Head of Finance - Sussex Pathology Network

Applications are invited for an exciting opportunity for a Band 8c Pathology Network Head of Finance. This is a fantastic and rare opportunity to demonstrate your leadership skills and support the delivery of a programme of key projects within a developing Pathology network.

Main Duties

The postholder will work closely with the SPN management team, leading on the provision of comprehensive financial advice and supporting it in delivering financial performance in line with the agreed financial plan to enable the achievement of its 10-year finance model. They will develop and provide reports at month end, and against capital allocations and will be key to business case development - financial and economic modelling. The postholder will understand and apply the requirements of operating in a growing and competitive market and the impact of a commercially-driven approach, and will contribute to the business planning process and service developments. The post holder may be required to work at any of the Network Provider sites across the footprint, in line with the needs of the programmes. The responsibilities and nature of the role may evolve as the implementation of the SPN progresses.

About the Employer

East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust is dedicated to providing high quality healthcare services across Sussex. Staff benefits include staff development, enrolment in the NHS pension scheme, auto‑enrolment to our Temporary Workforce Service, access to onsite nurseries, staff restaurants, and accommodation. An internal Occupational Health department and free psychological support through the confidential Employee Assistance Programme are available to all staff. Onsite parking is available from £50 a year.

Person Specification

Qualifications (Essential)

• Full Consultative Committee Accountancy Bodies (CCAB) recognised qualification.
• Evidence of participating in Continuing Professional Development to the required level expected of a Professional Accountancy Body.
• Degree, plus further managerial qualification e.g. MBA.
• Member of an appropriate professional registration body, e.g. CIMA.

Experience (Essential)

• Significant post‑qualification experience in a senior finance/management role (equivalent to Master's level), including Directorate Finance Manager experience.
• Experience communicating complex financial and performance information to non‑finance and senior audiences.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with senior managers across disciplines.

Experience (Desirable)

• Senior management experience within the NHS or a large, complex organisation.
• Experience working in a commercial or business growth environment.

Skills (Essential)

• Strong decision‑making skills involving complex and sometimes conflicting information.
• High level of IT literacy, including financial systems, spreadsheets, and databases.
• Skilled in training non‑financial managers in finance‑related matters.
• Ability to work autonomously while collaborating with management teams.
• Understanding of how IT systems support planning and performance monitoring.

Skills (Desirable)

• Ability to work on a diverse set of projects at one time and meet strict deadlines.
• Confidence to negotiate with other senior managers in the Trust to ensure financial plans are adhered to.

Additional Information

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions. 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. 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 where 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. Applicants must have current UK professional registration.