Job summaryLead one of Cornwall's largest and most innovative primary care organisations.
St Austell Healthcare serves approximately 37,800 patients across multiple sites and delivers a growing range of primary and integrated healthcare services. We are seeking an exceptional leader to become our next Chief Executive, providing strategic direction, organisational leadership and operational oversight across the organisation.
Reporting to the GP Partnership Board/Chair, you will lead the delivery of high-quality, safe and sustainable services, drive innovation and transformation and represent the organisation across the wider health and care system.
You will bring: Significant senior leadership experience within healthcare or a similarly complex organisation with experience operating at Board or Executive level. A proven track record of strategic leadership, transformation and organisational improvement.
Strong financial, governance and stakeholder leadership skills. A compassionate, inclusive and values-driven leadership style.
This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of integrated healthcare in Cornwall, working with committed clinical and operational leaders to improve outcomes for local communities. We welcome applications from ambitious, collaborative leaders who share our commitment to outstanding patient care, innovation and organisational excellence.
Our vision:
Delivering the very best in healthcare and wellbeing for our community.
Main duties of the jobJob
Are you ready to apply Make sure you understand all the responsibilities and tasks associated with this role before proceeding.
Purpose: The Chief Executive is the most senior executive leader within St
Austell Healthcare and is accountable to the GP Partnership Board/Chair for the
overall leadership, strategic direction, performance, governance and
sustainability of the organisation. The Chief Executive will work closely with
the Chair to support effective governance, strategic leadership and
organisational development. There may be an opportunity to progress to a
partnership within St Austell Healthcare in time. The postholder will provide visible, compassionate and inclusive
leadership to ensure the delivery of safe, effective and high-quality
healthcare services which meet the needs of patients, local communities and
wider system partners.
Working alongside GP Partners, clinical leaders and colleagues
across the organisation, the Chief Executive will lead the delivery of the
organisation's vision and strategic objectives whilst ensuring excellence in
patient care, workforce wellbeing, financial stewardship and organisational
development.
The Chief Executive will act as an ambassador for St Austell
Healthcare and will represent the organisation locally, regionally and
nationally, fostering strong partnerships that improve health outcomes and
reduce inequalities.
About usSt Austell Healthcare is one of Cornwall's largest and most innovative primary care organisations, serving approximately 37,800 patients across 2 GP practice contracts and multiple sites and delivering an expanding range of primary, community and integrated healthcare services. The organisation was formed through the merger of local practices and operates across St Austell, Foxhole and Mevagissey whilst also providing a range of hosted and subcontracted healthcare services. Our VisionDelivering the very best in healthcare and wellbeing for our community.
Our PurposeTo deliver safe, high-quality, sustainable and collaborative health services, with a focus on prevention, to enable the people of St Austell to live their lives to the full.
Our valuesPatient-centredCompassionateInclusiveCollaborativeAccountableInnovative This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Cornwall's largest and most ambitious primary care organisations. The successful candidate will combine strategic vision, compassionate leadershipDetailsDate posted15 October 2026Pay schemeOtherSalary
Depending on experience
Competitive Salary
ContractPermanentWorking pattern
Full-time
Job description
Knowledge
EssentialComprehensive understanding of NHS structures, policy and healthcare delivery.
Understanding of population health management and health inequalities.
Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies.
Understanding of clinical governance and patient safety.
Knowledge of workforce and organisational development.
Understanding of public sector accountability and financial governance.
Knowledge of regulatory and assurance frameworks.
DesirableKnowledge of primary care contracting arrangements.
Knowledge of NHS commissioning and provider collaboration.
Understanding of healthcare estates and infrastructure planning.
Skills and Abilities
EssentialOutstanding strategic leadership capability.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and influencing skills. Ability to develop productive relationships across organisational boundaries.
Ability to inspire confidence and lead through complexity.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Experience
EssentialSignificant senior leadership experience within healthcare or a similarly complex organisation.
Experience of operating at Board or Executive level.
Proven experience of strategic leadership and organisational transformation.
Experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams. Experience of financial management and organisational accountability. Experience of quality improvement and service redesign.
Experience of governance, risk management and assurance.
Experience of developing collaborative partnerships across organisations.
Demonstrable success in delivering organisational change and improvement.
DesirablePrimary care leadership experience.
Experience of GP partnership organisations.
Experience of Primary Care Networks.
Experience of integrated care systems. Experience of community healthcare provision.
Personal Qualities
EssentialAuthentic and visible leader.
Demonstrates integrity, openness and professionalism.
Commitment to public service and improving healthcare outcomes.
Resilient and adaptable.
Inclusive and collaborative leadership style.
Sound judgement and personal credibility.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications
EssentialMaster's degree/Post Graduate (MBA, MSc or equivalent professional qualification).Senior leadership experience in healthcare, management, business administration or a related discipline.
Evidence of continuing professional leadership development.
DesirableChartered Management Institute qualification. NHS Leadership Academy Senior Leadership Programme.
Relevant professional qualification.
Person Specification
Knowledge
EssentialComprehensive understanding of NHS structures, policy and healthcare delivery.
Understanding of population health management and health inequalities.
Knowledge of quality improvement methodologies.
Understanding of clinical governance and patient safety.
Knowledge of workforce and organisational development.
Understanding of public sector accountability and financial governance.
Knowledge of regulatory and assurance frameworks.
DesirableKnowledge of primary care contracting arrangements.
Knowledge of NHS commissioning and provider collaboration.
Understanding of healthcare estates and infrastructure planning.
Skills and Abilities
EssentialOutstanding strategic leadership capability.
Strong analytical and decision-making skills. Excellent communication and influencing skills. Ability to develop productive relationships across organisational boundaries.
Ability to inspire confidence and lead through complexity.
Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills. Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.
Experience
EssentialSignificant senior leadership experience within healthcare or a similarly complex organisation.
Experience of operating at Board or Executive level.
Proven experience of strategic leadership and organisational transformation.
Experience of leading large multidisciplinary teams. Experience of financial management and organisational accountability. Experience of quality improvement and service redesign.
Experience of governance, risk management and assurance.
Experience of developing collaborative partnerships across organisations.
Demonstrable success in delivering organisational change and improvement.
DesirablePrimary care leadership experience.
Experience of GP partnership organisations.
Experience of Primary Care Networks.
Experience of integrated care systems. Experience of community healthcare provision.
Personal Qualities
EssentialAuthentic and visible leader.
Demonstrates integrity, openness and professionalism.
Commitment to public service and improving healthcare outcomes.
Resilient and adaptable.
Inclusive and collaborative leadership style.
Sound judgement and personal credibility.
Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Qualifications
EssentialMaster's degree/Post Graduate (MBA, MSc or equivalent professional qualification).Senior leadership experience in healthcare, management, business administration or a related discipline.
Evidence of continuing professional leadership development.
DesirableChartered Management Institute qualification. NHS Leadership Academy Senior Leadership Programme.
Relevant professional qualification. xohmjla Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.
Employer detailsEmployer nameSt Austell HealthcareAddress1 Wheal NortheySt AustellCornwallPL25 3EFUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameSt Austell HealthcareAddress1 Wheal NortheySt AustellCornwallPL25 3EFUnited KingdomEmployer's website
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