive Officer and the Board, particularly in bringing an operational perspective to the development of the Trusts strategic direction in relation to the provision of healthcare, teaching and research.
Financial Management
Work with the Chief Finance Officer to ensure a robust process for agreeing, monitoring and delivering robust financial targets.
Corporate and Clinical Governance
Strengthen the Trusts governance culture and foster a spirit of learning and innovation in all that the Trust does.
Emergency Planning, Resilience and Response
Has executive authority and responsibility for ensuring the Trust complies with legal and policy requirements.
System Leadership
Act as Lead Chief Operating Officer on behalf of the Black Country ICS and/or Black Country Provider Collaborative for defined programmes of work as agreed (such as Urgent & Emergency Care or Elective care or Cancer care etc)
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- Masters Level qualification in relevant subject area, or equivalent experience
- Demonstrable record of continuous professional development
Key Competencies
Essential
- Well developed communication and influencing skills
- Able to lead and work in multi disciplinary teams
Knowledge and Experience
Essential
- Successful track record at Director/Senior Management Level, including exposure to Board Level in a large complex organisation.
- An understanding of key NHS Service Performance Standards
NHS Leadership Competency
Essential
- The skills and Knowledge Driving high-quality and sustainable outcomes
- The skills needed for setting strategy and delivering long-term transformation
- Ability to review plans topPromoting equality and inclusion, and reducing health and workforce inequalities
- Skills and behaviours needed to create a compassionate, just and positive culture
- Ability to collaborate and building a trusted relationship with partners and communities
- Significant evidence of providing robust governance and assurance in decision making and ensuring patient safety
Person Specification
Essential
- The skills and Knowledge Driving high-quality and sustainable outcomes
- The skills needed for setting strategy and delivering long-term transformation
- Ability to review plans topPromoting equality and inclusion, and reducing health and workforce inequalities
- Skills and behaviours needed to create a compassionate, just and positive culture
- Ability to collaborate and building a trusted relationship with partners and communities
- Significant evidence of providing robust governance and assurance in decision making and ensuring patient safety
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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.
Certificate of Sponsorship
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Walsall Manor Hospital
Moat Lane
Walsall
WS2 9PS
Employer\’s website
(Opens in a new tab)
Employer details
Employer name
Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust
Address
Walsall Manor Hospital
Moat Lane
Walsall
WS2 9PS
Employer\’s website
(Opens in a new tab)
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Chief Operating Officer employer: Walsall Council
Contact Detail:
Walsall Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network with current and former employees of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. Engaging with them can provide you with valuable insights into the organisational culture and expectations for the Chief Operating Officer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest NHS performance standards and strategic objectives of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the organisation during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of your leadership experience in operational management, particularly in a healthcare setting. Highlighting your track record of service improvement will be crucial in showcasing your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on current trends and innovations in healthcare management. Being able to speak knowledgeably about modernisation efforts and how they can be applied at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Chief Operating Officer position. Familiarise yourself with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's mission, values, and strategic objectives to tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your previous leadership roles and any experience in operational management within healthcare settings. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive service improvement and manage complex organisations.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Clearly articulate your leadership style and how it aligns with the Trust's values of Compassion, Respect, Professionalism, and Teamwork. Provide examples of how you've successfully led teams and influenced positive change in past roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Address the key competencies and qualifications mentioned in the job description, ensuring you provide evidence of your skills in communication, governance, and financial management.
How to prepare for a job interview at Walsall Council
✨Understand the Trust's Vision and Values
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust's vision of delivering exceptional care and their core values: Compassion, Respect, Professionalism, and Teamwork. Be prepared to discuss how your leadership style aligns with these values and how you can contribute to achieving their vision.
✨Demonstrate Your Leadership Experience
As a Chief Operating Officer, showcasing your proven leadership skills is crucial. Prepare specific examples from your past roles where you've successfully led teams, improved services, or managed complex operational challenges. Highlight your experience in multi-disciplinary settings and how you've fostered collaboration.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NHS Performance Standards
Make sure you have a solid understanding of key NHS service performance standards and how they apply to the role. Be ready to discuss how you would ensure compliance with these standards while driving operational excellence within the Trust.
✨Prepare for Strategic Discussions
Given the strategic nature of the role, be prepared to engage in discussions about the Trust's strategic direction and how you can contribute to its development. Think about how you would approach financial management, governance, and system leadership, and be ready to share your insights on improving health outcomes for the local community.
