Head of Strategic Service Development, Pathways and Growth

The Head of Strategic Service Development, Pathways and Growth is a senior leadership role within the Leeds GP Confederation Executive team, responsible for leading the strategic growth of the organisation through the identification, design, mobilisation, and implementation of new services. This role focuses on service development, business growth, neighbourhood and partnership opportunities, and sustainable income generation, while maintaining high-quality, patient-centred care and robust governance.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the post holder will work closely with the Executive Team to embed new services into business-as-usual operations, ensuring alignment with local and national guidance, system needs, and Leeds GP Confederation’s strategic vision. They will play a pivotal role in driving innovation, collaboration, and integrated service delivery, supporting both organisational performance and improved patient outcomes.

While clinical knowledge is advantageous, it is not a requirement; the role is open to professionals with proven experience in strategic service development, business development, service mobilisation, or partnership leadership. The post holder will be an inclusive leader who will engage colleagues in the delivery of our vision, values & behaviours and empower them to take part in the leadership and wider development of our organisation.

Leeds GP Confederation brings GP practices together to strengthen primary care across the city. Working collaboratively with NHS partners, we support practices to deliver high-quality, accessible care for local communities, while developing innovative services that meet the changing needs of patients in Leeds.

Main duties of the job:

• The Head of Strategic Service Development, Pathways & Growth will build and maintain strong relationships across the health and care system, including commissioners, primary care networks, and partner providers, ensuring Leeds GP Confederation remains a trusted, innovative, and system-leading organisation.
• The post holder is a member of the Executive and senior management team; playing an active part in decision making at an Executive level, attendance at key governance meetings, supporting the Leeds GP Confederation to make business decisions regarding new and incumbent services whilst delivering the purpose of the Leeds GP Confederation.
• The post holder will hold external relationships with system partners across the health & care system and therefore experience of senior level system relationships is essential.
• They will have a proactive role in developing our successful networks across the city and wider, working collaboratively with partners to develop integrated solutions to support meeting the changing needs of our patient populations.

Key working relationships:

• Actively develops and maintains effective working relationships across system partners, working as part of the Executive Team and aided by the existing contacts and relationships fostered by Leeds GP Confederation.
• Fosters and maintains strong links across all system partners.
• Identifies opportunities for collaborative working and uses initiative to open and sustain such relationships.
• Uses influencing skills to collaborate with a wide range of stakeholders.

Person Specification:

• Evidence of ongoing professional development.
• Experience of communicating and engaging effectively with external agencies/stakeholders.
• Understanding and knowledge of the workings of the NHS, the challenges it faces.
• Significant experience in clinical service development at a senior level in complex health environment, including track record of developing services, performance management and change management.
• Demonstrable and successful recent experience and achievement at Executive level in a complex organisation.
• Proven track record of outstanding leadership in clinical service development and innovation in healthcare.
• Track record of leading successful change programmes, including service improvement, cultural change, outcome improvement and cost efficiency.
• Excellent inter-personal and communications skills, with a track record in writing complex business cases and policies.
• Able to work to deadlines and as part of a team and also independently.
• A good understanding of the changing NHS environment.