At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead operational excellence and drive impactful healthcare services for our communities.
- Company: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, committed to inclusive and compassionate healthcare.
- Benefits: Join a supportive executive team with mentorship and leadership development opportunities.
- Other info: We welcome diverse candidates and are dedicated to building an inclusive workforce.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while shaping the future of care delivery.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in healthcare operations and a commitment to equity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 101995 - 124661 £ per year.
Lead with Purpose. Inspire with Compassion. Deliver with Impact.
At Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust, we are driven by a shared purpose: to help people live healthier, happier lives. As we embark on a new chapter in our journey toward inclusive excellence and equity in healthcare, we are inviting a values-led, courageous and collaborative leader to join our executive team as Chief Operating Officer. This is more than a Board-level role. It's a unique opportunity to influence the lives of our patients, families, colleagues and communities through compassionate leadership, a focus on performance delivery and a commitment to equity, quality and inclusion.
We Offer
- A place for you to be a part of a highly engaged and supportive Executive Team and Trust Board.
- The chance to lead in an environment where your lived experience and leadership style are recognised as assets.
- Strong links across the Foundation Group of Trusts, alongside excellent relationships with system partners.
- Access to mentorship, leadership development, and peer support.
- A Trust actively committed to building diverse, representative leadership at the highest levels.
Main duties of the job
We are seeking a leader who reflects the communities we serve and embodies our shared values: Being open and honest, ensuring people feel cared for and showing respect for everyone.
You will have:
- A track record of successful delivery of large-scale operational services in a complex NHS or healthcare environment.
- Deep understanding of NHS strategy, performance, and quality improvement.
- Proven ability to lead teams through change with compassion, clarity, and resilience.
- Commitment to creating an inclusive and high-performing organisational culture.
- Demonstrable success in driving service transformation and delivering measurable improvement in outcomes.
Whether you already hold a Board role or are ready to take that next step, we're looking for someone who is grounded in their values, committed to equity, and ready to lead transformation through collaboration.
About us
Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust's purpose is to help people in the communities we care for enjoy healthier, happier lives. As a significant healthcare provider in our community, we are focused on working in partnership to deliver joined-up services that best meet the needs of our population. This is an exciting and pivotal time to join our Trust. With our refreshed strategy for 2025 to 2030 in place, we're investing in major clinical developments, digital innovation, and service transformation across our sites. You'll have the opportunity to shape the future of care for our communities while working alongside a committed and compassionate team.
We're also proud to foster an inclusive culture where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to lead. We believe diverse perspectives make us stronger and we're building a workplace where everyone can thrive. We're especially keen to hear from leaders from underrepresented backgrounds in NHS senior leadership, including those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities, those with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ professionals. We are committed to creating a Trust where everyone can thrive. We're an inclusive employer and proud to be building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We're a Disability Confident Employer, and applications from individuals with lived experience of inequality or discrimination are especially welcome. Adjustments during recruitment will be made wherever possible.
Details
- Date posted: 11 September 2026
- Pay scheme: Very senior manager (VSM)
- Salary: Depending on experience
- Contract: Permanent
- Working pattern: Full-time, Flexible working
- Reference number: C9365-COO-Sept26
- Job locations: Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD, United Kingdom
Job responsibilities
The Chief Operating Officer is responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the Trust's operational plan and performance, delivering against the targets set within the NHS oversight framework whilst providing Executive leadership to our clinical Care Groups. The post holder leads the delivery of high-quality clinical services coordinated through our divisions, emergency, elective, cancer, diagnostic, and outpatient services, and performance management across the Trust. The COO will lead the delivery of high quality of care in line with our vision, strategic objectives and commitment to our shared Values. This means ensuring that services are continuously improved to meet the needs of our patients, ensuring that services are financially sustainable in the long term and optimise the benefits of digital innovation. The post holder will develop a professional culture that supports, attracts, nurtures, develops and retains a compassionate, skilled and flexible workforce. This includes promoting diversity and inclusion in all its forms, role modelling our values through their actions and actively leading continuous clinical and quality improvement. The post holder will be an executive, non-voting, member of the Board of Directors and report to the Managing Director.
Please view a full Job Description document uploaded to this advert in Supporting Information and use the link to the Trust's Working for Us pages for more information.
Recruitment Timeline: Interview Day for those then selected is planned for Friday 2nd October.
Person Specification
Improving Diversity and Inclusive Recruitment: Essential. As part of the Trust's aim to improve diversity across the Trust, positive action is being taken, and all applications for this post from BAME, Disabled and LGBTIA+ candidates can request to be considered under an expanded Guaranteed Assessment Centre Scheme if they meet the minimum criteria as specified in the person specification for this role. Here you can declare if you wish to be considered under this Scheme, and this response would be visible to the Shortlisting Panel.
Experience: Essential. Please provide a covering statement here, setting out how you meet the requirements of the role and the drivers for your application. The Person Specification for this role can be found attached to this advert in the "Supporting Documents" section.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This 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 details
Employer name: Worcestershire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust
Address: Charles Hastings Way, Worcester, Worcestershire, WR5 1DD, United Kingdom
Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Worcester employer: National Health Service
Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for healthcare professionals in North Wales. With a commitment to employee development and a focus on compassionate care, staff have access to continuous professional development opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in both acute and community paediatrics. The Health Board's integrated approach ensures that employees are part of a dynamic team dedicated to improving health outcomes for the local population.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Worcester
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We think you need these skills to ace Chief Operating Officer (COO) in Worcester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:When applying for a role in health sciences administration, it's super important to spotlight any relevant experience you have in healthcare settings. Whether you've worked in a hospital, a clinic, or any related environment, make sure to detail those roles in your CV – focusing on your responsibilities and achievements that align with the job at National Health Service.
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Craft a Meaningful Cover Letter:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the health sciences field and your eagerness to contribute to National Health Service. Share a bit about why you’re drawn to this sector, any impactful situations or challenges you’ve encountered, and how they’ve shaped your desire to work in health sciences administration. This personal touch can really set you apart!
Tailor Your Documents to the Job:Don't use a one-size-fits-all approach! Make sure your CV and cover letter are specifically tailored for this role. Highlight any certifications you have relevant to health administration, and ensure you clearly connect your previous roles to the skills needed for the full-time position at National Health Service. This way, you're showing them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in being a part of their team.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Health Service
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
In health sciences administration, being organised is key. Make sure you can demonstrate your skills in managing schedules, paperwork, and data accurately. Be ready to discuss specific tools you've used, like electronic health record systems or scheduling software, and how they improved efficiency in your past experiences.
✨Know Your Regulations
Familiarity with healthcare regulations and compliance is crucial. Brush up on HIPAA, GDPR, or other relevant policies before your interview. We recommend preparing examples of how you've ensured compliance or handled sensitive information in past roles—this will show you're not just knowledgeable but also responsible.
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Interviews for administrative roles often involve scenario-based questions to assess your problem-solving skills. Practice responses to common situations you might face, such as dealing with a challenging patient or managing a sudden schedule change. This will not only demonstrate your ability to think on your feet but also highlight your interpersonal skills.
✨Align Your Goals with the Organisation
As a full-time candidate, employers will want to know how your long-term career goals align with their mission. Take some time to research National Health Service’s values and be ready to tie your passion for health sciences administration into their objectives. Demonstrating enthusiasm and career alignment can be a game-changer in this competitive field!
