Chief Operating Officer in England

Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust is a modern, ambitious and fast-growing organisation serving Milton Keynes and the wider region. With over 4,500 colleagues, an annual turnover approaching £450m and more than 400,000 patient contacts each year, we combine the scale and complexity of a major acute provider with an agile and progressive culture.

As one of the country’s leading digital hospitals and a committed partner in the New Hospital Programme, we are determined to deliver outstanding care, continuous improvement and a first‑class experience for patients and staff.

We are now seeking an inspirational Chief Operating Officer to join our executive team at a pivotal moment. This role carries executive accountability for the performance, delivery and operational leadership of all clinical services, ensuring that high quality, safe and cost‑effective care is consistently achieved. You will play a central part in addressing the challenges familiar across the NHS, reducing waiting times, improving flow and tackling urgent care pressures, while ensuring that quality, safety and financial sustainability remain front and centre.

As a key member of the Board, you will shape strategy, drive major transformation programmes and lead the operational changes required to meet future demand. You will also work closely with partners across the wider health and care system to redesign pathways, strengthen community integration and deliver more seamless care for our population.

We welcome interest from experienced operational executives in acute healthcare and from ambitious operational leaders in larger Trusts who bring the values, potential and capability to progress to their first appointment at Board level. You will have a strong track record of delivering sustained performance, energising teams, improving culture and leading complex change at pace. Most importantly, you will bring a values‑led leadership style that inspires confidence, encourages innovation and strengthens our collective focus on excellent patient care.

We are committed to creating an open, fair and inclusive organisation where every colleague feels respected, valued and able to thrive. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences, including those from communities currently underrepresented in senior leadership roles. We welcome candidates from all ethnic backgrounds, all faiths and beliefs, people with disabilities, candidates who identify as LGBTQ plus, and individuals from a wide range of socio‑economic and professional backgrounds.

For a confidential discussion about the role, please contact Frank McKenna, Managing Director, Alumni Global.