At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the development and delivery of our new five-year mental health strategy.
- Company: Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, dedicated to improving mental health care.
- Benefits: Impactful role with autonomy, collaboration, and a chance to shape community mental health.
- Other info: Join a 'Good' rated organisation focused on caring, inclusivity, and community wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health care for 1.8 million people.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategy development and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
This is a newly created, 12-month interim role that comes at an exciting and pivotal time for the trust. We have recently launched our new five-year strategy, setting out a clear ambition for the future of mental health care across Kent and Medway. We are now looking for someone to help us bring that strategy to life - strengthening our strategic capability; ensuring we stay focused on what matters most; and shaping a clear, confident narrative about the difference we are making for our patients, communities and staff, and being open about where we need to go further.
This is a high-impact role, working closely with senior leaders and system partners, it offers a rare opportunity to shape how strategy is understood, delivered and experienced across the organisation, our system and in our communities. Working with a high degree of autonomy within broad strategic direction, the postholder will interpret national policy, system priorities and organisational insight, and translate these into clear and actionable strategic frameworks for the trust.
The postholder will work closely with delivery teams, without directly leading delivery, to ensure alignment, identify risks or drift, and support consistent and meaningful reporting of progress.
- Lead the development, delivery and review of the Trust's strategy, relevant organisational policies, and strategic plans ensuring alignment, clarity and measurable outcomes.
- Interpret national policy, NHS planning guidance and system priorities, translating these into locally relevant strategic approaches.
- Analyse and provide highly complex, sensitive and contentious information from a range of sources (including performance, finance, workforce, engagement and system intelligence) to inform strategic decision‑making, communicate and build relationships; bring together qualitative and quantitative insight, ensuring patient, community and staff voice meaningfully informs strategy.
- Lead and coordinate the strategic oversight of resources associated with key programmes or initiatives, ensuring effective use of workforce, funding and delivery of value for money.
- Lead horizon scanning for national policy, system change and population need, ensuring the Trust is well‑positioned and forward‑looking and remains at the forefront of best practice.
- Oversee and lead cross‑functional project teams to develop and deliver robust strategic plans for each of our directorates and priority programmes, ensuring alignment with organisational, system and national NHSE priorities.
We are the Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust. We care for the mental health and wellbeing of people across Kent and Medway. Our teams support adults with a wide range of mental health needs. Because we cover the whole county and both hospital and community settings, we can make care more joined up and easier to access for the 1.8 million people of Kent and Medway. Rated 'Good' by the CQC, we care for over 2,000 people in our hospitals and 54,000 in the community each year.
Our vision is simple: We are here to help communities not just live with mental illness, but live well. It's why we're passionate about working with communities to make mental health care better for everyone. And everything we do is guided by our values caring, inclusive, curious and confident.
Head of Strategy in Maidstone employer: Kent PLC
At Kent and Medway Mental Health NHS Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to improving mental health care across our communities. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and inclusivity, providing employees with meaningful opportunities for professional growth and development. With a clear vision and commitment to patient care, we empower our staff to make a real difference while enjoying the benefits of working in a supportive environment that values their contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Strategy in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the mental health sector, especially those connected to Kent and Medway. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for mental health care! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your thoughts on their recent strategy and how you can contribute. This shows you’re not just looking for any job, but that you genuinely care about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the Trust’s values and recent initiatives. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. We want to see that you understand what matters most to them and how you can help bring their strategy to life.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to the future of mental health care across Kent and Medway.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Strategy in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know the Strategy Inside Out:Before you start writing your application, make sure you understand our new five-year strategy. Highlight how your experience aligns with our goals and how you can help bring that strategy to life.
Showcase Your Impact:We want to see how you've made a difference in previous roles. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to shape strategy and deliver measurable outcomes, especially in mental health care or similar fields.
Be Clear and Concise:When crafting your application, clarity is key. Make sure your narrative is easy to follow and directly addresses the role's requirements. Avoid jargon and keep it straightforward so we can see your potential at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important details about the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent PLC
✨Know the Strategy Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the new five-year strategy of the trust. Familiarise yourself with its key objectives and how they align with national policies. This will help you articulate how your experience can bring this strategy to life.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Be prepared to discuss how you've previously analysed complex information to inform strategic decisions. Bring examples that demonstrate your ability to interpret data from various sources and how you used that insight to shape successful strategies.
✨Build Relationships with Stakeholders
Highlight your experience in building relationships with senior leaders and system partners. Discuss specific instances where you’ve successfully collaborated across teams to ensure alignment and drive strategic initiatives forward.
✨Emphasise Your Forward-Thinking Approach
Demonstrate your ability to lead horizon scanning for national policy and system changes. Share examples of how you’ve kept your previous organisations ahead of the curve and positioned them to adapt to evolving needs in mental health care.
